2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

legal studies major
The Legal Studies major provides a broad liberal arts background upon which a cadet at the Academy may build expertise in
the study of law and its role and function in both American society and the international community. Increasingly, complex
legal considerations permeate every aspect of modern life in both the civilian and military environments. Cadets who choose
the Legal Studies major will be able to develop the analytical skills that will permit them to identify, understand, and resolve the
complex legal issues which they will likely encounter after graduation. The Legal Studies major is not a “prelaw” major, but is
designed to provide cadets an enhanced knowledge of the law as part of a broadly focused education.
The Department of Law and the Legal Studies major fall within the Social Sciences Division. Cadets who elect to major in
Legal Studies must complete fourteen courses in addition to the required academic core; five of these must be upper level
courses offered by the Department of Law. In addition to the law courses, a Legal Studies major has discretion in selecting
courses offered by the Departments of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, Economics and Geosciences, English and Fine
Arts, Foreign Languages, History, Management, Military Strategic Studies, Philosophy, and Political Sciences. This program
of study is designed to expose the student to a broad range of issues within the discipline of law. It provides a broad liberal
arts background upon which an Air Force officer may build specialized expertise in an area of increasing relevance and
importance.
Suggested Course Sequence
3rd-Class Year 2nd-Class Year 1st-Class Year
Chem 200 Aero Engr 315 Academy Opt
Econ 201 Beh Sci 310 Astro Engr 410
English 211 Biology 315 English 411
Engr Mech 220 El Engr 315 Law 421
For Lang 3 History 302 Law 485
For Lang 4 Law 331 Law Opt 4
Law 220 Law 351 Law Opt 5
Law 221 Law Opt 2 Mgt 400
Law Opt 1 Law Opt 3 MSS 400
MSS 200 Math 300 Soc Sci 412
Physics 215 Ops Rsch 310 Soc Sci/Hum Opt 1
Pol Sci 211 Philos 310 Soc Sci/Hum Opt 2
LAW (Law)
Offered by the Department of Law.
Law 220. Law for Air Force Officers. A core course introducing cadets to the legal knowledge and skills they will need
as Air Force officers and educated citizens. The course examines the nature of law and its role in American society and the
military; provides an overview of the American civilian and military justice legal systems; examines selected foundational
constitutional rights, particularly as they apply in the armed forces; and introduces substantive areas of the law that military
officers likely will encounter in their personal and official capacities, including criminal law, civil law, military administrative
law, and the law of armed conflict.
Law 221. Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy. Following an introduction to the fundamentals of legal research and legal
reasoning, students will do various exercises intended to enhance research skills, hone the ability to recognize and articulate
legal issues, foster critical analysis, and promote effective communication. Students will also practice advocacy skills. The
course culminates with the students preparing a legal memorandum or equivalent legal document. Students will receive a fact
scenario that presents an ill-defined issue of law. They will draft an appellate brief or equivalent document which they will use
to advocate a position in oral argument.
Law 331. Crime and Criminal Justice. Examination of crime and the criminal justice system. Special emphasis on the
definition of crime, the criminal justice system, and constitutional aspects of criminal law enforcement.
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