Law & Criminal Justice Academy

Principles of Government and Public Administration/Principles of Law, Public Safety, and Security

The introductory Law Academy course in which students survey the different strands and acquire a beginning familiarity with the law and legal system.

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Law Enforcement I/II/Criminal Investigations

Students learn about what police officers, FBI agents, and other members of local, state, and federal law enforcement do.

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Political Science I/II

Students explore the legislative process and political parties in the U.S. and internationally.

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Law Studies/Court Systems and Practices

Students use the case law method to explore civil and constitutional law principles.

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Legal Research and Writing/Problem-Based Research

Students engage in mock trial and moot court case preparation and discussion.

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Business Law

Students learn basic business law, including business associations and contract law.

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Dual Credit Criminology (Intro to Criminology, Court Systems & Practices, Ethics in Criminal Justice, Cyber Crimes, Special Topics in Criminal Justice Studies, Current Issues in Criminal Jusitce, Crime in America, and Fundamentals of Criminal Law)

Students earn up to 24 hours of college credit taking courses with actual college professors with help and guidance from a high school teacher.

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Forensic Science

Students experience crime scene investigation methods and practices.

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Forensic Psychology

Students delve into the criminal mind and psychological explanations of criminality.

CFBISD’s Law Academy is taught by expert teachers with a variety of experiences.

On staff we have:

• Two Juris Doctorates, one of whom is still practicing while teaching;
• One staff is approved through DCCCD as an Adjunct Professor in Criminology for Dual Credit Classes
• One former Police Officer
• Our internship coordinator formerly worked in the private business sector

Law Strand Field Trips

• Crowley Courthouse

  • Every year Dr. Ray takes a large group of students to the lobby of the Crowley Courthouse to view whatever trials and/or proceedings we choose to. We spend about 3 hours seeing exactly what we have been learning about. Afterwards we eat lunch at the Historic West End.
• Belo Mansion
  • Students go to the historic Belo Mansion to hear real testimonials from lawyers, FBI agents, police officers, and much more.

Law Enforcement Field Trips

• Georgetown Law Enforcement Field Day
  • Students are trained in the ways real police officers are, sometimes with paintball, sometimes rappelling from helicopters, or training with a K9 unit. There's nothing more hands on than this trip.
• 6th Floor Museum
  • Students travel to the site of the Kennedy Assassination to explore the Forensic Science behind what we now know today.

Political Science Field Trip

• The George W. Bush Presidential Library
  • Students experience the political life of George W. Bush and see their lessons applicable to the real world. Features include a replica Oval Office, and a decision-making room.

Competitions

Moot Court
Moot Court is a mock appeals court in which two teams of two speak on issues presented in a case. Each speaker is allotted about 15 minutes to address their assigned issue, with Petitioners speaking first, then Respondents, then a rebuttal.

Mock Trial
Mock Trial is a mock trial court in which Prosecution and defendants take turns arguing over the guilt of a certain individual. Students can take the role of either an attorney or a witness.

Citizen Bee
Citizen Bee is an interschool competition where students are asked questions about American History and citizenship. Students are called up to a microphone in a similar way to a spelling bee, and are asked questions about things such as the Constitution, historical people, bills, and much more.

Selection Criteria
A limited number of students will be selected for the Academy, using the following criteria:

1. Essay explaining reasons for interest.
2. Record of grades 7^th and 8^th
3. Record of attendance
4. Discipline Records

Evaluation Criteria
Academy students will be evaluated by the following criteria.

1. Grades
2. Attendance
3. Interest
4. Quality
5. Career Choice

Career Pathways

• Lawyer
• Police officer
• FBI agent
• Public service sector
• Forensic investigator

Title: “Law Academy Courses by Year”

Beginning of the chart begins with “9^th Grade” and the subject “Principles of Government and Public Administration (ALL STUDENTS)”

If moving onto “10^th Grade” then choose..

1. “Law Enforcement 1”
2. “Law Studies”
3. “Political Science I”

Under “10^th Grade”, also includes “Electives: Forensic Psychology, Legal Research and Writing, Forensic Science, and Debate”

If moving onto “11^th Grade”

1. If “Law Enforcement I” was chosen in “10^th Grade” then move onto “Law Enforcement II” in “11^th Grade”
2. If “Law Studies” was chosen in “10^th Grade” then move onto “Legal Research and Writing” in “11^th Grade”
3. If “Political Science I” was chosen in “10^th Grade” then move onto “Political Science II” in “11^th Grade”
4. “Dual Credit Intro to Criminology and Crime in America” is a choice not listed in “10^th Grade”

Under “11^th Grade”, also includes “Electives: Forensic Psychology, Legal Research and Writing, Forensic Science, and Debate”

If moving onto “12^th Grade”

1. If “Law Enforcement II”, “Legal Research & Writing”, or “Political Science II” was chosen in “11^th Grade” then move onto “Senior Requirements: Dual Credit OR AP Government, Problems and solutions (internship), 40 hours community service (ALL Students).  May be fulfilled by taking Leadership or Community Service.”
2. If “Dual Credit Intro to Criminology and Crime in America” was chosen in “11^th Grade” then move onto “Dual Credit Court Systems and Practices and Criminal Law”

Under “12^th Grade”, also includes “Electives: Forensic Psychology, Legal Research and Writing, Forensic Science, Debate, Independent Study (director approval required)”

• Students must choose from 3 strands: Law Enforcement, Law, and Political Science and may take additional electives
• Students may pursue an “interdisciplinary strand” after 10^th grade by changing between strands with Director approval
• Students may apply to the Director for a waiver of the senior Internship requirement given completion of 6 or more hours of Academy credits
• Students may switch to Dual Credit from any strand after 10^th grade
• Mock Trial/Moot Court:
  • YEAR 1: Legal Research and Writing
  • YEAR 2: Court Systems and Practices
  • YEAR 3: Special Topics in English