Academies and Programs

Do you ever watch television shows like Law and Order SVU, CSI or the People's Court and wonder how realistic they are? Do you like to debate in class, perform skits and mock trials, and talk about the latest headlines? Then maybe the Law Academy is for you!

Students in the Law Academy learn all about how the American justice system works and how it affects all of our lives. They learn about what really goes on during trials, criminal investigations and in our legislatures, and what professionals such as judges, lawyers, police officers, FBI agents and lawmakers really do. After four years at AE, Law Academy students will have a distinct advantage compared to other students interested in pursuing law-related careers.

Department Staff

Ms. Powell

Law Career Focus Classes

Law Career Focus Classes Introduction to Law - In this introductory class, freshmen students learn all about how the American Legal System and government work. They learn about trials, lawyers and different types of laws in preparation for more advanced classes when they are upperclassmen.

Criminal Law - Sophomores learn all about the Criminal Justice system, from the commission of a crime, to investigation, arrest, trial, and conviction. They learn about the different types of crimes and how criminals are treated once they enter system, including what "the right to remain silent" really means.

Constitutional Law - We all know that the Constitution is an important document because it outlines the organization of the U.S. Government, but did you know that the Constitution has a tremendous effect on your life as a public school student? In this class, juniors learn what the Constitution says about things like saying the Pledge of Allegiance, censoring student blogs and websites and enforcing school dress codes.

Issues in Law and Public Policy - In this class seniors, look at complex issues such as immigration, health care, terrorism, and welfare reform and how our political and legal systems address them. Students get a chance to evaluate current policies and propose their own solutions to some of our country's major problems.

Model UN

In Model UN, students step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization's agenda. Students make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the conference rules of procedure - all in the interest of mobilizing "international cooperation" to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.
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