Legal Studies

Take me to the Department of Legal Studies website.

The Field

Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law and society. One can say that Legal Studies is education about law, whereas law school is education in law. As a discipline, the field is based on the assumption that “law is too important to be left to lawyers.” The critical, humanistic approach of the program encourages students to investigate and develop their attitudes toward law and justice within the context of a growing literature of Legal Studies and related disciplines. Legal Studies also examines law and society from the perspective of other cultures. The field helps students become informed, active, well-rounded, critical thinkers about law and society.

The Major

As a department within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Legal Studies offers its courses to the entire university and maintains a major. This multifaceted program develops the study of law within a liberal arts framework and explores myriad ways in which law study is connected to other disciplines pertinent to understanding society. Legal Studies majors begin by taking LEGAL 250 - Introduction to Legal Studies during the sophomore year and continue with seven more courses that include Law and Culture in America, Modern Political Trials, Globalization, War Crimes Tribunals, Law and Cyber Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

The Future

Increasingly, law and legal consciousness dominate modern society, and legal literacy is important for many careers. Legal Studies graduates find employment in the justice system; as mental health advocates, legislative aides, and teachers; and in many public agencies. Over 20% of Legal Studies graduates go on to law school, including the most prestigious in the country. A clear understanding of the role of law in modern society is increasingly important to any career concerning public issues. Legal Studies is useful preparation for graduate work in psychology, history, anthropology, natural sciences, journalism, economics, or sociology.

Internships and Study Abroad

The department encourages participation in internships to help prepare for employment or graduate study. Also, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination in Springfield, the department has created a special clinical/academic project that provides majors a clinical placement focused on civil rights and anti-discrimination law. Study abroad is encouraged as well. Go to the International Programs Office for details.

Ed O'Reilly's Uphill Road
While the presidential campaign is monopolizing public attention, attorney Ed O'Reilly '75 (legal studies) is stumping his way across Massachusetts in an effort to unseat four-term U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry. O'Reilly recently opened his western Massachusetts campaign headquarters in Amherst and says he's ready for the challenge of trying to beat an entrenched incumbent. He's taking the grassroots approach.
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