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About the Minor

In Hamilton’s Jurisprudence, Law, and Justice Studies Program, students engage in the study of the law through interdisciplinary coursework that emphasizes writing, speaking, and logical reasoning. They engage with the law through studying the Constitution, exploring free-speech issues, examining the psychological formation of attitudes toward lawbreakers, arguing legal cases, reading the writing of imprisoned people, understanding court procedures, and more. 

A Sampling of Courses

Utica Court House

Justice Laboratory: Internship and Observation

Students will work two 3 hour, half-day periods each week  Requires discussion,  journaling and a research paper that synthesizes various parts of the Justice Lab.

Explore these select courses:

A survey of the American judicial system. An examination of federal and state courts, and the structure of the American judicial system. Analysis of how courts interact with the public and other government institutions, and the influences on judicial decision-making. Topics also include judicial federalism, criminal and civil procedure, judicial activism, and judicial policy-making.

Analysis of constitutional doctrines through major cases. Function of the Supreme Court as an instrument of government and arbiter of public policy. Doctrines include judicial review, federalism, interstate commerce, due process and questions of individual rights.

Analysis of competing theories of the liberty of expression in the American context. Focuses primarily on contemporary political and legal disputes over such morally divisive issues as "hate speech," campus speech codes, pornography, media and Internet censorship, and the proper role of free speech in a democracy. Examination of the evolution of American constitutional law concerning freedom of expression.

Federal administrative activity gains the most attention when the federal government seemingly fails to meet the public’s expectations of good and efficient governance. Examples include the failure to prevent the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FEMA’s sluggish response to Hurricane Katrina, and the various crises facing the Department of Veterans Affairs. This course examines the politics of agency design, delegation, political oversight, and internal agency processes. We will discuss the structure and practices of the federal executive branch and potential reforms to help government work effectively

A general introduction to international law. Topics include the law of treaties, customary international law, human rights, international criminal law, the law of war, and the use of force. Focus on issues pertaining to the formation, interpretation, application, compliance with, and at times even enforcement of, international legal norms and rules.

Meet Our Faculty

Keelah Williams

Associate Professor of Psychology; Director Jurisprudence, Law and Justice Studies

kewillia@hamilton.edu

law, stereotyping and prejudice, and evolutionary psychology

Frank Anechiarico

Maynard-Knox Professor of Law, Director of Public Policy

fanechia@hamilton.edu

Public administration, public ethics, and law and society

Doran Larson

Edward North Chair of Greek and Greek Literature and Professor of Literature and Creative Writing

dlarson@hamilton.edu

20th-century American literature; the history of the Anglo-American novel; fiction writing; nonfiction writing and prison writing of the U.S., South Africa, and Ireland

Careers After Hamilton

Hamilton graduates who minored in jurisprudence, law and justice studies courses are pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including:

  • Government Affairs Assistant, Direct Marketing Association
  • Paralegal, Federal Trade Commission

Explore Hamilton Stories

Students in the Field Study of Criminal Justice Reform and Innovation in Sweden course

A Holistic View of an Alternative Justice System

Students in the two-week Field Study of Criminal Justice Reform and Innovation in Sweden course last June offered an overview of their experiences to an engaged audience of students and faculty.

Tatum Barclay '22

Tatum Barclay ’22 to Study at Georgetown Law

Tatum Barclay ’22, a soon-to-be Georgetown Law student, has been inspired by the field of law since childhood. “I found my voice through oral speaking,” she recalled, “My passion for advocacy, conversation, and litigation stems from the hardships and triumphs of having dyslexia.”

banner - Crafting Criminal Justice Reform

Crafting Racial Justice Reform

Crafting Criminal Justice Reform in Response to Black Lives Matter, an experiential learning practicum in the government department, is a timely offering in this evolving environment.

Contact

Department Name

Jurisprudence, Law and Justice Studies Program

Contact Name

Keelah Williams, Director

Office Location
198 College Hill Road
Clinton, NY 13323

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