Legal Studies, a senior-only elective taught here at Westborough High School, is perfect for students interested in pursuing a law degree or for students who simply want to learn the basics of the law in a fun and easygoing environment. The class is most commonly taught by Mr. Teevens and Mrs. Powers, who have been teaching the class for many years.
The first quarter is focused on teaching core law principles. After reviewing each of the amendments, students split into small groups and were assigned legal cases based on the amendments they had studied. Students really analyzed the case that they received before presenting their specific information to the rest of the class.
Students take notes on each case to ensure they listened and understood each group that presented. After, they are tasked with writing reflection essays on their key takeaways from each case. Most cases are centered around problems revolving around the First Amendment. By breaking down the entire first quarter with this method of learning, students are well prepared with knowledge of the law, and important rights for United States citizens.
In the entirety of the second quarter, legal studies is composed of using every class to focus on a criminal law case; the outline for a real mock trial. First, both groups get a booklet of the case synopsis and are tasked with figuring out whether or not they would prefer prosecution or defense. Although the argument commonly ends with a coin flip, this year each group chose what they wanted and were able to agree!
Now, with one half of the class prosecution, and the other half defense, each person gets to choose their role: representing either a lawyer, a witness, or in charge of writing opening and closing statements.
The students in legal studies work hard every day in preparation for the court date set on January 9th. The day of the trial is super important and the main portion of the student’s second-quarter grade. The case will take place at the Westborough Courthouse with a real jury and judge, simulating what a real-life trial is like. All students are required to dress nicely and have their speaking roles rehearsed. Due to these high expectations, classes leading up to the trial consist of constant repetition and feedback.
Additionally, to keep students on track, there is a separate requirement to write a “journal entry” reflecting on each day of work. This helps students organize their thoughts and ideas. The journal entry ends up to be approximately 15 percent of the student’s second-quarter grade.
With this in mind, legal studies is definitely a great option for students, regardless of any prior knowledge about law. Students have an opportunity to learn from two different teachers, which is not common here at WHS. Also, learning the importance of presenting information in high-pressure environments is a crucial life skill all students should have! To all current juniors, be sure to consider taking legal studies if this sounds interesting to you!
