CATALOG DESCRIPTION: A study of the relationship that exists between Christianity and the law.  Students will examine the issues of how human laws relate to God’s laws, the foundational principles of Biblical jurisprudence, the nature of responsibility and punishment, mercy and judgment.  Attention will be paid to whether law can truly be considered a calling and the unique responsibility Christian legal professionals have in society.  Offered spring term alternate years.  Three semester hours.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.    To explore the various ways attorneys can practically integrate faith and law and glorify God in the practice of law.

2.    To understand the practice of law as a calling and the law school, law office, and courtroom as mission fields.

3.    To prepare students for the academic, emotional, spiritual, financial, and relational pressures and demands of law school and the practice of law.

4.    To develop an understanding of contemporary issues in law and the methods utilized in the practice of law and their ethical implications.

5.    To challenge students to develop a defense of their faith, to argue and debate effectively, to think analytically and to read and write critically.

 TEXTS:

1.    Allegretti, Joseph G., The Lawyer’s Calling: Christian Faith and Legal Practice, Paulist Press, 1996. ISBN: 0809136511.

2.    Baker, Thomas E. and Floyd, Timothy W., eds., Can a Good Christian be a Good Lawyer? Homilies, Witnesses, & Reflections, University of Notre Dame Press, 1998.  ISBN: 0268008264.

3.    Dershowitz, Allen M., The Genesis of Justice, Warner Books, 2000. ISBN: 0446524794.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will consist of readings, active class discussions, lectures, case studies, and a term project.  Class participation will be required.

EVALUATION AND GRADING: The grading scale is 92-100 A, 90.0-91.9 A-, 88.0-89.9 B+, 82.0-87.9 B, 80.0-81.9 B-, 78.0-79.9 C+, 72.0-77.9 C, 70.0-71.9 C-, 68.0-69.9 D+, 62.0-67.9 D, 60.0-61.9 D-, below 60 F.  Grades are not subject to rounding – for instance, a 91.9 will be considered an A-.  Late assignments will be accepted at the next class meeting only and will be reduced by one letter grade. Quizzes, announced or unannounced, may be given at any point in the semester to encourage reading and preparation.  No makeup tests or quizzes unless permission is previously granted.  The final grade will consist of the following:

                                                60%      Exams (2)

                                                25%      Research Project

                                                15%      Homework, Peparation/Participation/Attendance

TESTS: There will be two tests over our readings and discussions of the texts and other assigned materials.  The tests will contain both objective (true-false, multiple choice) and subjective (essay) portions.

PROJECT: One current events/research term paper, 8-10 pages in length, will be required on a topic approved by the instructor. (See attached)

PREPARATION, PARTICIPATION, AND ATTENDANCE:  As this is a discussion-oriented class, your preparation, participation and presence is crucial.  Failure in any of these areas will result in a reduced grade.

!     Preparation - You are expected to carefully read and interact with the assigned texts prior to class and be prepared for class discussions.  It is not my intention to make heavy use of weekly written assignments or quizzes – however, if it is found students are not coming to class prepared to discuss the assignments, written assignments and quizzes will be given (which may be unannounced) and will count toward the “Preparation, Participation and Attendance” portion of the final grade.

!     Participation - the informed opinion based upon interaction with the reading will be rewarded when it comes time to determine semester grades.  Please stay on point and do not seek to monopolize class discussion.  Please show common courtesy to your professor and classmates. During all quizzes and tests - students are not to wear hats.  Do not bring cell phones to class.  Students using electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, etc.) for any reason during tests or quizzes will receive a zero on that test or quiz. In this course, we begin with the assumption that the opinions, positions and perspectives of others sincerely held are worthy of respect. At the same time, we will challenge one another to support and defend our viewpoints with clearly reasoned arguments. In all events, we will treat all persons with dignity and respect, even if we personally reject their views.

!     Attendance - Experience clearly demonstrates a direct correlation between class attendance, preparation and participation and your final grade – therefore arrive on time, and stay for the entire class period.   More than 1 absence will result in a reduced grade.  An absence is defined as nonattendance for any reason, including illness or emergency. Athletes who will miss one or more classes because of excused games are expected to be in class at all other times.  Three tardies will equal one absence.  The student is responsible for all material covered and all assignments made in class. Attendance is worth three homework grades - determined by the number of absences (0-1 absences=100; 2 absences=80; 3 absences=65, 4 absences=50).  Students missing 5 or more class sessions will automatically receive a failing grade in the course. 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: As stated in the Milligan College Student Handbook, “Academic dishonesty (the intentional misrepresentation of all or part of one’s work to deceive for personal gain, or assisting another to do the same) is a serious offense which undermines the bonds of trust and honesty between members of the college community and defrauds those who may eventually depend upon our knowledge and integrity.”  Academic honesty and integrity are expected. Copying another person’s work or “working together” on homework assignments and turning in the same or substantially similar answers is unacceptable.  There are no group assignments in this class; your work is to be entirely your own.  Depending upon the nature and extent of the offense, the student may receive a failing grade on the particular assignment or a failing grade in the course.  In all cases of academic dishonesty, the Academic Dean will be notified of the infraction. 

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Milligan College provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. To receive accommodations, students must make a formal request according to the policy outlined on pages 28-29 of the current college catalog. Once your request has been evaluated, a list of accommodations will be prepared for distribution to your professors. If you have additional questions, please contact Sharon K. Komanecky, irector of disability services. You may contact her by phone (461-8488 or email SKomnaecky@milligan.edu or appointment in the McMahan Student Center.

 OFFICE HOURS: MWF 10:00-11:00 a.m., TT 1:30-2:30 p.m. or by appointment.  Location: Price Business Center, office #2

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
Class:	Topic:	Assignment:
January 21	$ The Spiritual Crisis in Law $ Christ and the Code	$ Allegretti, Introduction and Chapter 1 (1-23) $ Benjamin Sells, Is That All There Is? $ Sam Benson, Why I Quit... (handout) $ Video: Truth on Trial
January 28	$ Profession, Vocation & Calling	$ Allegretti, Chapter 2 (24-36) $ Allegretti, Neither Curse nor Idol, GCGL (147-58) $ Connor, Spirituality in the Workplace (online) $ Cromartie, Reflections on Vocation..., GCGL (139-46) $ Lawyers as Heroes: The Luis Rojas Case (Video)
February 4	$ Clients, Covenant, & Prophets $ Pro Bono, Legal Services	$ Allegretti, Chapters 3 and 4 (37-63) $ Allegretti, Shooting Elephants, Serving Clients (handout) $ Wiltshire, Religion & Lifework in the Law, GCGL (74-82) $ Video: Buying Judges $ Project Proposal Due
February 11	$ Hired Guns Turned Healers $ Defending the Guilty	$ Allegretti, Chapter 5 (64-80) $ Edwards, Reflections on Three Stories, GCGL, 17-27 $ Video: Presumed Guilty; Court Appointed Attys $ Guest Speaker: tba
February 18	$ Litigation as Violence, War $ Alternatives to Litigation (ADR) $ Ethic of Rights v. Ethic of Care $ Tale of Two Lawyers	$ Allegretti, Chapters  6-8 and Epilogue (81-127)
February 25	Midterm Exam	Assignment over Spring break: Watch A Civil Action and write a 2-3 page review of the movie in light of Allegretti’s A Lawyer’s Calling.
March 3	Spring Break – No Class
March 10	$ Discussion of A Civil Action $ A Legal Education $ What You Bring With You	Elkins, The Transformation of Self $ Postel, Dean’s Welcoming Speech (handout) $ Video segment - Legally Blonde $ Guest speaker: tba $ Project Outline Due
March 17	$ The Genesis of Justice	$ Dershowitz, p. 1-68 (Part I and Chapters 1-3)
March 24	Easter Break – No Class
March 31	$ The Genesis of Justice	$ Dershowitz, p. 69-131 (Chapters 4-6)
April 7	$ The Genesis of Justice	$ Dershowitz, p. 132-200 (Chapters 7-10)
April 14	$ The Genesis of Justice	$ Dershowitz, p. 201-59 (Chapters 11-14)
April 21	$ Faithfulness $ Redemption	$ Collett, To be a Professing Woman (53-65) $ Porter, Engaging the Law, GCGL ( 159-66) $ DiSalvo & Droel, Reflections on the Contents...,GCGL (127-38)
April 28	Mockingbirds and Whos	$ Projects Due $ Video: To Kill a Mockingbird
May 5	Final Exam

Written Research Paper:

The purpose in this assignment is to have you explore in depth an issue touching on Law and Christianity.  This is necessarily a “wide-open” assignment.  You have flexibility to chose the topic of your choice, so long as it: a) relates directly the issues of Christian faith and legal practice; b) contains evidence of interaction with and application of topics and readings discussed in class; and c) is approved by me. 

 The Proposal: By the third week of class you must submit a typewritten proposal for your project.  It should contain specifics proposals, not merely vague generalities.  This may be done in outline or narrative form.  I will meet with you individually to discuss your proposal.  No two students may write on the same subject. 

Possible Topics: Your proposed topic must be approved by the third week of class.  The following topics are merely suggestions, and not intended to limit you in any way:

!    Exploration of the relationship between biblical “Covenant” and the Practice of Law

!    Biblical examples of justice/lawyering –  Selection of a biblical story (or stories) and what it teaches us about justice and/or lawyering.  (Ex. The Joseph novella, The Exodus Saga, The Book of Job, Wisdom Literature, NT parables of Jesus, etc.)

!    Biblical models for lawyers – Selection of a biblical character as a model for lawyers (Ex. Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Jesus, Paul, etc.)

!    Explore the role of various practices/participants in the legal system

       arbitration/mediation

       pro bono practice,     legal aid work

       defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges

!    Civil litigation and the demand for forgiveness - can a Christian sue?

!    Criminal justice - retribution v. rehabilitation

!    Civil disobedience and the Law

!    A critical book review (see me for possible texts)

 

Specific requirements: Failure to meet any one of the following requirements (numbers 1 through 5) will result in a one letter grade reduction.

1.    8-10 pages of text (not counting any title page, table of contents, appendices and bibliography -- none of which are required)

2.    Typed, double-spaced, numbered, 1" margins, Times New Roman 12-point font

3.    Integrate at least five sources and three biblical quotations

4.    Integrate our classroom readings and discussions (three)

5.    Proper use of footnotes, parenthetical citations, or end notes

6.    Submitted both electronically (to mwpeacock@milligan.edu) and in hard copy by the start of class on the date due.  Late papers will be until our final exam on May 5^th but will be reduced by two letter grades. 

7.    Specific suggestions:

a.     Avoid the overuse quotes - they should only be used when the specific language is absolutely necessary;  block quotes should generally be avoided altogether.

b.     Do not plagiarize - here are some strategies to avoid plagiarism:

1.     When using another author’s exact words, put them in quotes, and cite accordingly.

2.     Paraphrase another’s ideas.  This involves more than merely changing a few words or phrases around.  Read your source, then cover it up and then write out the ideas in your own words.  You still give credit for the other author’s ideas, but now the words should be your own.  Compare your work with the original to be sure you have not accidentally borrowed any words or phrases.

c.     Avoid the use of the first person (“I”) except in the Application section of your paper.

d.     Avoid the use of contractions (don’t, doesn’t, isn’t, etc.) 

Evaluation: Creativity and presentation is important.  The best papers will not only fully discuss the issue, but also include a thoughtful analysis integrating our other readings and class discussions.  I’m also interested in how your topic and this class affects you.  Specifically, your paper will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1.    Summary and Analysis of issue (30%)

2.    Integration of class readings and discussions (30%)

3.    Application to the practice of law in general and to you (as an aspiring Christian lawyer) in particular (20%)

4.   Written Presentation (organization, clarity, creativity, grammar, citations) (20%)