Legal Studies
Legal Studies pathway students’ coursework includes Business Law, Court Systems, and Legal Studies practicum. Students in the Legal Studies pathway also have many certification opportunities as well as intern and job shadow experiences with the Grand Prairie Prosecutors Office, Dallas County Courthouse, and various Law Firms in the DFW metroplex. Legal Studies students participate in SkillsUSA, Business Professionals of America, Junior Prosecutor’s Academy, Mock Trials as well as Local, State, and National Elections. This pathway is available at Grand Prairie High School.
Careers in this Pathway
- Paralegal
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Lawyer
- Law Librarian
- Social Worker
Pathway Courses
Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security (One-Half to One Credit)
Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security introduces students to professions in law enforcement, security, corrections, and fire and emergency management services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and protective agencies of fire and emergency services. The course provides students with an overview of the skills necessary for careers in law enforcement, fire service, security, and corrections.
This course is offered for pathway and non-pathway students.
Forensic Science
Legal Research and Writing
Business Law
Court Systems and Practices (One to Two Credits)
Recommended for Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Law Enforcement I Court Systems and Practices is an overview of the federal and state court systems.
The course identifies the roles of judicial officers and the trial processes from pretrial to sentencing and examines the types and rules of evidence. Emphasis is placed on constitutional laws for criminal procedures such as search and seizure, stop and frisk, and interrogation.
This course is offered for pathway students ONLY.
Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security (Two to Three Credits)
Recommended for Grades 11-12
The practicum course is a paid or unpaid capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technical education courses in the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster. The Practicum is designed to give students supervised practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experience.
This course is offered for pathway students ONLY