Pre-Law: Understanding the Bill of Rights
Gain a greater understanding of the Bill of Rights and how it has shaped the modern world
This credit-bearing program is scheduled to take place from July 13-August 2, 2025 on Adelphi鈥檚 Garden City Campus on Monday-Thursday, 10am-2:40pm.
Students who major in political science can make their mark in law, nonprofits, business, international affairs, lobbying or advocacy. Or, they can become a policy analyst, legislative assistant, public relations/media specialist, political consultant or market researcher. In this political science course, students will examine 鈥淭he Bill of Rights鈥濃�攖he first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution鈥攊n relation to everyday life. Particular attention will be paid to the Fourth Amendment and its protection from unreasonable government actions; the Fifth Amendment, covering the 鈥渞ight to remain silent,鈥� 鈥淒ue Process of Law,鈥� 鈥淒ouble Jeopardy鈥� and other rights; The Sixth Amendment鈥檚 鈥渞ight to a lawyer,鈥� to know what crime you are being charged with, and to confront your accuser; and the First Amendment鈥檚 right to freedom of religion, speech, press, peacefully protest and petitioning government for redress.
You will:
- investigate how rights have expanded and contracted over time through practice and Supreme Court decisions. Students will be prepared to critically think about and assert their rights.
- study the amendments as a whole and individually, with emphasis on the reasoning, development, and use of each of these amendments to better understand how citizens can protect themselves from overreach by the government.
- learn more about Adelphi鈥檚 Pre-Professional and Joint Degree Programs in law.
