Course Description
In this course students will study the evolution legal theory and law as related to juveniles. Students will explore the rights of juveniles both in court settings and non-court settings. Students will examine the nuances and jurisdiction of the juvenile court system, the rights of the children in the system, the types of investigations, hearings and procedures that occur in juvenile matters. Students will focus on issues of delinquency, status offenses, abuse, neglect and dependency paying special attention to the roles of prosecutors, guardians ad litem, attorneys for the minor child and defense counsel. Students will also learn about education law as it impacts all students. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the legal status, rights and obligations of juveniles in and out of court settings.
- Assess the goals of the juvenile justice system in modern society.
- Describe the juvenile delinquency process from intake to disposition.
- Evaluate the rights and obligations to of parties to child protection proceedings.
- Describe the child protection litigation process from intake to disposition.
- Summarize federal laws that regulate education for juveniles.
- Consider the roles and expectations for legal professionals working in the areas of juvenile justice, child protection and education law.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze legal issues related to juvenile law through writing proficiencies appropriate to the college level.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 30% |
Journal Entries (Weeks 1-7) | 10% |
Quizzes (Weeks 2, 4, 6 & 8) | 30% |
Course Project Preparation Assignment (Weeks 1 & 4) | 10% |
Course Project (Week 8) | 20% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Abrams, D., Mangold, S. & Ramsey, S. (2021). Children and the Law. West Academic Publishing.ISBN-13: 9781647085810
Course Schedule
| Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1,8 | Topic: Status, Rights and Obligations of Juveniles
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2 | 1,8 | Topics: Private Law Issues Outside the Family & Constitutional Rights
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3 | 2,7,8 | Topics: Juvenile Justice: Historical Perspectives and the Modern Approach
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4 | 2,3,7,8 | Topics: Juvenile Delinquency Matters: The Process
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5 | 4,7,8 | Topics: The Child and the Family - Child Abuse and Neglect
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6 | 5,7,8 | Topics: State Intervention: The Child Protection Litigation Process
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7 | 6,7,8 | Topics: Education Law - Overview of federal and state regulation of education for juveniles
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8
| 6,7,8 | Topic: Education Law - IDEA and special education issues
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09092026
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.