HONORS LEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM

American Heritage School is pleased to offer students the Honors Legal Studies Program. This program challenges ninth through twelfth grade students who have an interest in the law and encourages students to consider the legal field as a potential profession. The program is taught at the honors level and exposes students to unique and challenging courses not usually offered in high school. In addition, the Honors Legal Studies Program emphasizes writing and communication skills which are important for all students, but essential to those interested in the practice of law. In addition to course work, there are internships offered to upperclassmen, which include the offices of the State Attorney, Public Defender, county and circuit judges, and private attorneys. These experiences lend students unique insight into the legal system.

At all levels, the curriculum is enhanced by contact with legal professionals:

LECTURES, INTERNSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

INTERNSHIP WITH LEGAL PROFESSIONALS REQUIRED FOR UPPERCLASSMEN

Students must meet the admission and academic requirements of the Legal Studies Program.

Mock Trial Team

American Heritage School sponsors a Mock Trial Team as part of the Legal Studies Program. The team competes with other student teams from throughout the region, the state, and, when successful in competition, other areas of the country.

Competing teams are given a legal case for which they must be prepared to testify as witnesses in open court. Some students are assigned roles as attorneys and must be prepared to give opening and closing statements, as well as direct and cross examinations.

Students are trained in the rules of evidence and courtroom procedure. Interested students meet in two hour segments, usually twice weekly in the school’s mock courtroom. They are advised and supervised by an experienced and respected area attorney.

Prelaw Society & Model UN

Students taking Legal Studies courses may also participate in the Prelaw Society and the Model U.N. The Prelaw Society provides students with an additional understanding of the American legal system through guest lecturers that include judges and prosecutors, civil and criminal attorneys, medical examiners and representatives of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. The Model U.N. allows students an opportunity to discuss international legal issues and world-wide problems.Both groups are involved in fundraising projects for groups in need at the local, national and international levels. Projects have included: “The Innocents’ Project,” “Saving Darfur” and “The Columbian School System.”

PRE-LAW CURRICULUM

PRE-LAW STAFF

Nikki Ippolito-Laurie Director Legal Studies	Ani Majuni Porter Assistant Director • Instructor
Mark Gruskin Instructor - Legal Studies	Sharon Cooper Instructor - Legal Studies
Eric Schwartzreich Instructor - Legal Studies