Stony Brook University Pre-College Summer: Pre-Law Program

Are you interested in a career in law? This summer you can explore three different topics in law through courses designed to deepen legal knowledge, sharpen speaking and analytical skills, and teach the art of advocacy. Choose from three week-long residential programs: Crime, Courts and the Constitution, The First Amendment and You; and a Mock Trial Skills Seminar. All courses are presented by a licensed attorney and long-time educator in the fields of law and civics.

The Stony Brook University Pre-College Summer — Pre-Law program is designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in learning more about law. Three independent residential programs are offered.

Crime, Courts, and the Constitution

Learn how the work of lawyers and the judiciary balance individual rights and public safety through exploration of landmark Supreme Court decisions related to the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments. In this experiential program, you will:

• Examine Supreme Court decisions including analyzing decisions for historical context
• Understand how legal arguments were based upon values enshrined in our founding documents and precedent
• Sharpen your speaking and analytical thinking skills
• Learn the art of advocacy through moot court exercises

The First Amendment and You!

Engage in an interactive exploration of landmark Supreme Court Decisions related to the Five Freedoms protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Recognizing that the law does not develop in a vacuum, you will:

• Discuss individual rights to speech, press, religion, petition, and assembly from a historical perspective.
• Focus on the rights of young people in schools, as this is where young people are most likely to experience limits on their free exercise of rights as school leaders balance individual rights with the orderly operation of schools.
• Explore contemporary issues in First Amendment jurisprudence, including challenges created by social media and technology.
• Become empowered to responsibly exercise and advocate for your inalienable rights, as well as the rights of others.

Mock Trial Skills Seminar

Learn trial skills by doing in this challenging seminar! In this weeklong seminar, you will learn civil law concepts, including intentional torts, negligence, product liability, and contracts. You will work competitively to apply the law to numerous fun and engaging mock trial scenarios where you will be challenged to:

• Deliver opening statements
• Conduct direct and cross-examinations
• Use appropriate objections
• Work with evidence
• Conduct closing arguments Y

You will receive constant feedback from the instructor – an experienced attorney and mock trial coach – to improve and sharpen your mock trial skills throughout the week. Whether you are an experienced Mock Trial competitor or want to expand your knowledge of the law while improving your speaking and advocacy skills, the Mock Trial Skills Seminar will offer tremendous opportunities for learning and growth.

The cost of each one-week program is $2,200, and there is an application fee of $45.

This fee includes the course, learning materials, social programs, residence hall access, and all meals.

DISCOUNT: Apply by April 1 and receive $100 off the program cost.

One-week Sessions:

Crimes, Courts and the Constitution — July 7 - 12

The First Amendment and You! — July 14 - 19

Mock Trial Skills Seminar — July 21 - 26