High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Leadership, Law, and Criminal Justice

Leadership, Law, and Criminal Justice

Ever caught yourself enjoying debating a point or wondering how real crime investigations, laws, and courtrooms actually work? In Leadership, Law, and Criminal Justice, you don't just learn about the system; you step inside it. Get ready to test your critical thinking, argue your case, and discover what it takes to protect rights and lead in public service! Students engage with real‑world issues through coursework, career-connected, and applied learning experiences that connect legal studies, criminal justice, ethics, history, and public policy.

Core Experiences

• Conduct and present original research on issues of justice, equity, and public policy
• Engage in mock trials and step into the courtroom during local and national competitions; play the role of a lawyer, witness, or judge and argue real-world cases
• Investigate Real Issues and dive into case studies covering law enforcement, ethics, psychology, and public policy to see how decisions get made
• Go behind the scenes and meet actual law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and government partners through field trips, career-connected learning, and hands-on projects

Program Goals

1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills
   Equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to become principled and effective leaders and community members engaged in public service.
2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience
   Provide hands-on, real-world experience through career-connected learning and applied projects to ensure students can translate pathway-specific learning and skills into effective public service action.
3. Foster Career and College, Career and/or Community Pathways
   Connect students with a robust network of public service mentors and government partners to facilitate post-program employment, advanced education, and sustained civic engagement.

Application & Locations

Application: Interest-based application

Schools:

• Southern Region: Northwood
• Central South Region: Walter Johnson

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Leadership, Law & Criminal Justice Program. Cells in blue are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, students must complete the following to remain enrolled in the Leadership, Law & Criminal Justice Center Program and earn the related certificate:

• Law & Criminal Justice core (4 credits)
  • Introduction to Justice, Law & Society
  • Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement 1 & 2
  • 1 credit from the following
    • Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement 3
    • Related internship
    • Related dual enrollment
• English/Social Studies (2 credits)
  • English 9 for Leadership and Criminal Justice
  • AP NSL for Leadership and Criminal Justice 
• Social Sciences (2 credits from the courses below)
  • Lasw
  • Sociology
  • AP Psychology
• Completion of related career-connected learning (can be done over the summer between junior and senior year or during the first semester of senior year)