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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. Cells in dark blue indicate courses that are part of the MSDE Career and Technology Education Program of Study in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement.  This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Introduction to Social Justice (S1)
and
Leadership and Social Justice (S2)

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement 1

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement 2

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement 3, Career-Connected Learning or Dual Enrollment
World Language World Language

Sociology 1 & 2 or

Law 1 & 2 or

AP Psychology A/B

Sociology 1 & 2 or

Law 1 & 2 or

AP Psychology A/B

English 9 for Criminal Justice

 English 10 Honors English 11 or AP Language & Composition Honors English 12 or AP Literature & Composition
US History

AP US Government (NSL) for Criminal Justice

 World History Elective (PE, Fine Art, Technology or Health)
Math Math Math Math
Science Science Science Elective (PE, Fine Art, Technology or Health)
Elective (PE, Fine Art, Technology or Health)  Elective (PE, Fine Art, Technology or Health)  World Language or Elective World Language or Elective
*Part of the MCPS graduation requirements includes either 2 credits in a world language or completion of a state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study along with a minimum of 0.5 elective credit or more depending on the program of study. Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement I, II, and III are part of the state-approved Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement program of study. Students who plan to attend a four-year college or university after high school are encouraged to take world language courses to meet admission requirements and strengthen their college applications.

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 (3 credits)
    • Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement 1, 2 (cohorted)
    • Criminal Justice & Law Enforement 3, or career-connected learning or dual enrollment
  • Leadership Core (1 credit)
    • Introduction to Social Justice (cohorted)
    • Leadership and Social Justice (cohorted)
  • English/Social Studies (2 credits)
    • English 9 for Leadership and Criminal Justice (cohorted)
    • AP NSL for Leadership and Criminal Justice (cohorted)
  • Social Sciences (2 credits from the courses below)
    • Law 1/2
    • Sociology 1/2
    • AP Psychology A/B
  • Sitting for an industry recognized certification exam