Law, Politics, and Society
Law, Politics, and Society explores the relationship between law, political life, and society—it examines how the law is made and changed, how it influences citizens, and how it interacts with societal forces.
Law, Politics, and Society at STU
Law, Politics, and Society is unique in bringing the study of law and politics together into one program. It’s a systemic but flexible interdisciplinary field of study, drawing on the expertise of faculty from different departments and programs including Human Rights, Political Science, Criminology, and Sociology. This gives students a deep understanding of the law in Canada and introduces them to diverse perspectives and approaches to the study of law, politics, and the social forces influencing the legal process.
“Our lives are deeply influenced and shaped by legal decisions made by lawyers, legislators, and judges. I enjoy exploring the many interesting ways in which the law works on us and what factors work on the law.”
Dr. Tom Bateman, Coordinator of Law, Politics, and Society
What sets STU’s Law, Politics, and Society Program Apart?
- Small, engaging classes that emphasize personal interaction, discussion, and debate.
- Law, Politics, and Society is a unique-to-STU program that combines the study of law and politics into one program.
- Lectures and seminars are always taught by professors—not teaching assistants—which means students learn from experts.
- Due to its interdisciplinary nature, students can include experiential learning courses like Model United Nations and Moot Court in their Law, Politics, and Society major or minor.
- Students benefit from faculty expertise in criminal law and legal theory, Canadian and international human rights, the Canadian Constitution, and Charter law and politics.
Where the Study of Law, Politics, and Society can Take You
Students in Law, Politics, and Society develop skills in critical reading, analysis, writing, and communication. They gain exposure to various approaches to the study of legal issues and an understanding of different types of political and legal literature, methodologies, and arguments.
This prepares graduates for rewarding careers in fields like:
- Law
- Social Work
- Judicial Administration
- Law Enforcement and Border Security
- Journalism
- Public Interest Advocacy
Gain Experience and Build Your Resume
Students in Law, Politics, and Society are encouraged to participate in Model United Nations—a course that prepares students to represent their assigned country at the Harvard Model United Nations in Boston, Massachusetts. This gives students a deeper understanding of the United Nations and its procedures, exposure to policy writing and research, opportunities to refine skills in communication and public speaking, and experience preparing working papers, motions, and conference strategies.
The Moot Court course—offered through the Human Rights department—counts toward a major or minor in Law, Politics, and Society. In Moot Court, students act as legal counsel in fictitious cases based off real legal precedent. This develops students’ oral advocacy, critical thinking, writing, and researching skills, while deepening their understanding of different types of law.
Connect the study of Law, Politics, and Society with professional experience through the STU Internship Program in positions with:
- Child Youth and Advocate Office of New Brunswick
- Department of Public Safety
- John Howard Society of Canada
You might be interested in studying Law, Politics, and Society if…
- You want to learn about the way law works in advanced democracies
- You want to explore the influence of law on Canadian society
- You want to learn more about the types of law in Canada, the judicial system, or the legal profession
Featured Courses
Introduction to Law, Politics, and Society
Police and the Canadian Community [CRIM]
The Rights Revolution [HMRTS]
The Canadian Constitution: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms [POLS]
Fields that Enhance Your Learning in Law, Politics, and Society
Law, Politics, and Society is an interdisciplinary program that draws from various departments and programs, but is also a fine complement to studies in Human Rights, Political Science, Criminology, or Sociology.