The Law and Society Program involves the study of law and legal systems as they relate to the larger societies of which they are a part. While the program is of special interest to students who plan careers in government service or law, many of the majors simply share a desire to understand the role of law in society.

Some of the questions students will encounter in courses in this program include: Do all societies have law? Why do legal systems develop? What purposes are served by the law? Why do different societies develop different types of law? How are legal resources distributed within societies? How does one determine if a law is constitutional? How does one know if a law is just? While these are only examples of the issues addressed by the program, they do suggest the breadth of the concerns involved.

The Law and Society major seeks to understand the nature of law and legal institutions from a variety of perspectives. The program is interdisciplinary, with courses offered in the following fields: Justice Studies, Anthropology, Economics, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology. The program is designed to benefit both the student who desires a liberal education and the student who intends to enter graduate or law school.

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

Complete all of the following:

1. All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
2. One of the following three General Education options:
   1. OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
   2. OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
   3. OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
3. A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
5. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
6. A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the interrelationships among various legal institutions and actors.
2. Analyze law and legal systems as they relate to the larger societies of which they are part.
3. Understand the various sources of laws and how the different components of the legal system operate to settle both criminal and civil conflicts.

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.