Laws and Courts in World Cultures

This course traces the development of laws and courts from ancient times to the presents. The course focuses on historical events that have produced four major legal systems – U.S. – British common law, European civil law, Communist systems, and the various cultures of Islam. Topics covered include why the U/s/ - British and European systems are so litigious in contrast to tribal societies. The course also explores how courts have primarily dealt with and currently deal with issues like the death penalty and torture of suspects.