Law and Justice

 

This is a new course offering. Information is still being finalized.

• Locations: Emerson HS in Kirkland
• 3 High School Credits: CTE (3.0)
• No Tuition fees
• Program fees may apply Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students
• College Credits may be available: Contact WANIC to find out more

This is a full year 3-period Skill Center class (3 high school credits).

The WANIC Law and Justice program gives students an immersive, hands-on introduction to the legal system, criminal justice, law enforcement, forensics, courts, and public service. Students examine how laws are created, interpreted, enforced, and challenged while exploring the balance between individual rights, public safety, justice, and community responsibility. Through case studies, legal research, debates, and mock trials, students build an understanding of constitutional rights, criminal and civil law, courtroom procedures, government, public policy, and current justice issues.

A significant portion of the program focuses on policing and criminal investigations. Students learn how constitutional law and court decisions guide law-enforcement actions, including reasonable suspicion, probable cause, searches, seizures, arrests, interviewing, and use-of-force decision-making. Scenario-based activities may include simulated calls for service, traffic stops, witness interviews, report writing, crime-scene response, evidence collection, fingerprinting, and team investigations. Students practice communication, de-escalation, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving while learning the importance of professionalism, integrity, cultural awareness, and community trust.

Students also explore forensic science and the careful work required to document and process a crime scene. Working in investigative teams, students examine physical evidence, maintain chain of custody, analyze case information, and present their findings through written reports and courtroom testimony. Mock trials and courtroom simulations help students understand the roles of attorneys, judges, witnesses, juries, law-enforcement officers, and other professionals throughout the justice process.

Physical readiness, teamwork, leadership, and workplace professionalism are incorporated into the program. Students may participate in fitness activities aligned with public-safety career expectations while learning safe movement, stress management, and personal wellness. Guest speakers, field experiences, and interactions with professionals from law enforcement, courts, legal services, corrections, forensic science, emergency communications, and public agencies connect classroom learning to real careers.

This program is designed for students interested in becoming attorneys, paralegals, police or sheriff’s officers, detectives, forensic science technicians, crime-scene investigators, court professionals, probation or corrections officers, public-safety telecommunicators, or other public servants. Successful students should be prepared to read and write extensively, participate in physical and scenario-based activities, work collaboratively, communicate professionally, and approach complex legal and social issues with maturity and an open mind.

Minimum Requirements for Entry

• Open to students in grades 11–12.
• Demonstrated interest in law, government, criminal justice, law enforcement, forensics, or public service.
• Ability to read informational and legal texts and complete regular writing assignments, including case analyses and professional reports.
• Willingness to participate in classroom discussions, mock trials, simulated investigations, teamwork, presentations, and scenario-based learning.
• Commitment to regular attendance, punctuality, academic integrity, respectful conduct, and professional behavior.
• Ability to follow safety instructions and use classroom equipment responsibly.
• Willingness to participate in the course’s physical-readiness and practical-training activities, with appropriate accommodations provided when needed.
• Student and parent/guardian participation in a program orientation and completion of required safety and participation forms.

Recommended Preparation

Previous coursework in civics, U.S. government, U.S. history, English, debate, psychology, sociology, health, or physical education is helpful but not required. Students should be comfortable expressing ideas verbally and in writing and discussing complex legal, ethical, and community issues from multiple perspectives.

The WANIC Law & Justice Program is ideal for students who are motivated, disciplined, and interested in understanding how the legal system works while developing the professional skills needed for success in public service, criminal justice, and legal careers.

 

CAREER PATHWAYS

Attorney • Paralegal or Legal Assistant • Court Clerk • Police or Sheriff’s Officer • Detective or Criminal Investigator • Forensic Science Technician or Crime-Scene Investigator • Probation or Corrections Officer • Public Safety Telecommunicator

SEATTLE METRO MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARIES

• Lawyer — $164,980
• Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer — $115,120
• Paralegal or Legal Assistant — $92,900
• Forensic Science Technician — $82,600
• Public Safety Telecommunicator or 911 Dispatcher — $79,040