Merion Mercy AcademyBack to School Night

Tuesday, 9/20/12

Introduction to Law

Mr. Paul ClementiCode 2

Welcome to …..

4 Questions in 10 Minutes

1. Who is this guy?2. What’s the content?3. How does he grade?

4. Does he see my child?

My Background Personal

Married, 3 children Parishioner, St. Thomas of

Villanova Education

B.S. Economics, Villanova University

J.D., Seton Hall Law School PA Teacher Cert., Eastern Univ.

Previous Career with

ExxonMobil

Teaching Experience Merion Mercy (2008 to present)

Other Courses: World Cultures US History, US Government and Psychology

Mock Trial Program Coordinator 3rd Place: Univ. of Penn Ben Franklin

Invitational Top 16: Princeton Moot Court Competition

Adjunct Professor (2005 to present)

Villanova, Eastern, Immaculata and

West Chester Universities

Course GoalsEvery student will… possess a basic understanding of the fundamental

substantive and procedural principles of criminal, tort, and contract law.

understand how the principles of federalism applies to the American judicial system.

evaluate and critique the goals and values implicit within the American legal system from the context of MMA’s mission of living mercy and seeking justice.

understand and contemplate the variety professional roles within the American legal system within the context of her individual skills and interests.

Course Content Introduction: The Purpose, Values and Kinds of

Law Introduction: Settling Disputes and the Court

System Criminal Law Tort Law Contractual Law Consumer and Housing Law Intellectual Property Family Law Legal Writing and Application

Assessments Formal Assessments 80% of

(Quizzes, test, papers) semester work grade

Daily Assessments 20% of (Class participation, semester

work gradeclass work and homework)

Final Exam 20% of semester

grade

Quizzes, Tests and Projects Key Points ….

1. “Nothing should be a surprise.”

2. Quizzes may be given on any day and may be announced or unannounced. However, unannounced quizzes if homework / class work is collectively unsatisfactory.

3. Test and projects will be announced ahead of schedule and given/due only on the assigned testing dates (day 2 and 5).

4. On particularly longer units, a comprehensive test may be given that draws on information prior to the previous test.

Class ParticipationFrom the syllabus“…. [T]o achieve our academic goals active participation of the students in class is vital. The development of interpersonal and communication skills is an important part of any social studies class. This grade is a good faith effort grade; students will not be scored on the correctness of your answers, but the on the quality of your commitment to the learning process…”

Homework and In Class Assignments

Key Points on Homework….1. On average 30 minutes every night; purposeful in either

reinforcing the day’s learning or preparing for tomorrow.2. Periodically checked and graded for accuracy and/or good

faith.3. Student binders are subject to review at any point during

the semester for grading purposes. 4. Any student carrying below an 80% cumulative grade may

be asked to submit homework on a daily basis for review.

Key Points on Class Work….1. These assignments may be individually, pair or team

based.

2. Periodically checked and graded for accuracy and/or good

faith effort.

Wiki link

But the big question…

Does he see my child?