About the Course
Significant legal differences among countries still exist, despite the spread of global culture. For example, what is considered free speech in one country may land a person in jail in another country. This course examines issues like these while introducing you to comparative law, the study of legal systems' similarities and differences. We'll explore the legitimacy of law and punishment, the roles of courts and police, and fields such as criminal and environmental law. We'll read case studies and participate in debates, discussions, and simulations, and sharpen our critical thinking and presentation skills while learning how laws have shaped society and culture throughout history. If you have taken CTY's Great Cases, there might be some potential content overlaps.
Typical Class Size: 16
Learning Objectives
- Analyze how select legal families and systems develop and evolve
- Apply defining concepts and theories to the study of legal systems around the world, including functionalism and structuralism
- Research and identify the impact of globalization on societies; evaluate how the cultural construction of legitimate law and punishment shapes and is shaped by globalization
- Evaluate and synthesize information from diverse and reliable sources, differentiating between primary and secondary source material
- Construct logical arguments with theses and supporting evidence for their conclusions in written and oral form
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 11, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Comparative Legal Traditions in a Nutshell, by Mary Ann Glendon and Philip Carozza
Legal Traditions of the World, Fifth Edition, by H. Patrick Glenn
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid