About the Course

Laws and Orders: Legal Systems Around the World

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

Course Overview

This course is

ungraded.

Summer Dates & Locations

Registration deadline:

After May 9, 2025, registration is available upon request pending eligibility and seat availability. To request placement, email [email protected] after submitting a program application.

Session One

image of the Loyola Marymount University campus
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, California
-
Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Enroll
Image of The Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
-
Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Enroll

Session Two

image of the Loyola Marymount University campus
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, California
-
Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Enroll
Image of The Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
-
Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Enroll

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level Not required Advanced CTY-Level
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Sign up for Testing Learn More

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Tuition
    • Varies
  • Application fee
    • Nonrefundable Application Fee - $55 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
    • Nonrefundable International Fee - $250 (outside US only)

Financial Aid is available
We are committed to serving all talented youth regardless of financial circumstances. Financial assistance is available based on need.

Learn More

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 (Nutshells) 4th Edition, Mary Ann Glendon, Paolo Carozza, and Colin Picker
  • The Court and the World: American Law and the New Global Realities, Stephen Breyer
  • The Legal System of the People’s Republic of China, Daniel C.K. Chow

About History and Social Science at CTY

Enhance your critical thinking skills

Expand your ability to reason through difficult problems by taking one of our philosophy or logic classes. Learn how to craft strong and clear arguments in Big Questions, or explore the techniques of logic that lawyers, doctors, and mathematicians utilize to be successful in their fields in Logic: Principles of Reasoning.

Explore social justice in action

Develop knowledge and skills that will help you address issues of systemic inequality throughout the world. Engage the historical and legal challenges different populations face in Great Cases and Laws and Orders.

Meet our instructors and staff