Laws and Orders: Legal Systems Around the World
- Grades 7-11
- Advanced CTY-Level
-
Residential
- History and Social Science
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
Summer Dates & Locations
Session One
Session Two
Testing and Prerequisites
| Math | Verbal | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Level | Not required | Advanced CTY-Level |
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 MoreCost and Financial Aid
Tuition
- Varies
Application fee
- Nonrefundable Application Fee - $50 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
- Nonrefundable International Fee - $250 (outside US only)
Financial Aid
We have concluded our financial aid application review process for 2024 On-Campus Programs. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible.
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.
Course Extras (Lab fee info, etc.): Field trip fee: $70
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.
- International Politics, Robert J. Art and Robert Jarvis
- Essentials of International Relations, Karen A. Mingst and Ivan M. Arreguín-Toft
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 in the study of those who worked within and outside of the legal system to effect monumental societal change in Great Cases: American Legal History.
Meet our instructors and staff
The students are so bright, interesting, and often willing to try some of the most silly and unique activities that the RAs create.
Rebecca Somer
Resident Assistant
CTY is one of the highlights of my year. Even though it’s the summer, the immersive learning in a subject where these students truly excel and shine is invigorating for me as a teacher.
Lauren LaPorta
Writing Instructor
CTY students have a contagious energy combined with a thirst for knowledge that I look forward to each summer. They remind me of why I became a teacher.
Antonia Richards
Chemistry Instructor