Separating Fact from Fantasy
Program director Evan Laine explores the significance of conspiracy theories.
What is the Law & Society Program?
Jefferson’s Law & Society program is so much more than just pre-law — our mission is to understand how society and institutions operate, and how they are controlled by law and other forces. To take on this task, the program employs an interdisciplinary approach exploring these issues through the lenses of pre-law, sociology, criminology, psychology, ethics, economics, culture, science, history, politics and political science.
We build critical thinking and communications skills while we effectively debate. We actively examine how legal systems impact social justice and human rights within both the American and international contexts. We examine and discover the reliable evidence while weeding through the false narratives and fake news.
The Law and Society program at Jefferson really gave me a head start in my career. What made it stand out was how many different subjects I got to study — the mix helped me learn to look at problems from different angles and think through the best way to solve them.
In the Law and Society Program you will:
- Explore your interests in mock trials and moot court
- Lead current event discussions during the Roxboro Roundtables national podcasts
- Write for the widely read Digital Voice the Law & Society Journal
- Express your political opinions if not host your own show on multiple media outlets including WPHU
- Experience real world internships in Congress, the US Senate, the GOP, the DNC, the UN, FBI, ATF, the Prosecutor’s Office, law offices and non-profit organizations dedicated to helping the unfortunate and protecting civil rights
A good mix of pre-law and government-based classes taught me a diverse, theoretical and methodological approach to problem-solving.
Watch: I Am ...
Hear firsthand from our students and faculty about what it's like to be a Law & Society major.
Employment Opportunities
Armed with superior writing and arguing skills, many of our students have taken advantage of the pre-law aspect of the program—attending top-tier law schools and going on to become successful attorneys. Others, using the skills imparted to them through our unique interdisciplinary approach, go on to careers in criminal justice, political science, public policy, public service, business and psychology. After completing our program, our students have gone on to:
- Serve as law enforcement officers on the local, state and federal levels
- Work as paralegals
- Earn MBA degrees and work in industry and non-profit organizations
- Become entrepreneurs
- Serve as legislative aides to the US Congress and Senate
- Earn degrees in psychology and counseling
- Become college administrators and teachers
Recent News
How 9/11 'Truther' Conspiracy Theories Fueled the War on Reality | Opinion
Conspiracy theories blaming George W. Bush for the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have been debunked, yet millions of Americans still believe them. Watch program director Evan Laine's opinion piece with the Washington Post.
Can Social Media Sites be Held Accountable for Users' Posts
Law and society program director breaks down Section 230 debate.
