HAMPTON UNIVERSITYPRE-LAW INSTITUTE
Justitia et Aequitas per Veritas et Rationem
(Justice and Equity through Truth and Reason)
The Hampton University Pre-Law Institute (HUPLI) is a comprehensive pre-law program that features carefully curated curriculum designed to prepare Hampton University students for success in law school or graduate study in other related disciplines. HUPLI is available to all Hampton University students regardless of their major.
The Director of the Hampton University Pre-Law Institute is:
Atty. Damien L. Bevelle,
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Political Science & History
The Administrative Assistant for Hampton University Pre-Law Institute is:
Ms. Karin Owens
THE CORE COMPONENTS OF HUPLI’S PRE-LAW PROGRAM:
- Pre-Law Curriculum: Includes an 18-credit hour curriculum designed to introduce students to core legal principles and further develop students’ high-level logical reasoning, analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills. HUPLI’s course offerings include, but are not limited to, Introduction to Logic & Scientific Methods, Legal Theory, Constitutional Law/Civil Rights, and Legal Research & Writing.
- Individualized Pre-Law Advisement: Each student receives personalized advice regarding course selection and the law school application process, e.g., Personal Statement and Essay consultation and editing; assistance in identifying “best fit” law schools and/or graduate programs; assistance in securing internships, fellowships, and scholarships.
- Professional LSAT Preparation: By way of Hampton University’s partnership with Kaplan, Inc., HUPLI students have access to Kaplan’s LSAT Prep Courses (a $1,500 to $2,000 value) at no additional cost to students. HUPLI also facilitates LSAT workshops administered by select professional LSAT preparation entities.
- Exposure & Access to Legal Community: Through HUPLI’s relationships with law schools, law firms, local and national bar associations and other organizations in the legal community, HUPLI pre-law students engage with individuals and entities that are committed to providing access to a myriad of educational and professional opportunities. Hampton University’s vast network of alumni attorneys, judges and other professionals in the legal and law-adjacent professions also serve as a committed and valuable resource to HUPLI students.
REQUIRED COURSES:
- PHI 210 Introduction to Logic and Scientific Method: Study of both traditional logic and modern developments with particular stress upon their applications in the areas of communication and in natural and social sciences.
- POL 318 Legal Theory: Examines fundamental questions about the nature of law. What is law? How is it defined? What are its essential aspects? Students examine the philosophical underpinnings and structure of the American legal system, and are exposed to the cannon doctrinal areas of law, e.g., contracts, torts, property, constitutional law, criminal law, civil and criminal procedure.
- POL 319 Legal Research: Examines sources of law such as constitutions, general statutes and codes as well as introduces students to the various methods and technological platforms that are available and commonly used to conduct legal research and analysis. LIMITED TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS.
- POL 425 Legal Writing: Introduces students to the systematic concept and process for presenting comprehensive analysis of the law and legal problems in writing. This course provides students with extensive opportunities to execute a variety of specific legal writings, e.g., case briefs and memoranda. LIMITED TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS.
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES:
- PHI 304 Ethics: Examines the historical and philosophical development of ethics with particular attention to the moral implications of contemporary ethical problems.
- POL 302 Constitutional Law and Civil Rights: Study of constitutional law cases and principles involving political and civil rights.
- POL 309 Law and the Judicial Process*: A survey of the role of law and the courts in American political process. The nature and sources of law and justice, judicial institutions, and judicial processes.
FREE ELECTIVES:
- ECO 201 Principles of Economics (Macroeconomics): Emphasizes the determination of national income, fluctuations, and growth; the monetary system; the problems of inflation and unemployment; and international trade.
- ECO 319 Industrial Organization*: An analysis of the relationship between industrial market structures and their impact on the behavior and performance of firms; survey and evaluation of government policies (anti-trust and regulation) toward improving the performance (allocation of scarce resources) in the U.S. economy.
- MGT 305 Legal Environment of Business I*: Examines the nature, structure, and process of our legal system as it relates to business and its global legal environment. Topics include the court system, alternative dispute resolution, business ethics, constitutional law, administrative law, international law, torts and strict liability, contracts, and business organization, among others.
- MGT 306 Legal Environment of Business II*: Development of legal knowledge through case analysis. Topics include sales, product liability, creditor-debtor relations and bankruptcy, intellectual property and computer law, employment and discrimination law, labor law, securities regulation, and land use control and real property, among others.
- JAC 405 Media Law*: Examines the various laws that affect journalism and other communications professions. It includes the First Amendment, libel, copyright, privacy telecommunications regulations, and obscenity laws.
- ENG 399 Law and Literature*: Utilizes creative fiction and non-fiction, class exercises, lectures, and discussions as vehicles to examine various aspects of the practice of law and the operation of the judicial system.
- SOC/CRJ 305 The Criminal Justice System: Examines historical and contemporary core elements of the criminal justice system; including the police, courts, corrections, and juvenile and adult justice systems.
- SOC 401 Sociology of Law: An analysis of the sociological meaning and impact of the law, the agencies that control its use, and the critical analysis of the social constructions of legal reality.
*Prerequisites required
The above list of “Free Electives” is not static or exhaustive. Other courses offered at the university may be included (or excluded) at the discretion of the HUPLI Director.
Students who pursue the Pre-Law Concentration must work closely with their academic advisor and the Pre-Law Advisor to ensure completion of all major, minor (if applicable), and Pre-Law Concentration requirements. Upon completion of all major requirements and Pre-Law Concentration requirements, and after approval by the HUPLI Director of all other Pre-Law Concentration requirements, the student will receive a Certification of Completion.
PRE-LAW ADVISEMENT:
In conjunction with the Pre-Law Concentration curriculum, HUPLI also offers ongoing pre-law advisement to assist students in the law school application and selection process. Pre-Law advisement occurs via group meeting and via scheduled individual sessions.
OTHER BENEFITS OFFERED THROUGH THE HUPLI INCLUDE :
- Mentorship
- Academic and Law School application advisement
- Internship Possibilities
- Direct contact with various law school recruiters
- Participation in special events
For additional information email hupli or call: (757) 728-4879
Mailing Address:
Hampton University Pre-law Institute (HUPLI)
Hampton University
MLK Hall, Suite 126
Hampton, VA 23668
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PRE-LAW INSTITUTE (HUPLI)
Justitia et Aequitas per Veritas et Rationem