Program Description Algoma University’s law and justice program is a unique program, different from other university programs found across the province. What is unique and exciting about our law and justice program is that it is one of few such programs in Canada. Undergraduate legal studies programs are rare in Canada, and those that do exist often focus on criminology, rather than on legal traditions, institutions, and practices in their various current and historical forms and concepts. Criminology, which is offered at many universities across Canada, is the study of the anatomy of crime, specifically its causes, consequences, and costs. Law and justice, however, goes far beyond criminology, and provides students with a more well-rounded and holistic degree. It is an all-encompassing and transferable degree – highly sought after in many career paths.
In our four-year program, students will acquire knowledge of the pattern of legal institutions required to regulate our political, social, and economic relations. Students will examine topics such as civil, criminal, family, corporate, constitutional and contract law. They will study conventional, traditional, and alternative forms of justice and dispute resolution, as well as comparative, theoretical, and historical perspectives. The program helps students to understand law as a multidimensional and complex social phenomenon.
Our program approaches the study of law, legal decision-making and justice from a variety of view points. It incorporates diverse legal traditions into the curriculum and investigates law from historical, social and philosophical perspectives. Courses are taught by faculty with expertise in law, law-related disciplines and areas cognate (e.g. history, political studies, international relations and sociology). Many of our students gain admission to law school and graduate programs, and also diploma programs at the college level.
