Foundations of Justice: A Legal Immersion Summer Academy for High School Students
Get an insider’s view of the legal world and learn what it takes to argue about cases in this immersive, overnight summer academy for high school students. Learn from leaders in Virginia law, observe real court proceedings, and construct and present mock arguments.
Dates: July 19–24, 2026
For: Rising 9th-12th graders
Cost: $899 (scholarships available for demonstrated need)
Program Goals
- Introduce foundational areas of U.S. law through real-world case studies and interactive sessions.
- Empower students to think critically about justice, rights, and advocacy.
- Provide exposure to legal professionals and potential pathways to legal careers.
- Foster public speaking, argumentation, and collaboration skills.
Schedule
Day 1: Introduction to Law & Legal Systems; the “Rule of Law”
Understanding the U.S. Legal System
- Branches of government
- Roles of attorneys, judges, and courts; concepts of Equal Protection, due process, the Rule of Law
Workshop: Mock Legal Problem: Who Has Jurisdiction?
Day 2: Criminal Law & Justice
Principles of Criminal Law
- Types of crime
- Due process, burden of proof
Day 3: First Amendment & Civil Liberties
Freedom of Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly
- Landmark cases (e.g., Tinker, Hazelwood, Snyder)
- Charlottesville, 2017; Skokie
Debate: Students Argue Positions (“Take Sides”) on a Free Speech Scenario
Day 4: Immigration Law & Human Rights
The Basics of Immigration Law
- Visas, asylum, DACA, current events
Case Study: Students Work in Teams to Prepare an Asylum Argument
Day 5: Legal Advocacy & Career Pathways
Sports Law and Environmental Law
- Discussing the ethics of collegiate sports, NIL, the House lawsuit
- Discussing the ethics of environmental law and need for economic balance
Legal Writing & Persuasive Speaking Skills—Learning to Advocate
Program Features
- Team-Based Activities
- Daily Legal Writing Journals
- Certificate of Completion
- Optional Event: Courtroom field trip or movie/discussion