Introduction to Law: Justice and the Legal System for High Schoolers at Vanderbilt University

Course Description: Introduction to Law: Justice and the Legal System for High Schoolers at Vanderbilt University

Discover the American legal system: Summer Institute at Vanderbilt

Immerse your child in the fascinating world of law and justice with our comprehensive introduction to the American legal system. Designed for inquisitive learners with an interest in justice, government, or debate, this course offers a deep dive into the foundational concepts of law and the workings of the U.S. legal system. Whether your child dreams of becoming a lawyer, activist, policymaker, or simply an informed citizen, this program provides the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of legal reasoning and civic engagement.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Provides a solid foundation in legal reasoning and the critical role of the rule of law in a democratic society.

• Engages students with hands-on experiences like mock trials, legal debates, and contract simulations.

• Encourages critical thinking and ethical consideration of justice, fairness, and societal responsibilities.

• Offers opportunities to interact with legal professionals and explore real-world case studies.

Location

Hosted at the prestigious Vanderbilt University, this program takes place in a vibrant academic environment that fosters intellectual growth and curiosity. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, ensuring a rich and engaging learning experience.

Course Description

Introduction to the American Legal System

Prepare your child to explore the intricate workings of the U.S. legal system through interactive and thought-provoking activities. This course covers the Constitution, the role of the Supreme Court, and the impact of landmark cases on American society.

Example Activities:

• Participate in a mock trial, taking on roles as an attorney, witness, or juror.

• Analyze and debate landmark Supreme Court decisions, understanding their societal impacts.

• Create a "Know Your Rights" campaign focusing on civil liberties.

• Draft and negotiate basic contracts, learning essential legal skills.

• Engage with guest speakers from the legal profession, either in-person or virtually.

Final Project Assignment:

For the culminating project, students will choose a real-world case study to analyze and present their findings. This project, delivered as a written report or multimedia presentation, will highlight legal issues, court precedents, and implications for American democracy, enhancing students' understanding of the legal system and its influence on public perception and civic engagement.

Admission Criteria

To join this transformative experience, students should demonstrate a keen interest in justice. Admission requires the completion of the Summer Institute Application.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for aspiring lawyers and those eager to explore legal careers. It provides foundational knowledge that will help students determine if a legal professional track is right for them.

Benefits

• Receive a Course Completion Certificate, showcasing successful participation in the Summer Institute at Vanderbilt program.

• Obtain a Letter of Recognition, highlighting academic achievements in this course.

• Build a portfolio with documentation of summer accomplishments, setting the stage for future academic and professional success.

Getting There

Our team organizes seamless airport transfers for all participants, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure experience.

Join us this summer to empower your child with the knowledge and skills to become a confident, informed participant in the world of law and justice.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

• For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 Vanderbilt University – Campus Profile (Nashville, TN)

Vanderbilt University offers an inspiring summer environment where academic rigor meets the vibrant cultural spirit of Nashville, Tennessee. Known for its outstanding faculty, collaborative learning atmosphere, and world-class facilities, Vanderbilt provides students with a meaningful pre-college experience rooted in innovation, creativity, and discovery.

Located in the heart of “Music City,” the campus blends Southern hospitality with top-tier research, arts, and technology. Students enjoy access to modern labs, digital makerspaces, libraries, and interactive learning environments, while also exploring Nashville’s rich history, music scene, and lively urban energy. It’s an ideal setting for academically driven students seeking both challenge and adventure.

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✨ Program Environment

• Designed for motivated students interested in business, computing, leadership, technology, creative arts, and innovation

• Full-day academies developed and taught by Vanderbilt-affiliated instructors

• Hands-on coursework with access to university labs, studios, and learning facilities

• Supportive academic community that encourages exploration, ingenuity, and professional development

• Balanced schedule combining rigorous academics with rich cultural and recreational activities

• Located in one of America’s most exciting cities, offering endless music, history, food, and outdoor attractions

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏫 Use of Vanderbilt academic facilities

• 🏨 Housing (residential programs)

• 🧺 Laundry

• 🍽 Meals:

• Three meals per day Monday–Friday

• Two meals on Sunday

• No meals on Saturday (excursion day)

• 🎡 Daily afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreational facilities

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Certain specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🛏 Linens

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA).

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🎡 Top Activities in Nashville, Tennessee

• 🏛 Visit the Nashville Parthenon

• 🌲 Explore Radnor Lake State Park

• 🎵 Learn about music history at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and RCA Studio B

• 🐾 Visit the Nashville Zoo

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🌳 Visit Centennial Park

• 🗿 Explore 50+ outdoor sculptures across campus and the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery

• 🥗 Eat at Grins — Nashville’s oldest vegetarian and certified Kosher restaurant

• 🤝 Meet friends in popular social spaces like Alumni Lawn, Rand Decks, and Wyatt Stairs