Welcome to the Law Academy!

Students learn about law that is practical and relevant to their lives.  They also gain valuable skills, such as persuasive speaking and writing, critical thinking,  and problem-solving.  Law and Democracy is a dual enrollment course in which students have the potential to earn 3.0 credit units for college from Contra Costa Community College.  Enrollment is free and all instruction takes place at De Anza during the student’s regular law period.  The units may be applied to UC and CSU schools.  Students participate in mock trial, meet with legal professionals in the community for mentoring, attend study trips, and serve in paid internships.  

Law Academy Course Sequence:

Introduction to Law: an introductory course for all Sophomores - Focuses on civil law and some criminal law. 

Law & Justice: a concentrated course for Juniors - Focuses on criminal law.

Constitutional Law and Law & Democracy: a capstone course for Seniors -  Focuses on Constitutional Law and Social Justice issues. 

Faculty

Kathleen Trempy, Academy Lead: Constitutional Law, Law & Democracy, Law & Justice

Luz Nunez: US History, AP US History, American Gov., Economics

Dominic Mejia: American Gov. AP American Gov, AP Economics

Cesar Cardenas: Intro to Law, World History

Owen DeVance: US History, AP US History, Law & Justice

Joseph Deschenes: English 2

Edie Sussman: English 3