1-3 credit hours

This course is designed to (1) familiarize social work students with the legal system and the varied roles of social workers in that system; (2) help the student gain an understanding of and appreciation for the fundamental legal rights afforded those who come before the legal system and the responsibility of social workers with regard to these rights; and (3) familiarize learners with those rules of evidence which govern the admissibility of social work testimony and to learn how to prepare to testify. Learners will read case law, hear guest speakers, observe video and actual courtroom testimony by social workers, and have an opportunity to practice testifying in a classroom setting.