SW 6703 - Social Work and the Law

This course provides a foundation of case law and judicial procedures in areas common to social work practice like family law, child welfare, and criminal justice. Forensic work necessitates strong interdisciplinary collaboration and an understanding of the roles of the judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, case worker, therapist, guardian ad litem, victim advocate, and law enforcement. Students will analyze case law and use redacted course manuscripts to dissect cases and to learn effective strategies for working with the court system. Students will develop skills in communicating effectively with the court through mock court exercises and to advocate for the needs of children, victims of crime, and criminal offenders by promoting therapeutic jurisprudence.