Habeas What? British Common Law & Its Influence on the American Legal System

Photo of Jones Katie

Professor Jones grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and completed her undergraduate studies at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She graduated with honors in political science and sociology with a minor in social and economic justice.

Professor Jones earned her J.D. at The University of Tennessee College of Law. During law school, she received authorization from the IRS to represent clients in administrative hearings and litigation. She was also licensed as a student attorney by the TN Supreme Court to handle other types of cases. She represented clients in the domestic violence clinic and the education law practicum and served on the Tennessee Law Review.

Professor Jones enjoys legal writing and strives to help students use their individual strengths to succeed and develop the skills needed to practice law.

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Faculty:
Prof. Katie Jones (More Info)

Course:
Habeas What? British Common Law & Its Influence on the American Legal System

Program Dates:
July 17, 2022 — August 01, 2022

Honors Credit:
None

WKU Course:
TBA

Discipline(s):
Legal Studies , Government

Course Description:

This course explores the unique British common law tradition of laws created or clarified by courts, which directly influenced the American legal system. We will analyze the evolution of public policy in common law and our class time in London will be spent on field trips. We will visit Runnymeade, where the Magna Carta was signed, and learn about its impact on the rule of law today. We’ll also look at the public policy underpinnings of common law decisions and sit in on cases at the Royal Courts of London, the Old Bailey courthouse, and the UK Supreme Court. We’ll witness the British House of Commons in all its contentious action and visit other fascinating sights around London.


Prerequisites:
None

Physical Activity Requirements:
Contact Faculty

Course Highlights:

GRADUATE COURSE
Calling all MPA students! I am excited to teach a Master of Public Administration course in London this summer!
The graduate section will focus more on policy. We will examine how the rule of law evolved in England and connect more explicitly to the American system today. We’ll be learning about how the Magna Carta shaped the British and American legal systems, the historical split between courts of law and equity (state and church courts), and how the English common law tradition is intertwined with newer statutory and administrative laws.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
Course may count as legal studies, government political science, or public administration. The largest written assignment is due in advance of the trip, so that you don’t spend all of your free time in London researching and writing. That frees up time to further explore the city on your own or with new friends.

I am a seasoned traveler and can’t wait to share this experience with you!