LHS offers an abundance of classes that can fit every student’s niche. Interested in learning how to work out? Then take Strength Training. Have you always wanted to learn an instrument? Then Guitar may suit your needs. Now students interested in the basics of law have their own option.

Law and Society is a new history-based elective that focuses to introduce and enhance students’ comprehension of law in the United States of America. The course covers a range of topics including the origin and purpose of law, methods of dispute resolution, crimes, issues, and the investigative process, the trial process, juvenile justice, marriage and family, and civil law. 

Jamie Hendi is the teacher of the new Law and Society class. She is a former lawyer with over 26 years of experience in the profession and serves as one of the coaches of Linganore’s Mock Trial team.

In speaking about the class, Hendi said, “We have never offered the class here at LHS. Once I learned about it, I knew that I wanted to teach it,” 

 The class of 28 students has already covered a slew of criminal cases and dastardly criminals in their first two units. Most notably, the class has studied infamous serial killer Charles Manson. Students were tasked with performing a case study of both him and the cult he formed in the late 60s.

Hendi stated that her interest in law peaked when she first looked into the case of Manson. 

“When I was a teeanger, my aunt gave me a copy of Helter Skelter. It hooked me onto true crime and criminal psychology,” said Hendi.

“Helter Skelter: The True Story of The Manson Murders” is the esteemed book by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry which centers on the Manson case. Like Hendi, most of the students in the class have an interest in true crime. It was the major reason most selected the class when registering last year. The class allows these students to explore the field beyond the documentaries and shows they already consume.

Overall, Law and Society may offer a breath of fresh air to students after a long day of tiring worksheets and notetaking. Hendi takes advantage of the class’s status as an elective to offer students a chance to explore their interests.

“When are you ever going to get a chance to take a pre-law class with a former lawyer? In all seriousness, if you’re interested in a very chill, student-driven class environment, then this is definitely the place for you,” said Hendi.