Criminal Justice

Student Organizations

Carthage has more than 85 student groups and organizations through which students can get involved, explore possible careers, meet other students, work closely with faculty advisors, and perform community service. (See a full list of Carthage student organizations.) The following organizations are for students studying criminal justice at Carthage:

American Criminal Justice Association

The American Criminal Justice Association aims to improve criminal justice education, provide a networking outlet to those in the industry, and foster professionalism. Every year the group hosts fundraisers for victims of domestic violence. Students who join the organization receive prestigious recognition nationwide. Meetings are held every other Friday at noon. To sign up, contact Marie Sarantakis at msarantakis@carthage.edu.

Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity

Phi Alpha Delta is the world's largest law fraternity. While many law students join PAD during their time in law school, pre-law membership of PAD is available while you are an undergraduate. Carthage is one of only three undergraduate universities in Wisconsin to have a Phi Alpha Delta pre-law chapter.

Chapter activities include providing an opportunity for students preparing to enter the legal profession to meet & share information, organize the annual lawyer's forum, engage in charitable activity, and participate in field trips and other events.

The fundamental objective of P.A.D.'s pre law Program is to assist undergraduate students to make an "informed choice" in selecting law as a career, deciding which law school to attend, and in preparing for the rigors of law school. Phi Alpha Delta remains the only Law Fraternity and the only national legal organization of any kind with a national pre law program committed to meeting the needs of undergraduate students interested in the law.

For information about the Carthage Phi Alpha Delta pre law chapter's meetings & activities, contact PAD faculty advisor Prof. Michael Phegley, J.D., Clausen Center 214, ext. 2116, mphegley@carthage.edu. The national Phi Alpha Delta website may be found at www.pad.org.


Mock Trial

Students who participate in the Mock Trial course become members of the Carthage Mock Trial Team and represent Carthage in the annual American Mock Trial Association Tournament. Students will receive four course credit hours as a part of their general electives. This course is particularly relevant to any student interested in a career in law, criminal justice, politics or debate.

In the course, students  study all aspects of trial court procedure and the litigation process. Students develop an understanding of how both criminal and civil trials work and learn about the various roles played by the participants in the trial court process. Students act as witnesses, judges, prosecutors, plaintiff and defense attorneys. Students also work on such important skills as public speaking, critical thinking, negotiation, communication, debating and team building.

The course is offered during the fall semester, but students receive course credit in spring upon completion of the regional tournament and, if applicable, the national tournament. Competition in the regional occurs each February. Success in the regional against teams from Marquette, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, Northwestern, DePaul, University of Chicago, University of Minnesota and other Midwestern schools will mean the opportunity to advance to the national tournament, where up to $20,000 in scholarship money may be awarded.

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor only. For additional information contact Prof. Michael Phegley, J.D., Clausen Center 214, ext. 2116, mphegley@carthage.edu

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