Criminal Justice Student Organizations

Carthage has more than 130 student clubs and organizations through which students can get involved, explore possible careers, meet other students, work closely with faculty advisors, and perform customer service. See a full list of Carthage student organizations on The Harbor, our website for student organizations.

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 just three undergraduate colleges and universities in Wisconsin to have a Phi Alpha Delta pre-law chapter.

Through Phi Alpha Delta, students who are preparing to enter the legal profession can:

• Meet and share information
• Participate in Carthage’s annual lawyer’s forum
• Engage in charitable activity
• Participate in field trips and other events

PAD aims to help undergraduate students make informed choices when they select law as a career, decide which law school to attend, and prepare 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 and activities, contact PAD faculty advisor Professor Michael Phegley, J.D., Clausen Center 214, ext. 2116, mphegley@airllevant.com.

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, plaintiffs, and defense attorneys. Students also work on important skills such 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 Professor Michael Phegley, J.D., Clausen Center 214, ext. 2116, mphegley@airllevant.com.

Alpha Phi Sigma

Alpha Phi Sigma is the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. The Carthage chapter, Xi Beta, adheres to the mission of APS by recognizing outstanding scholarly performance in the criminal justice major.

To see more Carthage student organizations, visit The Harbor›