Faculty of Law & Justice

Collegiate of Law

Justice Rooted in Civil Rights. The university's footprint features dedicated educational and exchange linkages anchored within America's Civil Rights Capital at the Historic Old Wayne County Building — connecting students to the global diaspora through United Nations Ambassadors Emeritus.

Founded in formal tribute to Justice Wade McCree, Judge Adam Shakoor, Judge George Crockett, Marvin Barnett, Joseph Wright, and Milton Henry, Esq. — the civil rights jurists who shaped American legal history.

Historic Old Wayne County Building — Detroit, Michigan

America's Civil Rights Capital

The university's footprint features dedicated educational and exchange linkages anchored within America's Civil Rights Capital at the Historic Old Wayne County Building — connecting students to the global diaspora through United Nations Ambassadors Emeritus.

Under the stewardship of United Nations Ambassadors Emeritus, the USA Embassy and International Foreign Consulate network operates diplomatic, cultural, and foreign exchange programs from this landmark venue. Students in the International Law & Diplomatic Studies track engage directly with ambassadors, consular officials, and international legal scholars through the consulate network.

The Historic Old Wayne County Building hosts global policy roundtables, international emissary assemblies, and civil rights legal forums — providing Collegiate of Law students with unparalleled real-world experience at the intersection of law, diplomacy, and civil rights history.

Active International Consulate Missions

HaitiSudanBelizeSouth Africa (Johannesburg)GhanaChina

America's Civil Rights Capital — the Historic Old Wayne County Building — stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of civil rights leadership and the university's commitment to preserving that history for future generations.

The Late Honorable John Conyers

U.S. Congressman — Co-Endorser, Rosa Parks Institute

United Nations Ambassadors Emeritus

Stewards of the USA Embassy and International Foreign Consulate network — providing Collegiate of Law students with direct access to international legal frameworks, diplomatic protocol, and global civil society through active missions across six continents.

Programs of Study

The Collegiate of Law offers rigorous academic programs grounded in the civil rights tradition — preparing students for careers in litigation, public service, judicial administration, international law, and corporate practice. Every program is shaped by the legacy of the jurists in whose honor this college was founded.

Constitutional & Civil Rights Law

Rigorous study of constitutional doctrine, civil rights litigation, and the legal frameworks that have shaped American democracy — with special emphasis on landmark cases advancing racial equity and justice. Anchored in the legacy of the jurists who built the legal architecture of the Civil Rights Movement.

Criminal Justice & Public Defense

Preparing advocates for the front lines of the justice system — from public defense and criminal procedure to wrongful conviction review and community-based restorative justice models. Grounded in the tradition of Judge George Crockett and Judge Adam Shakoor.

Corporate & Business Law

Equipping students with the legal tools to navigate commercial transactions, corporate governance, intellectual property, and the regulatory landscape of modern business enterprise — with a focus on building Black economic power.

International Law & Diplomatic Studies

The university's footprint features dedicated educational and exchange linkages anchored within America's Civil Rights Capital at the Historic Old Wayne County Building — connecting students to the global diaspora through United Nations Ambassadors Emeritus. Students engage with international legal frameworks, treaty law, and diplomatic protocol through the USA Embassy and International Foreign Consulate network.

Judicial Studies & Public Policy

Preparing students for careers in judicial administration, legislative drafting, and public policy — bridging the gap between legal scholarship and civic governance. Honoring the legacy of Justice Wade McCree, the first Black U.S. Solicitor General.

Environmental & Community Law

Addressing environmental justice, land use, and community advocacy — with a focus on the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on Black and low-income communities. Connecting legal practice to the university's community development mission.

Degree Pathways

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

3-Year Professional Degree

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

Advanced Legal Specialization

Certificate in Civil Rights Law

Professional Development

Certificate in International Law

Diplomatic Studies Track

Pre-Law Undergraduate Track

B.A. / B.S. Pathway

Paralegal Studies

Associate Degree Program

Accreditation

Operating under the authority of Executive Order 12320 and the university's federal charter, the Collegiate of Law maintains accreditation through the university's consortium of Legacy Institutions.

Historic Archives

Access primary source documents, court orders, and civil rights legal records in the university's Historic Archives.

View Archives →

Founded in Their Honor

Civil Rights Jurists & Legal Scholars

The Collegiate of Law stands as a living tribute to the Black legal minds who fought for justice, equality, and the full promise of American democracy.

Justice Wade McCree

U.S. Solicitor General & Federal Judge

First Black Solicitor General of the United States. Author of Governor Granholm's Executive Order 11.05.2003 integrating the university's public charter infrastructure. A towering figure in American jurisprudence whose legacy is woven into the institutional fabric of University St. Augustine's.

Judge Adam Shakoor

Detroit Recorder's Court

Champion of criminal justice reform and community legal advocacy in Detroit. Judge Shakoor's commitment to equitable justice in the Recorder's Court exemplifies the standard to which every College of Law graduate is held.

Judge George Crockett

U.S. Congressman & Recorder's Court Judge

Civil rights defender who presided over the New Bethel Church incident in 1969, releasing defendants arrested without probable cause. A fearless jurist who placed the Constitution above political pressure.

Marvin Barnett, Esq.

Civil Rights Attorney

Community legal advocate whose career exemplified the HBCU tradition of service — using the law as an instrument of liberation and community empowerment across Detroit and Michigan.

Joseph Wright, Esq.

Legal Scholar & Community Counselor

A legal scholar whose work bridged academic rigor and community service — preparing the next generation of Black attorneys to serve with both excellence and purpose.

Milton Henry, Esq.

Republic of New Africa Co-Founder

Black nationalist legal theorist and co-founder of the Republic of New Africa. Milton Henry's legal philosophy challenged the boundaries of American jurisprudence and expanded the discourse on Black self-determination and sovereignty.

Institutional Authority

The Collegiate of Law operates under the full authority of Executive Order 12320, federal court orders, and the university's 175-year institutional legacy.

History & Authority →

Historic Archives

Primary source documents, civil rights court records, and the university's legal history are preserved in the Historic Archives.

View Archives →

Congressman John Conyers

Co-endorser of the Rosa Parks Institute and champion of the university's civil rights mission — whose legacy is honored throughout the Collegiate of Law.

View Tribute →

Explore All Colleges

University St. Augustine's offers nine professional colleges spanning medicine, law, engineering, education, and the arts.