What is Law and Government?
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Occupations that require knowledge of Law and Government
Lawyers
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of l…
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Work Category: Education and Training
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May p…
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Police Detectives
Conduct investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Political Scientists
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various polit…
Work Category: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
Enforce law and order in rural or unincorporated districts or serve legal processes of courts. May patrol courthouse, guard court or grand jury, or escort defendants.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Fish and Game Wardens
Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
Work Category: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Work Category: Education and Training
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or sett…
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Fire Investigators
Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Judicial Law Clerks
Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Aviation Inspectors
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
Work Category: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Police Patrol Officers
Patrol assigned area to enforce laws and ordinances, regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crime, and arrest violators.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Emergency Management Directors
Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (…
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.
Work Category: Finance
Transit and Railroad Police
Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.
Work Category: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
