LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ -- For the 1998 fall semester at Rider University, David Stern of Horsham, PA, was looking for something different than straight classroom work. An internship with Judge John J. Hughes, U.S. Magistrate, in the Federal Courthouse in Trenton turned out to be just what the senior philosophy major needed.

"This is absolutely the best experience of my college career," said Stern. "I wanted to go to law school, but originally I thought not right away. After the first four weeks of working with Judge Hughes (son of the late Richard J. Hughes, former governor of New Jersey), I know I want to go to law school and do it now.

"This internship and Judge Hughes have had a tremendous impact on me," Stern said. "The judge has sent me to various courtrooms to watch trials. There have been hearings on marijuana possession, white collar fraud and bribery, and personal injury cases. I have gotten to see a variety of criminal and civil cases. I really get to see the inner workings of a judge's chambers. It is all very interesting."

In addition to courtroom observation, he usually assisted the law clerk with research and typing material.

One of Stern's most rewarding weeks came when he was asked to assist in putting together the jury packet. "This is not a big deal for a secretary or clerk," he said. "But for an undergraduate intern, I had the opportunity to assist with a document that the judge read in the courtroom to the jury. It will also be archived. This was a very rewarding experience."

A letter of recommendation from Judge Hughes which Stern can use to his advantage when applying to law schools is a prized possession from the internship.

There was a twist to his work at the Magistrate's office. While gaining experience through the internship, Stern wrote a philosophy of law paper. He conducted this independent study with Dr. Richard Burgh, professor of philosophy and department chair.

His paper questions whether a court proceeding can be objective. "The charge put to jurors and judges is to be objective, leave sympathy aside, and make judgments based on the facts in front of them," he said. "All come with their own biases or preconceived thoughts.

"While watching various trials, I have found my emotions flaring up. There is an emotional reaction to what goes on in the courtroom. Perhaps there is something in the presentation of an attorney. It is possible a jury could be swayed. My paper asks if emotions can really be set aside in the courtroom."

Stern decided to enroll in Rider's law and justice program during the 1998 spring semester. He says two of his most influential courses were Philosophy and Morality of Law with Dr. Burgh and Conflict and Conflict Resolution with Dr. Jonathan Millen, associate professor of communication.

Stern said Dr. Millen's course was very helpful with his internship. It helped him understand terminology better -- for example, the difference between arbitration and mediation. He noted that in one case mediation failed and the matter had to then go to arbitration.

Rider's law and justice minor combines courses in sociology, political science, philosophy, English, communication, history, and business policy as well as interdisciplinary legal studies courses. It provides students with in-depth knowledge of laws and legal institutions and their relationship to social, moral, political, and economic issues. The minor enables students to focus their study on specific career goals. Through this program students can prepare themselves for careers in the legal profession, criminal justice, business management, urban planning, health administration, public administration, or consumer advocacy to name a few.