Teaching

Nicholas Monck is an Assistant Professor of Military Law at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he teaches constitutional law, military justice, and operational law. He has been consistently recognized for his innovative approach in the classroom and ability to fuse multiple pedagogical methods to enhance student learning. During academic year 2025-26 he was a member of the Law Section's Curriculum Revision Working Group which implemented the first significant update to the Law for the Junior Officer course in decades. He also co-teaches a course on trial advocacy.

NL 400x: Law for the Junior Officer

Spring 2026

Course Description: This is a foundational course designed to equip future naval officers with an understanding of constitutional law and the law of war, essential for effective and ethical leadership. Through in-depth analysis of landmark court cases interpreting the U.S. Constitution and a comprehensive exploration of the rules and interpretive challenges within the law of war, midshipmen will develop the ability to identify complex legal issues, critically analyze difficult legal questions, and make sound decisions within the framework of military operations. The course will emphasize the development of robust critical thinking skills, preparing students to navigate the intricate legal landscape faced by naval leaders.

Course Objectives: This two-credit course provides a survey of military law and covers Constitutional Law, Military Justice, and Operational Law. It calls heavily upon students' critical thinking skills and will require them to apply legal concepts to real-life situations they will face in the fleet. The skills and knowledge they obtain in this course will enable them to:

a. Understand and explain the basic principles of constitutional law, including how the Supreme Court interprets the Constitution in evaluating the actions of the executive and legislative branches, particularly in the context of national security and military operations.

b. Understand the importance of, and basis for, civilian control over the military.

c. Understand and analyze the legal concepts governing International Law including jus ad bellum and the Law of War.

Spring 2026 Syllabus

NL 400: Law for the Junior Officer

Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025

Course Description: This course provides a broad survey of military law applicable to the Naval Leader. Students examine operational law concepts including the Law of Armed Conflict and the Law of the Sea. The course also explores a variety of military justice topics including constitutional issues such as search and seizure and self-incrimination, judicial and non-judicial forums and the administrative separation of enlisted service members from the Navy and Marine Corps. '

Course Objectives: This two-credit course provides a survey of military law and covers Administrative Law, Military Justice, and Operational Law. It will call heavily upon students' critical thinking skills and will require them to apply legal concepts to real-life situations they will face in the fleet and in the field. The skills and knowledge they obtain in this course will enable them to:

a. Understand the legal and administrative tools available to military leaders at various levels of command when confronting possible servicemember misconduct, as well as servicemembers’ rights in these situations.

b. Understand the basic purpose of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), including offenses unique to the UCMJ.

c. Evaluate a Command Investigation report.

d. Understand and analyze the legal concepts governing International Law, the Law of the Sea, and the Law of Armed Conflict.

Fall 2025 Syllabus

Spring 2025 Syllabus

Fall 2024 Syllabus

NL 240: Mock Trial - Intro to Trial Advocacy

Spring 2026

Course Description: This course introduces students to the basic concepts and skills of public speaking through participation in an adversarial proceeding. Students will review witness statements, experts' reports and documentary evidence and then use trial techniques and strategies to engage in classroom simulations as attorneys and witnesses. During these simulations, students will deliver opening statements, conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses and give closing arguments. Students will learn rules of evidence and use those rules to raise and respond to evidentiary objections made during the simulation.

Spring 2026 Syllabus