First-Year Required Courses
Civil Procedure I
An examination of the problems inherent in a dual court system and in the determination of disputes that cross state lines. Emphasis on the bases and means of exercise of jurisdiction over parties and subject matter; the allocation of judicial power between state and federal judiciaries, with particular attention given to the jurisdiction and venue of federal district courts and the law applied in federal courts; and arbitration as an alternative method of dispute resolution. (Fall, 3 Hours)
Civil Procedure II
An examination of the trial and appellate procedure in civil cases, including the formulation and defense of claims (pleading), aids and alternatives to trial (discovery and pretrial motions); direct and collateral regulation of the size and scope of litigation (joinder and preclusion doctrines); the trial, with emphasis on the right, function, and control of jury trials; and the review of the disposition of litigation (post-trial motions and appellate review). (Spring, 3 Hours)
Constitutional Law I
An introductory study of the United States Constitution, including judicial review, the powers of Congress, the powers of the president, and the interrelationship of state and national governments. Includes an introduction to individual rights, with emphasis on the operation of the Fourteenth Amendment due process and equal protection clauses, First Amendment problems, and evolving doctrines of privacy. (Spring, 4 Hours)
Contracts
A study of the basic principles governing the formation, performance, enforcement, and imposition of contractual obligations, and the role of these principles in the ordering processes of society. (Fall, 4 Hours)
Criminal Law
A study of common and statutory criminal law, including origin and purpose; classification of crimes; elements of criminal liability and the development of the law respecting specific crimes; emphasis on the trend toward codification; and the influence of the Model Penal Code, including a study of the circumstances and factors that constitute a defense to, or alter and affect, criminal responsibility. (Spring, 3 Hours)
Legal Methods
This course explores the essential sources, institutions, process, and traditions of modern American law. The emphasis is on the role of judges and legislatures in making law in our society. Students will be introduced to the doctrines of precedent and stare decisis, as well as approaches to statutory interpretation. In addition, a variety of perspectives on the jurisprudence of law-making will be examined. (Fall, 3 Hours)
Property
An introduction to alternative theories of property rights, the division of property rights over time (common law estates, landlord-tenant law), concurrent ownership, private land use controls (easements, covenants), and public land use controls (eminent domain, zoning). (Spring, 4 Hours)
Research Writing and Appellate Advocacy
An introduction to law and sources of law, legal bibliography and research techniques and strategies, the analysis of problems in legal terms, the writing of an office memorandum of law and an appellate brief, and the presentation of a case in appellate oral argument. (Fall/Spring, 2 Hours)
Torts
A study of compensation for personal and property damages growing out of negligence, intent, or strict liability, with special attention given to nuisance, misrepresentation, defamation, and privacy. Certain concepts, such as proximate cause and privilege, are considered in depth. Social policies underlying tort law prevention and loss shifting are analyzed. (Fall, 4 Hours)