The first year of law school will launch your legal career. You’ll take series of required courses — often referred to as podium courses — and you will begin to think and write like a lawyer. As you delve into legal cases and explore precedents, you will develop critical analytical skills and when you start saying, “I have three points to make,” you’ll know you have found your niche as a future lawyer and changemaker.
Introduces students to the procedural rules that courts in the United States use to handle noncriminal disputes. Designed to provide a working knowledge of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and typical state rules, along with an introduction to federalism, statutory analysis, advocacy, and methods of dispute resolution. Examines procedure within its historical context.
Studies the techniques of constitutional interpretation and some of the principal themes of constitutional law: federalism, separation of powers, public vs. private spheres, equality theory and rights analysis. The first part of the course is about the powers of government. The second part is an in-depth analysis of the 14th Amendment. Attribute(s): NUpath Societies/Institutions
This course examines the legal concepts governing consensual and promissory relationships, with emphasis on the historical development and institutional implementation of contract theory, its relationship and continuing adaptation to the needs and practice of commerce, and its serviceability in a variety of non-commercial contexts. Topics covered include contract formation, the doctrine of consideration, remedies for breach of contracts, modification of contract rights resulting from such factors as fraud, mistake and unforeseen circumstances, and the modern adaptation of contract law to consumer problems. This course also introduces students to the analysis of a complex statute: the Uniform Commercial Code.
In this course, students are introduced to the fundamental principles that guide the development, interpretation and analysis of the law of crimes. They are also exposed to the statutory texts—primarily the Model Penal Code, but also state statutes. In addition, students are introduced to the rules and principles used to apportion blame and responsibility in the criminal justice system. Finally, students examine the limits and potential of law as an instrument of social control.
This course covers the major doctrines in American property law, including trespass, servitudes, estates in land and future interests, landlord-tenant relationships, nuisance, and takings. Students are introduced to rules, policies, and current controversies.
This course introduces students to theories of liability and the primary doctrines limiting liability, which are studied both doctrinally and in historical and social context. The course includes a brief consideration of civil remedies for intentional harms, but mainly focuses on the problem of accidental injury to persons and property. It also provides an introductory look at alternative systems for controlling risk and allocating the cost of accidents in advanced industrial societies.
Legal Skills in Social Context: Foundations of Social Justice Project
Introduces concepts of social justice lawyering, including critical theories of law, project management, and teamwork. Develops students’ ability to think critically about the historical context of law, the impact of law on vulnerable communities, and the role of law and lawyers in advancing justice. Students use their legal research and writing skills in a social justice context by working in teams on a year-long project with a community-based or other public interest organization addressing an issue of social justice concern. Provides a foundational understanding of the project’s social and historical context as well as the fundamentals of teamwork.
Legal Skills in Social Context: Social Justice Project
Examines how to use law to assist underrepresented populations and furthers students’ development of legal skills. Drawing on their understanding of social and historical context and their legal research, writing, and project management skills, students create deliverables for a partner organization’s use. Offers students an opportunity to further develop digital presentation and oral communication skills through a multi-media presentation. Prerequisite(s): LAW 6160 with a minimum grade of CR or LAW 6160 with a minimum grade of CR
Legal Skills in Social Context: Foundations of Legal Research and Writing.
Offers students an opportunity to further hone their legal skills in other contexts, including persuasive advocacy and client counseling. Students research and draft documents to various audiences, including clients and courts, and participate in oral argument.Requires students to continue to develop previously acquired research, writing, and analytical skills in order to address more complex legal issues. Prerequisite(s): LAW 6165 with a minimum grade of CR or LAW 6165 with a minimum grade of CR
Legal Skills in Social Context: Legal Research and Writing
Offers students an opportunity to further hone their legal skills in other contexts, including persuasive advocacy and client counseling. Students research and draft documents to various audiences, including clients and courts, and participate in oral argument.Requires students to continue to develop previously acquired research, writing, and analytical skills in order to address more complex legal issues. Prerequisite(s): LAW 6165 with a minimum grade of CR or LAW 6165 with a minimum grade of CR
