Academics

Course Descriptions

Required Basic-Level Courses

Students must complete all required basic-level courses before enrolling in other courses. When necessary to maintain part-time or full-time status, students may enroll in other courses during the same semester in which they will complete all basic-level courses. Before taking Part II of a two-part basic-level course, students must complete Part I successfully. Some elective courses have prerequisites other than basic-level courses. These are indicated in the description of the course.

Civil Procedure I and II (3-3 or 4-2 cr.) DN707-DN708 introduces students to jurisdiction and venue in state and federal courts; rules governing civil litigation, judgment, and review.

Constitutional Law (4 cr.) DN620 introduces students to the U.S. Constitution. Principal aspects of judicial review, separation of powers, federalism, equality, and fundamental rights will be considered. Part-time evening division students must enroll during their second year. Full-time day division students must enroll during their first year.

Contracts and Sales I and II (3-3 or 4-2 cr.) DN512-DN513 introduces students to exchange relationships in contemporary American society, with some emphasis on classic contract doctrine and introduction to the Uniform Commercial Code.

Criminal Law (3 cr.) DN533 introduces students to basic principles underlying the substantive law of crimes, with special focus on definition of specific offenses and defenses.

Legal Analysis, Research and Communication I, II and III (2 cr. each) DN520-DN521-DN530 introduce students to sources of law, the nature of precedent, legal research, common law and statutory analysis, objective and persuasive legal writing, appellate advocacy, and the drafting of legal documents.

Property (4 cr.) DN509 introduces students to possession and ownership, estates in land, co-tenancies, landlord-tenant relationships, non-possessory interests in land, land purchase and sale transactions, and land title issues.

Torts (4 cr.) DN541 introduces students to actions for intentional and unintentional interference with protectable interests. Strict liability and its extensions, alternatives to the torts compensation system, and the impact of insurance and legislation on the common law of torts are also considered.

Additional Courses Required for Graduation

Advanced Research and Writing Requirement (0 cr.)
Each student is required to write a substantial research paper under faculty supervision. This requirement, which must be satisfied prior to graduation and after completion of the basic-level required courses, can be met in several ways: in connection with courses, seminars, law review, or independently. For details on how to satisfy the requirement, consult the current Student Handbook or the Office of the Recorder.

Professional Responsibility (2 or 3 cr.) DN861
covers the history, traditions, and responsibilities of the legal profession as well as ethics of office practice and trial practice, admission, disbarment, and disciplinary proceedings. The number of credit hours will be announced when the course is scheduled.