Course Descriptions

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Spring 2017 Class Descriptions: Electives

Advanced Corporate Tax Problems (LWTE508)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Prerequisite(s): Corporate Tax

A series of planning and structural problems involving advanced issues in corporate taxation will be discussed. The topics to be covered include advanced corporate asset disposition and distribution problems; redemptions; stock transfers and dividends; collapsible corporations; accumulated earnings tax; personal holding companies and S corporations. Prerequisite: Corporate Tax. This class meets for 10 sessions TBA. 

 

Advanced Legal Writing (LWGC505)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills OR Writing
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMG)

Advanced Legal Writing is a one-unit course specifically designed to help students strengthen their fundamental legal writing skills. The class will help students master the skills needed to be a good legal writer, including :Selecting active and powerful word choices; Constructing paragraphs; Using proper grammar and punctuation; Creating a strong micro and macro legal structure; Developing thesis and conclusion sentences; Issue spotting; Extracting, formulating, and synthesizing rules of law; Crafting explicit factual comparisons; and Revising, editing and perfecting their work product. The class will also include workshops on “The Secrets of Successful Legal Writing Students” and “How to Ace Your Final & Bar Exam Essays.” Students will learn through lecture, in-class exercises, outside-class exercises, workshops, one-on-one TA and Professor sessions and practice. The class requires no outside research. It will be graded Honors, Pass, Low Pass and Fail. Students may only enroll in two of the following during their law school career: Advanced Legal Writing OR LWR III: Lit & Judicial Drafting OR LWR III: Legal Writing OR Legal Drafting. Students desiring to add the second class in this series must receive a signature on their add/drop form from the Office for Law Student Affairs, and provide the form to the Registrar office (that is, students cannot add the second class themselves online.)

Note: This course may fulfill either the Professional Skills OR Upper Division Writing requirement. Students will be asked in class at the beginning of the semester to elect which requirement they would like this course to fulfill. The student's election is final.

Advanced Pass-Thru Taxation (LWTE556)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Recommended Class(es): Corporate Tax

The use of tax pass-through entities has become widespread and powerful both in the U.S. and internationally. The purpose of the course is to understand the rules that apply to S corporations, partnerships, REITs and other pass-through entities and how those entities are used, both domestically and internationally. The course will also consider the tax policy issues that pass-through entities raise. The questions are both broad (e.g., Why do we have so many pass-through entities? Why do the rules for each differ? What are the issues for different classes of investors? Is simplification possible?) and narrow (e.g., How is entity-level tax eliminated in the case of a REIT or a RIC? In the case of a REMIC? In the case of an S corporation?) This class meets from January 9, 2017 to February 8, 2017. In addition to class participation, there will be 2 hour open book exam on February 17, 2017.

 

Advanced Trial Advocacy (LWLP515)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG)
Prerequisite(s): Trial Advocacy, Evidence

A course combining one hour per week of demonstrations and lecture with a two hour per week workshop involving critique of individual student performances in a number of the more difficult areas of trial practice. Students are videotaped during certain skills over the semester with feedback from instructors and practitioners. In addition to the weekly skills sessions, students perform at least one bench trial and one jury trial. The class will also address and consider the use of trial presentation technology at trial, and the intricacies of examining experts and children. There will be minor written requirements related to the skill of the week. This is an intensive course designed to focus on individual presentation skills. Prerequisites: Trial Advocacy and Evidence. Enrollment is limited. Students are graded by the standard letter grading system.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (LWLP517)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

This course will offer students an experiential approach to learning the skills required by lawyers representing clients in two primary alternatives to trial for resolving disputes between parties: mediation and arbitration. The teaching method combines classroom roleplay simulations complemented by text readings (law and theory), video demonstrations and practice skills The first part of the course will focus on mediation advocacy. Students will engage in weekly role-play exercises and have the opportunity to negotiate, mediate, represent clients, be clients, and act as a mediator. The second part of the course will focus on U.S. arbitration law, utilizing practical exercises in client counseling, drafting and negotiating an arbitration agreement, and preparing papers and arguing motion to compel employment arbitration.

Antitrust (LWBC503)

Instructor(s): David McGowan

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Intellectual Property (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

Antitrust law governs the way companies compete with each other. It aims to promote competition by prohibiting anticompetitive conduct. Antitrust is a foundational course for students interested in business law. This course studies the primary federal laws, the Sherman Act and Clayton Act, and teaches principles relevant to state antitrust law as well. The course covers economic concepts but is not a class in economics as such. A midterm and final exam will be given.

Note: There are limitations on Intellectual Property (JD) concentration eligibility. Please check the Intellectual Property Concentration web page for more information.
Additional Information: Intellectual Property Concentration (JD)

Art Law (LWIP505)

Instructor(s): Herbert Lazerow

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), International Law (JD), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

Some legal problems of the art world encountered by artists, art middlemen, and museums. Some of the following topics will be considered: art in wartime, the international art trade, the artist's rights in works, artistic freedom, the collector's security, the tax collector, and the museum as trustee and entrepreneur. This course draws from doctrines in many fields, including contracts, property, torts, constitutional law, administrative law, tax, intellectual property, and international law.

Note: There are limitations on Intellectual Property (JD) concentration eligibility. Please check the Intellectual Property Concentration web page for more information.
Additional Information: Intellectual Property Concentration (JD)

Bus Transactions in Emerging Markets (LWBC512)

Instructor(s): Frederick Heller

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), International Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS)
Recommended Class(es): International Business Transactions , International Trade & Investment

International lawyers face difficult challenges when their clients transact business in emerging markets. While local legal systems—including the courts and regulators—pose a range of distinct problems, problems also frequently arise outside of the legal systems—from the political, economic, financial and cultural dynamics of the emerging markets. Students will first explore the attributes that define emerging markets and how they differ from developed markets. Using what they learn about emerging markets, students will identify challenges that impact a business transaction in an emerging market. Students will then study illustrative real-life emerging market transactions, including legal documents, and propose ways to meet emerging market challenges through provisions in legal documents and other means. The goal of the course is to provide students with the tools to assist clients in emerging market business transactions.

Bus Transactions in the People's Republic of China (LWBC546)

Instructor(s): Ralph Folsom

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), International Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

This course focuses on inbound and outbound sales, licensing and foreign investment transactions related to the PRC, including negotiations, regulations,dispute settlement and the law, legal system and politics of the PRC and Hong Kong SAR. A research paper suitable for the Law School's writing requirement is mandatory.

California Civil Procedure (LWLP520)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

This course is designed for upperclass law students who intend to practice law in California and therefore may wish to learn more about California civil procedure. The course will focus on the important caselaw doctrines, statutory rules, and policies which define civil litigation in the California courts with particular attention to those areas of California civil procedure that are unique when compared to federal and to other states' procedural laws. The topics covered will include considerations before undertaking representation; statutes of limitations and related doctrines; California conflicts of law doctrine; jurisdiction, venue, forum non conveniens, and service of process; prejudgment attachment and other provisional remedies; claim and issue preclusion; pleadings and motions; joinder of parties and claims, new party cross-complaints, equitable indemnity, and good faith settlements; the California Civil Discovery Act; summary judgments, default judgments, involuntary dismissals for failure to prosecute, the “fast track” system, and judicial and contractual arbitration; right to jury trial, trial procedures, and post-trial motions; judgments, enforcement of judgments, and setting aside judgments; and appeals, extraordinary appellate writs, and administrative mandamus. The course will also provide students with a brief summary of the federal or general position on each major topic covered as a basis of comparison and as a review of basic civil procedure. Third year full-time and fourth year part-time students have registration priority for this class.

California Criminal Litigation Skills (LWCR505)

Instructor(s): Jean Ramirez

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG)
Prerequisite(s): Criminal Law, Legal Writing & Research

If you are considering a career as a prosecutor or criminal defense attorney, or plan to intern at a prosecution or criminal defense agency, this is the course for you. This course focuses on the knowledge and skills required to litigate criminal cases in the California trial courts. The class tracks a criminal case from arrest through sentencing, but not trial, providing students with an overview of the process. Students draft practice-related documents, participate in courtroom simulations, learn fact management and development, and participate in discussions on relevant topics.

Note: Students that have taken Criminal Clinic are not eligible to enroll in this class.

California Torts (LWLP522)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Prerequisite(s): Torts

California Torts focuses on the unique body of doctrines, policies, and jurisprudential perspectives that make up California personal injury law. For the past half century the California Supreme Court has been the most influential state supreme court in the nation. Indeed, six of the seven “most followed” state supreme court decisions rendered since 1966 are tort decision of the California Supreme Court. Roughly speaking, there have been three generations of California tort law—and today’s tort law is an amalgam of the three. Beginning in the 1960s, the avowedly lawmaking court of the “Traynor era,” rewrote much of the fault-based, liability-limiting body of traditional tort doctrine, thereby establishing the doctrine of strict products liability and abolishing or limiting an array of no-duty rules and defenses that had shielded negligent defendants from liability. Beginning in the mid-1980s, however, the court—by then dominated by Republican appointees, but remaining a policy oriented lawmaking court—has created a third generation of decisions which have “refined,” or limited, the doctrines put in place by its liberal predecessor. First year torts courses inevitably obscure the unique character of California tort law—taken as a body of connected doctrines, policies, and jurisprudential perspectives. The forest, so to speak, is not seen and even “California trees” are often not in clear focus. The goal of this course is to enable students to understand the forest, see clearly—and understand—the individual trees, and to be able to anticipate new growths. This course will also serve as a review of material that will be tested on Bar examinations. 

Civil Rights Law & History (LWPP519)

Instructor(s): Gail Heriot

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course will explore the legal history of civil rights from the 19th century to the present and will also cover civil rights issues that confront federal and state policymakers today, including human trafficking, hate crimes and same-sex marriage. Among the questions that will be explored will be, “What are ‘civil rights’ and how has the meaning of that term changed over time?” The Reconstruction amendments to the Constitution will be discussed with special emphasis on the Thirteenth Amendment, given that its sesquicentennial is coming up in 2015. Legislation like the New York Married Women’s Property Act of 1848, the Mississippi Black Code, the Reconstruction civil rights acts, the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as failed efforts like the proposed Equal Rights Amendment will also be explored. Some non-legal historical reading will also be included. This course is aimed at enhancing student understanding of how foundational concepts such as "civil rights" endure and as well as evolve over time and are translated into constitutional and statutory texts, legal institutions and public policy. This course is open only to students enrolled in the Washington, D.C. Externship Program. This class begins on January 25, 2017 and ends on April 19, 2017.  The final exam will be held on April 24, 2017.

Community Property (LWTE544)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

In this course the non-tax aspects of estate planning are integrated, combining wills, trusts, future interests, and community property. Methods of family wealth transfer in both community property and non-community property jurisdictions are considered, including: inter vivos gifts, wills, trusts, intestate succession and will substitutes. Fiduciary administration; class gifts; powers of appointment; the rule against perpetuities; charitable trusts; classification, control and management of community property; and the distribution of property on dissolution of the community are studied.

Comparative Con Law (LWIC515)

Instructor(s): Laurence Claus

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI)

This course considers how sophisticated political systems limit and channel the exercise of governmental power. We do this primarily by taking the great issues of American constitutional law and asking how those issues are treated elsewhere. The course is open to all upper-class students, and may be taken concurrent with Constitutional Law. A research paper is required.

Complex Litigation (LWLP523)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)
Prerequisite(s): Civil Procedure

This course offers in-depth instruction in how class actions and other aggregate party lawsuits are litigated in federal courts, taught by a trial lawyer with more than 30 years experience litigating class actions. The course covers the case law and practice skills involved in litigating cases under Rule 23, with special focus on several important substantive areas of class action practice – consumer, securities fraud, employment discrimination, and mass tort. 

Constitutional Law II (LWPP525)

Instructor(s): Miranda McGowan, Lawrence Alexander

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Prerequisite(s): Constitutional Law I

This courses covers the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection and due process clauses. Specific topics include race discrimination (including school desegregation and affirmative action), gender discrimination, discrimination against gays and lesbians, voting rights, privacy (including abortion, sexual freedom, and the right to die), and property. A final exam is required. (Prof. McGowan's class will home a take-home exam)

Contract Drafting (LWGC563)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Skills OR Writing
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

Transactional drafting is crucial to the legal profession. It refers to the process of creating documents to formalize agreements between parties. This course trains students to be able to use the process comfortably. You will learn to structure agreements, and express them in clear and concise language that will benefit clients and maximize the likelihood of favorable interpretation. The course emphasizes both cooperative and individual drafting work. Each week in class, you will focus on selected components of the drafting process, and prepare a document or exercise requiring you to practice what you learn. You will receive immediate feedback on that day’s drafting activity, and written comments on individual weekly homework assignments. Visits by attorneys who draft contracts in their practice will provide a view of how the legal profession depends on this skill. This class will use various types of contracts that touch on various areas of substantive law: contracts for the sale of goods, business or property (contract law, commercial transactions); residential and commercial leases (landlord-tenant and real estate law); settlement agreements (torts); employment, non-disclosure and non-compete agreements (employment law); retainer agreements (legal ethics); intellectual property rights (intellectual property); corporate acquisitions (corporations, securities law); entertainment contracts (entertainment law); vendors’ contracts (sports law). Grades are based on the scores on individual weekly assignments. Students may only enroll in two of the following during their law school career: Advanced Legal Writing OR LWR III: Lit & Judicial Drafting OR LWR III: Legal Writing OR Legal Drafting. Students desiring to add the second class in this series must receive a signature on their add/drop form from the Office for JD Student Affairs, and provide the form to the Registrar office (that is, students cannot add the second class themselves online.)

Note: This course may fulfill either the Professional Skills OR Upper Division Writing requirement. Students will be asked in class at the beginning of the semester to elect which requirement they would like this course to fulfill. The student's election is final.

Controlled Substances (LWGC518)

Instructor(s): Donald Dripps

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

This course examines the criminal law’s treatment of recreational drug use and the policy controversies attending the law. The course should be of special interest to students interested in taking up criminal practice, whether as prosecutors or defenders, but should also appeal to students interested in our criminal justice system generally. Specific topics covered will include the Nature of Intoxicants, the Development of Legal Prohibitions, and Continuing Debate over Legalization; The War on Drugs, Mass Incarceration, and Questions of Equal Justice; Possession versus Distribution; Manufacture and Conspiracy Offenses; Mens Rea in Drug Crimes; Drug Testing at Work and School; Sentencing under the Guidelines; Criminal Procedure--Informants and Wiretaps; Criminal Procedure—Search and Seizure, with special emphasis on suppression hearing practice; The Controlled Substances Act and the FDCA; Medical Marijuana; and International Aspects of Drug Control.

Copyright Law (LWIP525)

Instructor(s): Abraham Bell

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

This course surveys the law relating to rights in expressive works. We will study what copyright covers – such as books, movies, musical recordings, and software – and distinguish copyright from other forms of intellectual property, such as trademark and patent. We will focus on the exclusive rights granted in copyrightable works, rules governing the transfer of those rights, what acts infringe those rights, what remedies the law provides for infringement, and what limitations the law places on those rights, such as the fair use doctrine. We will discuss some topics of current interest, such as the rules governing the copying and distribution of music over peer-to-peer networks, digital rights management, and open-source software development. This class will have a take-home final exam.

Note: May be applied as part of the six required credits for the Intellectual Property Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Intellectual Property JD Concentration

Corporate Reorganization (LWTE510)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Corporate Tax

This course considers the tax treatment of corporations and shareholders in corporate acquisitive reorganizations, single corporation reorganizations and corporate divisions, including carryovers. Prerequisites: Corporate Tax.  This class will have a take-home final exam.

 

Corporate Tax (LWTE560)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

The course involves a study of the basic concepts of federal income taxation of C corporations and their shareholders, including organization of corporations; cash and stock dividends; redemptions of stock; partial and complete liquidations; sales of corporate businesses and reorganizations. Taxation of corporations is compared with taxation of partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations. The emphasis is on careful analysis of Code provisions, Treasury Regulations, other administrative materials and important judicial decisions in relation to problems that are frequently assigned in advance of class discussion. 

Note: This is a required course for the Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD).

Corporations (LWBC545)

Instructor(s): Thomas Smith

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

This course examines the structure and the rights and obligations of directors, officers, and shareholders mainly under state corporations law. Other topics include partnerships and limited liability entities. The course covers, among other subjects, the characteristics of the corporation as distinct from other forms of business association, the special problems of the closely-held corporations (a corporation owned by a few persons), the fiduciary obligations of directors and controlling shareholders in closely-held and public corporations, procedures for decision making by directors and shareholders, shareholder voting rights, and certain federal securities law subjects, such as insider trading.

Note: This is a required course for the Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD) and the LLM in Business & Corporate Law.

Criminal Procedure I (LWCR520)

Instructor(s): Kevin Cole

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

This course explores constitutional limitations upon the investigation of crime under the fourth, fifth, sixth and fourteenth amendments. Its focus is on the law governing searches, seizures, and police interrogation. Topics include the nature of a fourth amendment search; arrest and investigative detention; warrants and exceptions to the warrant requirement; confessions; and the application of the exclusionary rules.

Students are required to purchase an i>Clicker. The clicker responses are not part of the student’s grade, but the clickers will be used to give feedback and to ensure compliance with the attendance policy. The bookstore sells new and used i>Clickers and will repurchase clickers in good condition at the end of the semester. You may also purchase them from other sites. Every version, including the early, “text only” model, will suffice.

Note: This is a required course for the Criminal Litigation Concentration (JD).

Criminal Procedure II (LWCR525)

Instructor(s): Knut Johnson

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Criminal Procedure I

In this advanced criminal procedure class, students will continue the study commenced in Criminal Procedure I, focusing on the processing of a criminal defendant through the criminal justice system. The course will address a number of issues regularly presented in criminal cases, including the charging process, the right to a speedy trial, criminal discovery and disclosure, the right to jury trial, the right to effective assistance of counsel, the right to confrontation and the exercise of the privilege against self incrimination at trial. In addition the course will include discussions of the principles of the right against double jeopardy, and post conviction remedies such as direct appeal and petitions for habeas corpus. The purpose of the course is to develop an understanding of the basic structure of the criminal process in a federal system of government as well as the basic principles underlying the constitutional and procedural protections of the criminal justice system.

Note: This is a required course for the Criminal Litigation Concentration (JD).

Deals (LWBC550)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Corporations

This course will focus on the role of lawyers in a variety of corporate transactions. It is designed for students interested in practicing corporate or securities law or in careers in business. Among the types of deals typically covered are compensation agreements, venture capital financing, initial public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions. The course also typically covers certain specialized deals, which in the past have included securitizations, international trade financing, spinoffs, tracking stock, and director/officer insurance. Students will complete one or more individual assignments, which will involve the creation and editing of documents related to one or more deals on a real-time basis. Depending on the number of students enrolled, students also might form teams to write papers and give presentations on a particular deal. Corporations is a prerequisite.

Employment Discrimination (LWPP535)

Instructor(s): Miranda McGowan

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

This general survey course of employment discrimination laws will focus on primarily the federal anti-discrimination laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, sexual orientation. (We will also discuss the California Fair Employment and Housing Act's protections when they diverge from federal law. The Americans with Disabilities Act will not be a primary area of study.) This course gives students an opportunity to think about the meaning and practice of discrimination, to analyze various anti-discrimination approaches, and to learn to think creatively and flexibly when working on problems within this complex, evolving field of law. Students will learn to strategize about bringing and defending employment discrimination suits and, perhaps even more importantly, about helping clients develop policies and practices that foster discrimination-free workplaces and resolve workplace issues before they develop into lawsuits.

Employment Law & Technology (LWPP539)

Instructor(s): Richard Paul, Orly Lobel

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

This course will examine the application of free expression, privacy, harassment, defamation and related workplace doctrines to issues created by the proliferation of communications and related technology devices. The course will open with a discussion of some of the technologies, their typical ownership and function, and of the areas of potential concern surveyed in several articles published by the instructor on these topics. The first third of the course will review employer and employee rights and duties in the clash between employer interests in efficiency and information security with employee rights of speech, privacy and the like. The second third of the course will examine the application of these ideas to different stages of the employment relationship (i.e., pre-hire, testing, selection, monitoring, discipline, etc.). We will consider current issues raised by specific electronic technologies (e.g., computer search technologies, PDAs, SNS, text and image messaging, blogspeak, GPS); medical technologies (e.g., security implants, employee genetic testing and coding); workplace configurations (e.g., remote employment); rights of ownership; and special work environments in which information free flow is either vital or restricted (e.g., public sector, healthcare, defense, higher education). The final part of the course will be reserved for presentation and discussion of student papers on topics within the general course parameters.

Note: This course may be applied as part of the nine required credits for the Employment and Labor Law Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Employment and Labor Law Concentration

Environmental Law (LWEV520)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)

This survey course addresses the principles that govern environmental law, including the respective roles of the courts, state and federal agencies, and citizen groups. Federal environmental statues covered include: The National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clear Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund). The course will also introduce California state environmental law through the California Environmental Quality Act and the Public Trust Doctrine.

Note: This is a required course for the Environmental & Energy Law (JD) concentration.
Additional Information: Environmental & Energy Law Concentration (JD)

Ethics, Law & Int'l Affairs (LWJT515)

Instructor(s): Horacio Spector

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

Contemporary public policy and legal debates in both the domestic and international arenas involve an intricate network of moral, political, and legal considerations. The course’s goal is to throw light on the relations among these three fundamental realms: ethics, politics, and law. After a general introduction, we will proceed to discuss the following topics: conceptions of liberty and equality, democracy and public deliberation, human rights, conflicts of rights, corporate responsibility for human rights violations, and the rule of law. Our attention will be focused on cross-boundary issues: Is democracy more important than the rule of law? Does economic equality threaten liberty? Are welfare and social rights compatible with civil liberties in populist democracies? In the last part of the seminar, we will deal with complex global issues: wars and military interventions, terrorism, and global justice. Can military force be used to protect human rights? Should rich nations transfer money to poor countries? Should pharmaceutical patents be enforced in the undeveloped world? Are there immigration rights? Is there a global community? Each student will be required to write a research paper of 20 pages in length. Successful completion of this course satisfies the written-work requirement.

Evidence (LWLP529)

Instructor(s): Donald Dripps, Jean Ramirez

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

The rules of evidence in judicial tribunals, focusing on the Federal Rules of Evidence and the California Evidence Code are addressed in this course. Also covered are issues relating to: (1) judicial control and administration - functions of judge and jury, judicial notice, burden of proof presumptions, problems of relevancy, circumstantial evidence, and unfair prejudice; and (2) witnesses - competency, privileges, principles of examination and cross-examination, impeachment and support, expert and lay opinion testimony. The hearsay rule and its exceptions, rules relating to writings, real and scientific evidence are also examined. 

 

Note: This is a required course for the Civil Litigation (JD) and Criminal Litigation (JD) concentrations.

Evidence Advocacy Lab (LWLP530)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Evidence

This course is designed to familiarize students with the practical application of evidentiary points addressed in the traditional evidence course. Students focus on one or two evidentiary issues each week using a problem format. Each area of evidence is taught through performance. Each student is assigned as a proponent, opponent, witness and judge and is responsible for performing that role in class each week, and for submitting a short memo identifying the evidentiary issue and presenting the best approach to offering or opposing the evidence in court. The roles rotate each week. There is a new problem assigned each week. By the end of the semester, each student should be comfortably able to determine what it is he or she wished to accomplish in a courtroom with respect to specific evidentiary questions, and be able to structure the most logical, persuasive and trouble-free means to that end. The course is graded on a 4-tier Pass/Fail basis.

Family Law (LWFC540)

Instructor(s): Michael Kelly

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD)

This open-enrollment course surveys the constitutional and legislative doctrine and the adjudication frameworks related to traditional family-law topics: marriage and divorce; marital property regimes; parent and child, including child custody, termination of parental rights, and adoption; family support rights; and rights of children. The course will be organized generally in relation to the California Family Code.

Note: This is a required course for the Children's Rights Concentration (JD).

Federal Courts (LWPP545)

Instructor(s): Steven Smith

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Public Interest Law (JD)

This course is best described as advanced constitutional law focusing on the power of the federal courts, particularly with respect to the states and the other branches of the federal government. It is essential for anyone planning to clerk for a federal judge, or to perform public interest work in a variety of areas involving constitutional claims or governmental litigants. In practical terms, the materials concern who may bring suit in federal court, against whom, and under what circumstances. Specific topics include interpretation of Article III, justiciability (including standing and the "political question" doctrine), congressional power over the jurisdiction of the federal courts (including the extent to which civil rights suits and "enemy combatants" may be excluded from federal court), the immunities from suit enjoyed by state governments and public officials (such as police officers), and habeas corpus. Those interested may peruse Hart & Wechsler's The Federal Courts and the Federal System for a further indication of course content. Prior completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Constitutional Law II is very strongly advised. The course materials assume a working knowledge of due process, equal protection, and state actor doctrine.

Federal Crimes (LWCR535)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (MSLS)

This course will focus on the unique characteristics of Federal Criminal law. Attention will be paid to the jurisdiction of the Federal Government over criminal law as well as the individual statutes that are employed by Federal prosecutors in prosecuting a wide range of offenses. Federal prosecutions will be considered from the investigative stage, including the use of the grand jury, through the charging, plea-bargaining, trial, sentencing and appellate stages. Special consideration will be given to the increasing role of the Federal Government in prosecuting state and local corruption. This course will be especially beneficial for those students considering a career in criminal law as either prosecutors or criminal defense lawyers.

Federal Tax Clinic II (LWVL556)

Instructor(s): Richard Carpenter

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)

Clinic II interns refine their skills, working on complex cases and cases already begun as Clinic I interns. Students may mentor first time clinic participants, serve as lead attorney on cases, and have additional opportunities to appear in court or administrative proceedings. Supervising attorneys/adjunct professors provide individualized coaching, based on the Clinic II interns’ needs and interests. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clinic I in the same clinic.

Fundamentals of Bar Exam Writing (LWGC520)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded

The course covers the fundamentals of bar exam essay writing and performance test writing. The first class is an introduction to bar exam components and topics. The next several classes focus on the details of essay exam writing and performance test drafting. Students will receive substantial feedback on their written work, and participate in small group sessions, self and peer review, and professor-student conferencing. Grading is on the H/P/L/F scale. Students may be withdrawn from the course and/or given a failing grade for missing more than one class, failing to turn in any written assignments on time, or failing to complete any practice examination. 3L & 4P students only.

Health Law & Policy (LWGC523)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Health Law (JD)

Health Law and Policy is a new 3-unit course designed to introduce students to basic principles of health care law. The class will discuss legal principles surrounding the professional-patient relationship; informed consent; liability of health care professional; liability of health care institutions; quality control regulation of physicians and health care institutions; access to health care; the privacy rights of patients and the ability of government to regulate patient health care choices. The goals of the course are for students to understand the role of the legal system in health policy and health care delivery; the application of basic tort, contract and corporate law principles in the health care environment; and to gain a practical understanding of the interaction between the health system and the legal system. The course will be taught in a lecture-seminar approach. Outside speakers from major health institutions will participate. Course materials will be based on the text Health Law - Cases, Materials and Problems, Seventh Edition, Barry R. Furrow. 

Note: This is a required course for the Health Law Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Health Law Concentration

Health Law & Reproduction (LWGC536)

Instructor(s): Dov Fox

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Health Law (JD)

Millions of children each year are born using reproductive technologies. The emergence of new, technologically advanced ways to have children has raised new questions in tax, torts, contract, inheritance, immigration, family, constitutional, and especially health law. This course considers the cases, statutes, and policies that explore these issues. We will cover topics including sperm donation, egg freezing, gamete selling, embryo disputes, prenatal torts, surrogacy contracts, fertility tourism, and posthumous conception. No background in science or medicine is required. The course grade will be based on a final exam.

Honors Moot Court Competition (LWWI559)

Instructor(s): Michael Devitt

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine their written and oral advocacy skills by providing instruction in both the appellate process and the proper techniques involved in brief writing and oral argument. This course will focus upon an appellate case and will include discussions with leading scholars in the law, judges, and/or practicing attorneys. The Paul A. McLennon, Sr. Honors Moot Court Competition will consist of several rounds of competition, culminating in the Final Round competition held before a distinguished panel of judges. Participants in this competition will meet their course obligations by completing a satisfactory moot court brief of required length and form, conducting oral arguments on the selected problem, and attending four mandatory classes.

Human Rights Advocacy (LWIC527)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

In the brief span of 60 years, human rights advocates have taken a marginal utopian ideal, and transformed it into a critical component of global discourse, even if dilemmas in practice and gaps in enforcement remain conspicuous. This course examines the actors and organizations behind this remarkable development as well as the vast challenges faced by advocates today. Topics of study will cover the ethical and strategic dilemmas faced by of modern-day human rights advocates; techniques and strategies central to human rights practice, including fact-finding, interviewing, monitoring, litigation, report writing, and media work; and the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in transnational legal and policy processes. This course will also examine debates about the ways in which modern human rights advocates are attempting to stretch the discourse to apply it in new contexts, including attempts to link human rights to the environment, corruption, natural resource extraction, and development. The course will contain a substantial critical and academic component, but will also seek to engage students in “real-world” skill building exercises like press release writing, media interviews, and qualitative interviews with victims of and witnesses to human rights violations. Grades will be based on a variety of practice-oriented assessments, both written and oral: drafting a press release, drafting an op-ed, drafting a strategy and planning memo, and delivering a group oral presentation.

Human Trafficking (LWCR538)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

Increased globalization and the internet have brought instances of human trafficking and child exploitation to unprecedented levels. As a result, the criminal justice system stands at a historic crossroad. We will review and discuss the various Title 18 crimes associated with human trafficking and child exploitation, accompanied by the relevant case law. We will also review the various methods of proof used by prosecutors to combat these crimes. This course will involve a written exam at the end of the semester designed to evaluate the student's understanding of the law and the challenges that are encountered during the investigation and prosecution of a human trafficking case.

Immigration Law (LWIC529)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

This is a general survey course on the topic of U.S. immigration and nationality law. This class will introduce substantive immigration law and procedure, core immigration statutes and federal regulations, and interrelationship of federal agencies that affect U.S. immigration law and policy. Depending on availability, guest speakers may be invited to give a practical understanding of immigration law and policy.
Prerequisites: none. Grades will be based on a proctored final examination.

In-House Corporate Counseling (LWBC567)

Instructor(s): Stephen Ferruolo

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS)

In-house lawyers practice in the law departments of for-profit business entities, non-profits, and in government at the federal, state, and local levels. (It is estimated that 20 to 30% of all lawyers will practice in-house at some time in their careers.) This course will be conducted by Dean Stephen C. Ferruolo with experienced corporate counsel from San Diego based corporations. Topics to be addressed include: The Roles of the In-house lawyer; Professional Responsibility Issues for In-house Lawyers; Practicing Preventive Law; Corporate Business Ethics Programs; Compliance Programs and Internal Investigations; Corporate Governance Best Practices; Risk Management and Crisis Management; Why and How to Teach Your Clients Contracts 101; Litigation Outside Counsel Management; Trade Secrets and Intellectual Property; International Operations and Transactions; Counseling the Public Company Board and Officers, Shareholder Meetings, and Compliance with Federal and State Securities Laws. The class will also discuss what In-House lawyers should know about labor and employment law, and accounting and finance.

Income Tax of Trusts & Estates (LWTE536)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I, Trusts & Estates
Recommended Class(es): Federal Estate & Gift Taxation

The federal income taxation of trusts, estates, and their beneficiaries; distributable net income; distribution deductions for simple and complex trusts and estates; grantor trusts; income in respect of a decedent; and throwback rules. 

 

Int'l Estate Planning (LWTE538)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

The course will address U.S. federal taxation issues (both income and transfer taxes) for multi-national families in this modern day of global living, investment and travel. A detailed review of the income tax rules under Subchapter J and the transfer tax rules for persons who are not U.S. persons will be addressed. Additionally, strategic planning considerations will address pre-immigration and emigration taxation and estate/wealth planning. Grades will be based on quizzes, take home assignments/projects and a final exam.

Intellectual Property Research (LWGC526)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

This course focuses on legal research materials and techniques used in the practice of intellectual property law. Course will cover the use of basic primary sources such as the U.S. Constitution, statutes, and cases, as well as research tools and techniques unique to IP, including patent and trademark searching, the activities and publications of the Copyright Office and Patent and Trademark. Research tools and sources are compared and contrasted to help students learn economical and efficient research skills necessary to be a successful IP lawyer, including both litigation and transactional tools. Weekly exercises will allow students to track their progress in gaining mastery of the materials. The final grade will be based on class participation, weekly exercises, and a final project.

International Business Transactions (LWIC533)

Instructor(s): Ralph Folsom

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), International Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS)

This is an introductory course on international business law. The course book employed is problem-oriented, focusing student attention on practical problem solving. The course coverage is global, and may include problems related to international sales transactions, letters of credit, customs, import and export trade law, technology transfers across borders, foreign investment law, and international business dispute settlement. Grading is by final exam. 

 

Note: This is a required course for the International Law Concentration (JD).

International Civil Litigation (LWIC536)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), International Law (MSLS)

International Civil Litigation will deal with a variety of issues which arise in international litigation in courts of the United States. Likely to be included are Judicial jurisdiction; service of process abroad; forum selection; taking evidence abroad; Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976; subject matter and legislative jurisdiction; the Act of State Doctrine; recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments; and international arbitration.

International Energy Regulation (LWIC542)

Instructor(s): Nilmini Silva-Send

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Environmental and Energy Law (JD), International Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS)

This 3 credit course on a contemporary global topic will introduce students to international legal principles (sovereignty, territoriality, no harm, compensation for expropriation, liability etc) and relevant treaties, especially the ECT, that govern the interaction between states, agreements/contracts and negotiations between states (public) and multinationals (private), and other legal issues facing the exploration, supply of and investment in energy resources. It will examine the role of major international organizations in the energy sector, such as OPEC, the OECD, the IEA, the UN, the EU as well as the role of NGOs. International energy disputes can be investment disputes most often resolved by arbitration as the preferred mode with ICSID the largest forum of choice. International energy disputes can also be environmental and human rights disputes, litigated in international courts and national courts. While using oil, natural gas and nuclear power as examples for the course, we will look toward the future and evaluate the international legal and policy issues facing the development and expansion of renewable energy, such as biofuels and solar power. This course will be examined by a research paper in place of a final examination. Successful completion of the paper will fulfill the writing requirements of the school of law.

International Human Rights (LWIC543)

Instructor(s): Dustin Sharp

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), International Law (MSLS)

In the brief span of 60 years, the idea of human rights has grown tremendously. What began as a marginal utopian discourse has today arguably become “the dominant moral narrative for thinking about world affairs.” At the same time, rights remain controversial and contested, and gaps in enforcement of human rights norms are conspicuous. This course examines the actors, organizations and ideas behind these developments, as well as the vast challenges we face today in attempting to enforce human rights norms globally. The course begins by examining the philosophical and political bases for the international human rights idea, probing the ongoing debate over universality, culture, and human rights. Aspart of this inquiry, we also examine the normative pillars of international human rights law. In the second part of the course, we will analyze various dimensions and challenges of human rights enforcement, including the main United Nations and regional human rights systems, prosecutions and transitional justice, the advocacy work of NGOs and human rights activists, and the new concept of the “responsibility to protect,” or R2P. In the final part of the semester, we will engage in a more in-depth examination of several distinct human rights issues, including torture and women’s rights. In all this, the course aims to provide students with knowledge of human rights at the level of intellectual theory and discourse, as well as a realm of concrete, “real world” action, controversy, and struggle. The final course grade will be based on a written paper, an oral presentation, and several short assignments. Please be advised that this course does not fulfill the law school’s written work requirement.  

This class starts on Tuesday, January 31, 2017.

International Legal Research (LWGC527)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

This course is designed to introduce students to basic concepts, sources, and specialized research tools used in foreign and international legal research. This course will include segments on researching international treaties, international courts and tribunals, United Nations documents, the European Union, as well as foreign legal systems.

There will be three research assignments and three CALI lessons assigned during the first six classes in the semester; they are due at the beginning of class. In addition, a final capstone project will require each student to research a foreign or international law topic (approved by the instructor) and present a written research plan and oral report to the class. 

International Redress for Human Injustice (LWIC553)

Instructor(s): Roy L. Brooks

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

Introduced into the law school curriculum in 1999, this seminar is based on the classic study of atrocities, When Sorry Isn’t Enough: The Controversy Over Apologies and Reparations for Human Injustice (1999), written by Professor Brooks. Today, the subject matter of this seminar is taught in various forms (e.g., small or large classes as well as seminars) under various titles (e.g., “Transitional Justice,” “Atrocities,” “Reparations”) in schools across the United States, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Commonwealth countries. Professor Brooks continues to teach the seminar at USD, and in recent years has added as one of its topics “modern slavery”(defined by international conventions and U.S. domestic law as “human exploitation over a period of time effectuated through coercion, fraud or trickery”) Yet, the main portion of the seminar, like all spinoffs of the seminar, continues to be on post-conflict justice. What does justice demand in the aftermath of atrocities like the Holocaust, Apartheid, and genocides in Armenia, Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and America? This question is framed by the international redress movement (consisting of scholars, activists, and government officials) in which Professor Brooks has played a key role. The focus of the movement is on claims from around the world that seek redress for human injustice under post-Holocaust conditions. Hence, in addition to studying the aftermath of modern slavery in Africa involving the “child soldiers” and in Thailand for sexual slaves liberated from bondage, the seminar studies issues of post-conflict justice involving Nazi persecution, Japan’s "comfort women" system, Apartheid in South Africa, and our own country’s internment of Japanese Americans (why was there no internment in Hawaii where many more Japanese Americans lived?), genocidal treatment of Native Americans, and enslavement of African Americans. We shall draw on legal and political analyses, government documents, personal testimonies, and historical narratives. The seminar meets one time each week. A paper is required. Successful completion of this course satisfies the written-work requirement.

International Sales (LWIC555)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), International Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS)

This course focuses on the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods (CISG), with comparisons to domestic law (the UCC in particular). Considerable time is devoted to the application of the CISG to problems that typically arise in international sales transactions. The course does not include an exam. Students instead prepare written memos that reflect the type of assignments they can expect in practice with a law firm.

Intro to US Law (LWGC530)

Instructor(s): Herbert Lazerow

2 credit(s), Letter Graded

Introduction to United States Law is a required course for Master of Comparative Law students. No other students may enroll. This course comparatively introduces distinctly American approaches to law, lawyering and legal processes. Special emphasis is placed on the common law tradition.

Note: This course is for LLMC students only.

Judicial Lawmaking (LWLP540)

Instructor(s): Edmund Ursin

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD)

Judicial Lawmaking examines the lawmaking role of courts. Do courts make law? If so, can this lawmaking by unelected judges be justified in our democratic system? And what if any constraints should be imposed on this undemocratic lawmaking? The focus is not on substantive law. However, in discussing the common law role of courts, examples will be drawn from tort law. Similarly, in the realm of constitutional law, major decisions (Brown v. Board of Education, Lochner v. New York, and Roe v. Wade) will be examined, and we will consider the influence of such decisions on attitudes toward judicial lawmaking generally. A primary focus is the conception of judicial lawmaking embraced—and expressly articulated—by the great judges who have shaped, and continue to shape, American law: Chief Judge Lemuel Shaw, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Justice Roger Traynor, and Judges Henry Friendly, and Richard Posner. The views of these judges are placed in the context of the law and legal scholarship (tort, constitutional, and jurisprudential) of their respective eras. The materials thus span the formative era of American law (the “Shaw era” 1830-1860), the seminal Lochner era, the “Traynor era,” and conclude by examining the contemporary tort scene and the recent jurisprudential writings of Judge Posner.  Successful completion of this course satisfies the written-work requirement.

Latin American Law & Institutions (LWIC559)

Instructor(s): Horacio Spector

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

Over the last decade Latin America has been one of the fastest growing regions in the world, with foreign demand and investments boosting an unprecedented pace of prosperity and social inclusion. Though growth has declined since the global crisis, Latin America’s huge potential is awaiting a new trend of rapid expansion. American lawyers have a key role to play in the development of business strategies in the region, but training alertness is advisable. In fact, common law education is not self-sufficient for understanding the subtleties of Latin American law, and many American corporations and investors face difficulties for lack of expert counseling concerning domestic legal risks and problems.

The general goal of the course is to allow students to start becoming bijural by training them to communicate well with Latin American peers. We plan to achieve this goal by training students in various areas of Latin American variety of Civil Law: the Civil Law tradition in Latin America, constitutional law, human rights in national and Inter-American law, agrarian reforms and Indian peoples’ rights, civil and commercial codes, civil law remedies, civil procedure, and business law. Besides practical and professional concerns, the course will also be a rewarding intellectual experience, as students will progressively understand that there are few universal legal truths and that legal reasonableness is to a great extent relative to culture and historical accident.

We will focus on Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Puerto Rico (unincorporated US territory), and other Latin American and Caribbean nations. We will not assume that students have a command of Spanish or Portuguese, though some idiomatic background is obviously advantageous. Each student will be required to write a research paper of 20 pages in length in English. Successful completion of this course satisfies the written-work requirement.

Legal Writing & Research, LLMC (LWGC560)

Instructor(s): Gail Greene

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded

This course, which is offered only to students in the LLM in Comparative Law program, focuses on providing students with: (1) a broad overview of the structure of the U.S. legal system; (2) techniques for successful research , writing and practice of law in the U.S. courts; (3) an introduction to the objective analytical skills that promote success in coursework and in the profession; (4) an introduction to persuasive writing techniques; and (5) techniques for success in class and examinations. The course has a very low student-faculty ratio and faculty carefully review each student’s research and writing assignments. Students are provided opportunities to meet with their professor and revise their written work.

Legislation (LWPP565)

Instructor(s): Mila Sohoni

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)

The course examines the increasingly important role of statutes in the American legal system. A substantial part of the course will discuss statutory interpretation - an essential tool for lawyers that is not sufficiently covered elsewhere in the curriculum. The course will also address various aspects of the legislative process, such as campaign finance, lobbying, initiatives and other forms of direct democracy, and term limits.

Legislation in the Modern State (LWPP549)

Instructor(s): Gail Heriot

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Public Interest Law (JD)

This intensive two-week course will be focused in part on how our governmental institutions are constructed to ensure that Congress and state legislatures pass, and that other branches of government implement legislation in a manner that is in the public interest. Attention will also be given to how Congress in particular drafts laws knowing those law will ultimately be implemented by others-whether the President, administrative agencies, private litigants, courts or some combination of these. Several case studies will be examined. Although this is not a course on legislation generally nor administrative procedure generally, it has some elements of each as well as elements of public choice theory. It will feature a final examination. This class will begin on Monday, January 3, 2017 and end on Friday, January 13, 2017. Class times will be 9:00am-12:00 noon Monday through Thursday plus one make-up class on a Friday from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The final exam will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 6:30pm. Students must attend all classes. Due to the intensive nature of the course, students will be expected to complete a significant amount of course readings before the class starts and there will be several interim quizzes throughout the two weeks. The quizzes will account for approximately 30% of the grade and the final exam for approximately 70%. The course will be graded on a letter grade scale. This course is open only to students enrolled in the Washington, D.C. Externship Program.

Mediation Skills (LWLP556)

Instructor(s): Lisa Maxwell

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD)

Mediation is a process by which a trained and impartial third party helps others resolve a dispute. Lawyers use mediation extensively, both as advocates and as neutrals. This course consists of a twenty-four hour basic mediation skills training. Participants will learn to mediate a variety of disputes, using the methodology developed by San Diego's National Conflict Resolution Center. They will receive a certificate of participation upon their successful completion of the training. Participants must commit to attending each of the 3 day training sessions (Friday 1:00-6:00 p.m.) & (Sat & Sunday 8:30-5:00 p.m.) as a condition of enrollment. The course is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.  

Note: There are limitations on concentration eligibility. Check the Civil Litigation Concentration (JD) and Employment and Labor Law Concentration (JD) web pages for more information.
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration, Employment and Labor Law Concentration

Medical Malpractice (LWGC577)

Instructor(s): Dov Fox

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Health Law (JD)

Welcome to The Anatomy of a Medical Malpractice Case for Physicians and Lawyers. Approximately 85,000 medical malpractice cases are filed throughout the United States each year. With medical technology and the practice of medicine constantly evolving, physicians and medical facilities are tasked with meeting higher standards of quality care. For many physicians, the potential for lawsuits cast a long shadow over the practice of medicine.

This class, taught by attorneys and including practicing physicians, will attempt to answer many questions about the realities of medical malpractice litigation in an interdisciplinary context. It will combine law students and medical residents learning together to enhance an understanding of their respective milieus. The course will examine what causes patients to seek out a lawyer after a complication; the frequency of lawsuits and costs associated with the current tort system; how the potential for litigation impacts physicians in their daily practice; and the dynamics of the various stages of litigation, from inception of the lawsuit through trial. Law students and medical residents will learn about the importance of the burden of proof and the “standard of care,” informed consent, documentation and communication with other healthcare providers, defensive medicine, the procedures for taking and defending expert depositions, how to prepare for trial, as well the practical realities and ramifications of settlement or verdict, including reporting to licensing and regulatory bodies.

The objective of the course will be to give law students the experience of handling a medical malpractice case from start to finish, including learning how to effectively represent a physician, take a deposition, and prepare for trial. For medical residents, this course will provide insight into the legal field, aid in the understanding of the mechanics of a lawsuit, and provide a practical understanding of how the legal system actually functions.

Multistate Bar Exam Review (LWGC576)

Instructor(s): Staff

4 credit(s), Letter Graded

The MBE is given as part of the bar exam in nearly all U.S. jurisdictions. USD has licensed every published MBE question from previous examinations. Students in this course will take these MBE questions each week using customized online software (also accessible from tablets and smartphones), which tracks each student’s strengths and weaknesses in every substantive area of the bar exam (constitutional, criminal, real property, torts, contracts, evidence, and civil procedure). The online software will provide real-time review material for each area of the law. Each in-class session will cover test-taking techniques and the substantive law for one of the seven areas of law. Clickers are used to answer questions and provide immediate feedback to students. Please note that BARBRI, Kaplan, and most other bar exam review courses do not provide access to all of the previously released real exam questions from the MBE. As such, the questions in this course will not be the same as most of the questions that are provided in commercial summer bar preparation courses. Students must complete each week’s MBE questions in the required online modules (approximately 5-8 hours per week of work) and an in-class, three-hour final composed of questions similar to actual MBE exams. The final grade is 20% (based on timely completion of weekly assignments) and 80% based on the final exam grade. Only students planning to graduate in May 2017 may register for the course.

Negotiation (LWLP560)

Instructor(s): Gregg Relyea

3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

Effective negotiation skills are essential to the successful practice of law. Most legal disputes are resolved through direct negotiation. This course will teach students effective communication techniques and negotiation strategies in a workshop style setting. The course will introduce students to different types of bargaining, different approaches to bargaining, specialized communication techniques used by effective negotiators, and techniques for overcoming negotiating impasses. Negotiation practices will be taught using both lecture and experiential methods (interactive exercise, role play exercises). This course will be practical in its orientation, with an emphasis on prevailing negotiation techniques and strategies customarily used by practicing lawyers. Due to the participatory nature of the course, enrollment will be limited. Grades will be based on a written final examination, homework assignments, and class participation. The course is graded on a 4-tier Pass/Fail basis.

Note: There are limitations on concentration eligibility. Check the Civil Litigation Concentration (JD) and Employment and Labor Law Concentration (JD) web pages for more information.
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration, Employment and Labor Law Concentration

Negotiation (LWLP560)

Instructor(s): Virginia Nelson

3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

Effective negotiation skills are essential to the successful practice of law. Most legal disputes are resolved through direct negotiation. This course will teach students effective communication techniques and negotiation strategies in a workshop style setting. The course will introduce students to different types of bargaining, different approaches to bargaining, specialized communication techniques used by effective negotiators, and techniques for overcoming negotiating impasses. Negotiation practices will be taught using both lecture and experiential methods (interactive exercise, role play exercises). This course will be practical in its orientation, with an emphasis on prevailing negotiation techniques and strategies customarily used by practicing lawyers. Due to the participatory nature of the course, enrollment will be limited. Grades are based upon in class participation, in class exercises, student reflection/self-assessment, and homework assignments. The course is graded on a 4-tier Pass/Fail basis. 

Note: There are limitations on concentration eligibility. Check the Civil Litigation Concentration (JD) and Employment and Labor Law Concentration (JD) web pages for more information.
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration, Employment and Labor Law Concentration

Partnership Tax (LWTE545)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

This course considers the federal tax consequences of entity classification of partnership and limited liability companies; formation of a partnership; basis of partnership interests and assets; effect of liabilities on basis; allocation of income and deductions; partnership elections; continuation, merger, and termination of partnerships; family partnerships; sales and exchanges of partnership interests; liquidating and non-liquidating distributions; retiring partners; and pertinent policy considerations.

 

Patent Law Policy (LWIP564)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

This seminar will examine contemporary policy issues in patent law, using doctrinal, economic, and historical approaches. Readings will be drawn from a variety of law review articles and books. Grades will be based on a final paper. Students must either (1) have taken at least one of the following courses: Intellectual Property Survey, Patent Law, or Biotech Patent Law; or (2) must have taken and passed the USPTO patent bar examination.

Patent Litigation II (LWIP569)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

This course will examine what all the work in a patent case really should be about from the first day: the trial. You’ve produced and read terabytes of documents, answered oppressive interrogatories and taken depositions of your opponents’ evasive witnesses. The judge has ruled on claim construction and denied cross-motions for summary judgment. Now you get to put the case together for trial. The course will be structured around hypotheticals, which will generate writing and oral advocacy assignments for members of the class. The class will be fundamentally interactive, although we may lecture occasionally. Oral advocacy will include an opening statement; direct examination of an expert technical witness, including preparation of demonstrative exhibits; cross examination of an expert technical witness; and preparation and argument of motions in limine. Grading will be honors/pass/low pass/fail based on in-class written and oral assignments. There will be no final exam. Prerequisites are at least one of the following: Patent Law, Intellectual Property Survey, Patent Litigation I, or registered patent agent. Recommended prerequisites are Patent Litigation I.

Patent Prosecution (LWIP571)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Intellectual Property Survey or Patent Law

This course provides an overview of practical aspects of U.S. patent practice, with a particular focus on issues that will be faced by a patent attorney in the early years of his/her career. Topics covered include preparation and prosecution of patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, discussing strategic and practical considerations in addition to the applicable law, regulations and procedures. The course will also cover development and execution of an IP strategy for a client, evaluation of the scope of issued patents, and issues relating to ownership, assignment, and licensing of patent rights. In addition, ethical issues related to inequitable conduct, duty of candor, and proper representation of clients are addressed. Students will complete a series of real-world assignments, including the drafting of claims and other patent application content, responses to Office actions, and provisions directed to the transfer of patent rights.

Prerequisite: Intellectual Property Survey, or Patent Law. No technical background is required. Grade will be based on a series of practical projects over the course of the semester.

Payroll Taxes (LWTE548)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

The purpose of this course is to understand the structure of payroll taxes and the new 3.8% tax on net investment income and also to consider the broader issues which these taxes raise. We will not get into the fine print (e.g., should you be withholding FICA on what you pay your babysitter?), but will discuss, for example, the effect of the rules on choice of entity or a structure used to carry on a business (such as the choice between a partnership and an S corporation or between a limited liability company and a limited partnership), the alignment of the taxes with the personal income tax and other connections between “social insurance” programs and the personal income tax. Broader issues include, for example, whether it makes a difference whether these are taxes are viewed as taxes on income or simply as payments made for specific retirement and/or medical benefits (and, depending on how that is answered, whether it might make sense to fund more of the benefits out of general revenues, not payroll taxes and the tax on NII). This class will have a final exam in early February. 

Public Interest Law & Practice (LWPP570)

Instructor(s): Robert Fellmeth

2-3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG)

2 or 3 credits - Year-long course Students study the substantive laws governing the functioning and decision making of state administrative agencies. These laws include the sunshine statutes which require most agency decision making to take place in public and guarantee public access to most agency records (the open meetings acts and the California Public Records Act) and the state Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the process agencies must follow to adopt regulations or take disciplinary action against the license of a licensee. Students also study important limitations on the power of agencies (including constitutional and antitrust limitations), and the functioning of the state legislature, which may enact, repeal, or amend the enabling acts of most agencies. As part of their coursework, students are assigned to monitor two California agencies; they travel all over the state to attend agency meetings, monitor and analyze their activities, interview agency officials and licensees, and track rulemaking, legislation, and litigation affecting their agencies. Twice during the year, students submit written reports on the activities of their assigned agencies. These reports are edited by CPIL professional staff and published, with attribution to the student author, in the Center's California Regulatory Law Reporter, the only legal journal of its kind in the nation; the Reporter is reprinted in full on Westlaw. Students wishing to take Public Interest Law and Practice should pre-register for the course. Public Interest and Practice is subject to a special application procedure or visit the CPIL’s offices (rear door of the LRC) for further information.

Note: This is a required course for the Public Interest Law Concentration (JD). This course only counts towards the Environmental and Energy Law Concentration (JD) if your course focus is on environmental or energy law. This course only counts towards the Health Law Concentration if your course focus is on health law.
Additional Information: Public Interest Law Concentration, Environmental and Energy Law Concentration

Remedies (LWLP570)

Instructor(s): Chris Wonnell

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Public Interest Law (JD)

Legal and equitable remedies under statutes and the common law are examined and compared. The course focuses on methods of evaluating alternative remedies and arguing for or against their creation or use in a given case. The course objective is to enable the student not only to identify all available remedies but also to choose the preferred remedy from among them. The principal subjects covered are equity, restitution and damages.

Note: This is a required course for the Civil Litigation Concentration (JD).

Scientific Evidence (LWCR570)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Evidence

This course will address the technical requirements under California law for admissibility of both established and new forms of scientific evidence. Possible topics include fingerprints, serology, odontology, DNA and others. Students will apply the principles of admissibility by participating in realistic foundational hearings in the classroom, and will present papers on specific forms of scientific evidence. 

Securities Regulation (LWBC580)

Instructor(s): Thomas Smith

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS)

The Securities Regulation class will include an overview of the capital markets and the underwriting process, the structure and prohibitions of the Securities Act, the registration process, the definitions of security and exempted securities, the private and limited offering exemptions, offerings by underwriters, affiliates and dealers, civil liability under the Securities Act, fraud in connection with a purchase or sale of a Security, and general civil liability provisions. No Prerequisites.

Note: This is a required course for the Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD).

Special Education and the Law (LWPP578)

Instructor(s): Margaret Dalton

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Public Interest Law (JD)

This class is a survey course that familiarizes students with federal special education law, which covers the rights of students with disabilities in public schools. The course is designed around ten U. S. Supreme Court cases that provide a foundation for the legal practice, theories and policies applicable to this complex and emerging area of specialization. The course includes instruction and discussion of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). Students will learn how to apply IDEA and federal regulations to the Individualized Education Program (IEP), placements, discipline and expulsion, due process hearings, and legal remedies. Successful completion of the paper will fulfill the writing requirements of the school of law. No prerequisites.

Survey of Pharmaceutical Law (LWIP535)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course surveys various intellectual property and regulatory issues important in the pharmaceutical industry. We will discuss the important aspects of US patent law and the US Food and Drug Administration regulations and how they impact or influence business decisions regarding pharmaceutical product development and commercialization. We will provide an overview of the industry and its important business characteristics and issues, as well as basic review of pharmaceutical patents and selected FDA regulations. Specifically, we will discuss the legal and regulatory issues regarding FDA drug approval process, patent and technology licensing, various methods of receiving marketing exclusivity, and intellectual property issues and FDA regulations concerning drug product promotion and labeling, generic and biosimilar products, and product life cycle management. The final grade will be based on class participation and a final examination.

Tax Litigation (LWTE565)

Instructor(s): Richard Carpenter

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)

This course provides a comprehensive review of prelitigation IRS administrative procedures, practical analysis in the selection of a choice of forum to litigate a federal tax dispute, pre-trial practice and case analysis, trial techniques and strategies when litigating a federal tax dispute before the U.S. Tax Court, and a review of refund litigation. 

Tax Planning Lab (LWTE568)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Prerequisite(s): Tax I, Corporate Tax

The course will be held on select Fridays and Saturdays during the spring semester. Students will work in teams on simulated tax planning exercises with lawyers from Sempra Energy & KPMG. Exercises will include planning, counseling, and negotiating on matters related to mergers & acquisitions, corporate tax, international tax, and financial statement impact. Federal Income Tax and Corporate Tax are required pre-requisites. The course is open to both JD and LLM students. Grades will be assessed based on group projects, written work, and participation.

Tax'n of Int'l Investments (LWTE582)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)

• This course focuses on tax rules for international investors in the US and selected foreign countries by way of examples.


• Topics include general tax regimes for international investors, as well as tax and related structuring rules and planning for specific cross-border activities such as: real estate and infrastructure investments; licensing and importing; establishing and financing a new local business enterprise; acquiring a local corporation; using a local business as a base for further international operations; portfolio investments in local stocks and other securities; immigration and tax planning for foreign individuals; activities by foreign governments and government-owned businesses; and reporting requirements for international investors.


• Early in the course, students are assigned to teams. Each team is provided with a brief case study proposing certain of the cross-border activities covered in the course. In the final sessions of the course, each team makes a presentation covering the key tax and related issues of its case study.

Trademark Litigation (LWIP577)

Instructor(s): Lisa Ramsey

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Skills OR Writing
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

This advanced trademark class will provide students with the legal and practical skills necessary to become successful trademark litigators. Students will learn how to litigate a trademark case, including how to develop a case strategy, write a demand letter, and draft pleadings, written discovery, and motions frequently used in trademark litigation. Students will also strengthen their oral advocacy communication skills through class participation and in-class exercises simulating oral arguments before a judge or meetings with partners and clients. They will perform tasks and legal research and analysis similar to junior attorneys involved in actual trademark litigation. The grade will be based on the writing assignments and in-class oral exercises. Prerequisite: Intellectual Property Survey, Trademark Law, or Trademarks Seminar.

Transitional Justice (LWIC590)

Instructor(s): Dustin Sharp

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), International Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

“Transitional Justice” is an emerging field of policy, practice, and study that focuses on the moral, legal, and political dilemmas encountered as individuals, communities, and nations attempt to grapple with historical legacies of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and other large-scale human rights violations. In such circumstances: Who must be punished and who may be pardoned? Do vigorous efforts to promote legal accountability jeopardize the emerging and fragile peace? What is the proper role and responsibility of the so-called international community? In this class, we will examine the complementarity and conflict between the often overlapping demands that nations face in the wake of large-scale human rights abuses, including retribution, reconciliation, restitution, memory, and other forms of accountability. This will include study of the traditional range of transitional justice tools and interventions that have evolved, including international tribunals from Nuremburg to the ICC, truth commissions, reparations programs, public memorials, vetting and lustration initiatives, and broader institutional reform. Along the way, we will probe the blind spots, assumptions, and limitations of varying transitional justice mechanisms, together with the transitional justice project in general. Course grades will be determined on the basis of class participation, short reaction papers, a group oral presentation, and a final research paper. Please be advised that this course does not fulfill the law school’s written work requirement.

 

Trial Advocacy (LWLP550)

Instructor(s): Linda Lane

3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG)

This is an upper class course focused on the skills of case analysis and oral presentation of those cases to judges and juries on civil or criminal trials. The course also includes developing skills used in the discovery phase of civil cases, especially depositions. The course is specifically designed to expand the skills introduced to the student in Legal Research & Writing. The course methodology combines lectures, demonstrations and individual student performances in small groups with extensive critique and feedback by small group instructors who are experienced practitioners. The course culminates in a mock trial. The course is graded on a 4-tier Pass/Fail basis. 

Note: Students may only elect this course or Practicum--Civil to count toward the Civil Litigation Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration

Trusts & Estates (LWTE555)

Instructor(s): Dennis Lilly

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This survey course provides an introduction to non-tax aspects of estate planning and the law of gratuitous transfers, including inter vivos gifts, intestate succession, wills, will substitutes, trusts, fiduciary administration, and future interests.

Work, Law & Policy (formerly titled Work, Welfare & Justice) (LWPP591)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

The course explores the relations between public policies and the new political-economy. The new economy, with its increased demands for flexibility and competitiveness, new technologies, and rapid globalization, has dramatically altered the nature of work relations, economic production, social organization and the roles of public and private entities in promoting growth, justice and fairness. In this class, we will explore at a number of policy fields, including issues in employment and labor laws, education and schooling law, environmental law, health law, discrimination policies and consumer law. These issues will be examined from an interdisciplinary perspective for understanding the challenges of law-in-action. We will think of practical questions of the comparative effectiveness of various regulatory mechanisms and the more theoretical aspects of legal means and social ends. Students will be required to write a paper.

Note: This course may be applied as part of the nine required credits for the Employment and Labor Law Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Employment & Labor Law Concentration (JD)