Courses

  • FACT-WRITNG & PERSUAS LEGL DOC (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 7080)

    2 credits

    This course provides advanced instruction on how to deliver the client's story to a court in complaints, affidavits, and statements of the case. Students will learn narrative structure theory, and will work with case files and records to develop the storylines necessary to support legal claims and defenses. Grades will be based on classroom writing exercises, and first drafts and rewrites of three legal documents.

  • LAW THROUGH FILM (THEORY,HIST.& STRUCTURE OF LAW - 1070)

    2 credits

    Film has the power to stimulate debate. This seminar affords an opportunity to explore jurisprudential issues and value systems through a critical examination of the narrative, historical context, and cinematic technique of films. Thus, this seminar explicitly challenges settled assumptions about law and justice. The films and accompanying reading assignments concentrate on three over- lapping themes: defining community, apportioning fault, and distributing justice. In particular, the course highlights the lawyer's role as an "insider" with respect to these concerns, and evaluates the benefits and obligations conferred by that status. Because of the need for in-class screenings, each class period will be 3-1/2 hours. Grades are based on two short papers, a research paper, presentation of the paper, and participation in class discussion.

  • LEGAL WRITING I (LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING - 1030)

    2 credits

    The first course in a two-semester sequence, this course teaches students legal writing, research and analysis. The course focuses on predictive legal writing. Students prepare several closed-universe, predictive writing assignments, and rewrite at least one assignment based on the professor's feedback. Grades are based primarily on writing assignments.

  • LEGAL WRITING II (LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING - 1010)

    2 credits

    The second course in a two-semester sequence, this course further develops students' writing, analytical, and research skills. The course focuses primarily on persuasive legal writing but may include a further predictive writing assignment. It also introduces students to oral advocacy. Students prepare several open-universe writing assignments and rewrite at least one persuasive writing assignment based on the professor's feedback. Students also conduct an oral argument. Grades are based primarily on writing assignments.

  • PERSPECTIVES ON JUSTICE-PT. I (INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS - 2060)

    2 credits

    This course is open to second year (or third year evening) law students who are staff members of the Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development. Students will engage in discussions and analysis of racial, social and economic justice issues from a legal historical and theoretical perspective. The students will also participate in a series of research and writing workshops and several writing exercises, which will culminate in a note or comprehensive research paper of publishable quality addressing a current legal issue in racial, social, or economic justice. Each student will select a manageable topic addressing a significant legal issue. (If a student is unable to select a topic, s/he will consult with the professors teaching the course on making a selection that is acceptable to the student and the assigned professors.) Students will thoroughly research the topic, prepare comprehensive annotated bibliographies or relevant table of authorities, and prepare at least three drafts of their final paper. Evaluation will be based on the quality of the final paper, earlier drafts of the paper, other writings in the course, and performance in the workshops and exercises. The final grade for both semesters of the course will be posted after the completion of the spring semester.

  • PERSPECTIVES ON JUSTICE-PT. II (INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS - 2070)

    1 credits

    This course is open to second year (or third year evening) law students who are staff members of the Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development. Students will engage in discussions and analysis of racial, social and economic justice issues from a legal historical and theoretical perspective. The students will also participate in a series of research and writing workshops and several writing exercises, which will culminate in a note or comprehensive research paper of publishable quality addressing a current legal issue in racial, social, or economic justice. Each student will select a manageable topic addressing a significant legal issue. (If a student is unable to select a topic, s/he will consult wit the professors teaching the course on making a selection that is acceptable to the student and the assigned professors.) Students will thoroughly research the topic, prepare comprehensive annotated bibliographies or relevant table of authorities, and prepare at least three drafts of their final paper. Evaluation will be based on the quality of the final paper, earlier drafts of the paper, other writings in the course, and performance in the workshops and exercises. The final grade for both semesters will be posted after the completion of the spring semester.

  • PRE-TRIAL ADVOCACY (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 1000)

    3 credits

    Using techniques and material developed by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, this course deals with the preparation of a case for trial from its inception to the pre-trial conference. Topics covered include initial client conference, interviewing witnesses, written and oral discovery preliminary motions and motions in limine. Emphasis is placed on learning by doing through simulated exercises and videotape demonstrations. Grades are based upon litigation exercises.