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CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT & LAW (THEORY,HIST.& STRUCTURE OF LAW - 1060)
2 credits
This course is designed to offer students an exposure to theories of law and justice based on Catholic social thought as it has developed over the last century. The course will offer students the opportunity to discuss and examine the basic principles of Catholic Social Thought and their justifications in the context of various substantive law areas and will enable students to compare those arguments with the theories traditionally used to defend and critique the American legal system. In exposing students to Catholic Social Thought as it applies to a variety of substantive areas, the course allows students a different way of thinking about legal issues that they address in other courses and equips them to think critically about the liberal state's vision of legal theory. A significant part of the readings for the course will consist of papal encyclicals, Council documents and pastoral letters issued by the American bishops. In addition, for each topic discussed in class, students will read some combination of cases, legislation (and proposed legislation), and secondary source material. Grading in the course will be based on a research paper, weekly reflections pieces on the topic for discussion in that class and on class discussion.
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COLLOQUIUM IN LAW (CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - 2010)
2 credits
This seminar invites faculty from outside St. John's to present scholarship around a general theme chosen by the instructor(s). Students will be required to write short "reflection papers" (1500 words each) analyzing the scholarship presented, to discuss these reflection papers in class, and to particpate in exchanges with the visiting scholars. Grades will be based on students' reflection papers (70%), class participation (15%), and interaction with the visiting scholars (15%). Enrollment will be based on interviews with the instructor(s) and limited to 16 students. The instructor(s) will make enrollment decisions on the basis of students' academic credentials, demonstrated interest in legal scholarship, and career plans and opportunities.
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CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - 2000)
4 credits
This introductory course focuses on the Constitution of the United States, including its history, provisions, interpretations and applications. Specific topics include national and state government powers and their limits, due process, and equal protection. Grades are based upon a final examination.
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CRIMINAL LAW (CRIMINAL LAW - 1010)
3 credits
An introductory study of the law of crimes and the administration of criminal justice, including general principles of criminal liability and defenses. Topics considered include the criminal act and mental elements in crime, causation, mistake, excuse and justification defenses, the law of homicide and the inchoate offenses such as attempt and solicitation. These topics are examined under the common-law, the Model Penal Code and the New York Penal Law to give the student a historical as well as modern perspective on the criminal law and its objectives. Grades are based upon a final examination.
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PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (LEGAL ETHICS - 1000)
3 credits
This course studies the legal, moral and other responsibilities of lawyers. The New York Code of Professional Responsibility and the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct, along with cases, statutory material, secondary sources and problems, comprise the reading. The course addresses issues such as the lawyer's responsibility in civil and criminal trials; special problems of lawyers for entities, including governments and corporations; conflicts of interest, confidentiality and privilege; issues in negotiation; professional advertising and solicitation; and the lawyer's duties to improve the administration and availability of justice. Grades are based upon writing assignments, classroom exercises and a final examination.