This course studies the historical evolution of the American procedural system. Topics include jury selection, pleas, pretrial regulations, conduct of trial, evidence discovery, jury instructions, verdicts, judgments and appeals.
Students are introduced to all aspects of contract law in the contracts course. They learn about creating contracts, formal requirements and contract considerations. Students also learn about issues of enforceability, interpretation, unforeseen circumstances, express and implied conditions, remedies and the rights of third parties. Lawyers who specialize in this type of law usually work for companies or as agents for athletes, entertainers and other creative professionals, such as writers.
Criminal law examines the function and development of criminal law, including specific crimes and defenses as well as theories of punishment. It also covers criminal culpability, criminal excuses and justifications, and how social values manifest as legal obligations and shape criminal law. Lawyers in this specialty usually become prosecutors or defense attorneys.
This course introduces students to the common law and statutory principals involved in lawsuits. This type of law covers compensation for personal injury, property damage or other harm. Specific areas include wrongful death, workers' compensation, product liability, defamation of character, discrimination and privacy issues.
The property course introduces students to real estate law. It examines the impact of English feudalism on modern real estate law. Issues covered in this course include land sale contracts, estate issues, landlord-tenant rights, chain of title, title insurance, deeds, zoning, eminent domain, subdivisions and covenants affecting land.
This course focuses on federal and state governmental powers, judicial review of constitutional issues and the branches of the federal government. It also looks at any limitation imposed on government by prohibitions such as the 14th Amendment, which contains clauses for due process, citizenship and equal protection under the law.
Legal methods focuses on the communication of law, oral and written, as well legal research. Students learn the fundamentals of legal reasoning, how to research a case and how to write legal briefs and memorandums. This course is helpful for students who wish to later publish items in their law school's law review.