GGU/UPX Paris Summer Comparative Law Program 2008

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Using a comparative and functional approach, the course examines the various regulatory and governance strategies employed in different legal systems to address three recurring problems of corporation law: mediating the tensions between owners and mangers, between majority owners and minority owners, and between the corporation and society. The primary comparison will be between US and French/EU law. There is no prerequisite for this course. This course compares the U.S. approach to criminal justice with that of European countries through readings and lively discussions. Specifically, we will consider the rights of one charged with an offense during investigation and interrigation; the right to counsel; search and seizure law; plea bargaining; roles of judges, lawyers and victims; and trial rules and proceedings. This course is offered only through the Paris Summer Program. Credit: 2 Units This course examines issues of equality (civil rights), including hate speech (France, Denmark, U.S.); same-sex marriage (France, Spain, South Africa, U.S.); sexual harassment (France, U.S.); affirmative action (France, India, South Africa, U.S.); discrimination remedies (France, Britain, U.S.); and religious apparel in public schools (France, Turkey, U.S.). This course is offered only through the Paris Summer Program. Credit: 2 Units This course compares the US approach to labor law with that of European countries. A further description will be posted when available. This course is offered only through the Paris Summer Program. Credit: 2 Units This course examines the remedies available in torts, contracts, property, and constitutional law (i.e., kinds of damages, injunctive relief), comparing American remedies with French and other E.U. remedies, and the procedures available for seeking relief (i.e., jury trials, restraining orders). This course is offered only through the Paris Summer Program. Credit: 2 Units This introduction to French and European Union Law has 2 main goals. First, to provide a solid foundation for understanding both the French legal system, which relies on statute law and codes as its primary source of law, and the unique European legal system , which relies on treaty law as its primary source of law and on regulations and directives. All subjects addressed during this course will explore the interaction between French and European Union law. The second goal of the course is to make a close study of key legal terminology in order to avoid some of the most common misunderstandings that arise between French and American lawyers. In particular, we will explore some of the fundamental differences that lurk behind deceptively similar terms, such as 'contrat' in French and 'contract' in English. During the 2-week course, students will have opportunities to visit French courts; interact with a number of French, European, and American lawyers; and take a field trip to Brussels, where they will hear lectures by members of the commission or its staff. This course is offered only through the Paris Summer Program. Credit: 2 Units