Course Catalog

3 Unit(s)

This course will have two central goals. First, it will provide students with a basic understanding of the legal principles and central policy goals that underly the U.S. legal system at the federal, state, and local levels. In this, students will learn how U.S. legal institutions are organized and operate. Second, the course will familiarize students with the basic processes that are used to advance legal claims in the U.S. In this skills-based portion of the course, students will be instructed in the fundamentals of legal research and communication. In addition, students will become acquainted with a range of standard legal documents and forms and will draft portions of standard documents and forms. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 100.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

3 Unit(s)

Contract law governs the enforceability and enforcement of promises. As such, it is an essential building block in the formation of commercial and other formal, legal arrangements. In Contracts, students will learn the policies, principles, and rules relating to (1) contract formation; (2) the requirement of what is known as "consideration" to support a contract and its exceptions; (3) equitable bases for enforcing promises; (4) legal remedies for breach of contract as well as for equitable causes of action; and (5) the requirement of a "writing" for certain contracts. This course will study the common law (i.e., judge-made law) and select portions of the Uniform Commercial Code (a model statute adopted in many jurisdictions). Corequisite(s): LAW 300. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 110.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

3 Unit(s)

Procedure will introduce students to the fundamental aspects of U.S. civil procedure as well as the most important differences between civil procedure on the one hand and criminal and administrative procedure on the other. Students will acquire particular familiarity with the steps required to initiate and pursue a civil lawsuit through trial and appeal, including such matters as pleading, investigation and discovery, the role of the court and jury, motions, evidence and trial, and appeals. Corequisite(s): LAWU 300. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for taking equivalent course.): LAW 112.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

3 Unit(s)

In Property Law, students will be introduced to and acquire mastery of the basic principles of Property Law in all of its social, economic and legal dimensions. Property Law covers a wide range of concerns, including real, personal, and intellectual property. As such, Property Law introduces students to a multitude of different, specialized substantive legal areas, such as family law, land use law, landlord-tenant law real estate law, wills, trusts and estate law, and others. The course also affords students the ability to understand and master the difference between common, or judge-made, law and statutory law enacted by legislators; this allows students to examine the debates about the ideal sources of lawmaking. Finally, Property Law will allow students to develop analytical and drafting skills related to documents as diverse as a residential lease and an estate plan and last will and testament. Corequisite(s): LAW 300. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 114.

View Course Sections: Fall 2023

3 Unit(s)

Administrative Law surveys the organization, authority, and procedures of civil administrative agencies in relation to rulemaking, adjudication, and judicial review of administrative rulings and decisions. As such, Administrative Law explores the constitutional powers and limitations of government actors, as well as exploring controversies about the breadth of governmental power. The course examines the role of both U.S. federal and state administrative agencies. Administrative Law also introduces students to major areas of regulated activity, from bankruptcy and family law to communications, financial and securities, and trade law. Corequisite(s): LAW 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 116.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

3 Unit(s)

Torts: the Law of Civil Harms introduces students to the three major categories of torts, or civil harms, namely intentional torts, negligent torts and strict liability torts. In addition, the course will allow students to master the elements of and defenses to each category of tort. The course will also allow students to examine the policies used to justify and criticize the different types of torts. The course will thus involve extensive discussion of the aims and challenges of the torts system, and its socio-economic functions, including consideration of matters such as defective products and medical malpractice liability. Corequisite(s): LAW 300. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 118.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

3 Unit(s)

Constitutional Law focuses on developing knowledge of constitutional law and litigation as well as skills related to legal analysis, professionalism, and practical legal writing. The course will introduce students to a wide range of substantive knowledge, including the following: the role and purpose of constitutions generally and the influences and history of the U.S. Constitution; the purpose and function of the U.S. federal judicial, executive, and legislative branches; the reach and application of the federal Constitution in relation to all levels of government action and private conduct; and the history and importance of federal jurisprudence related to separation of powers, federalism, substantive due process, and equal protection. Corequisite(s): LAW 300. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 120.

View Course Sections: Fall 2023

3 Unit(s)

This course introduces students to the study of substantive criminal law. It examines the rules of conduct for major crimes against persons and property - from homicide to burglary, robbery and arson - and the defenses to such crimes. The course also considers the development of and philosophical rationales for criminal law, including debates about topics such as punishment, incarceration, and rehabilitation. Students will also be asked to consider criminal law through a social justice lens and compare the approaches to criminal law in the U.S. to that of other countries. Corequisite(s): LAW 300. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 132

View Course Sections: Fall 2023

3 Unit(s)

This course provides an overview of the main fields of intellectual property (IP) law, including trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights. It explores the theoretical justifications for providing "property-like" rights in the intangibles that each of these main doctrinal areas of IP law protects. The course examines what is protected by each type of IP, what is required to have valid IP rights, what rights the IP owner has, what limits apply to those rights, if any, and what constitutes a violation of those rights. Corequisite(s): LAW 300. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 134.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024

3 Unit(s)

The course focuses on U.S. and national asylum law and procedure, international refugee protection law and procedure, and significant debates regarding these topics. Students will become familiar with the procedures and processes for the various agencies directed to handle asylum and refugee matters, including USCIS, US ICE, Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the federal courts of review. Considerable time will be devoted to considering the policy and philosophical justifications for and against various asylum and refugee laws and regulations. Corequisite(s): LAW 300. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 136.

3 Unit(s)

This is a fast-paced introduction to key elements of the field of Entertainment Law, which features an introduction to copyright law, followed by a examination of law and policy relating to motion pictures, television, sound recordings, musical compositions, video games, and the right of publicity. Corequisite(s): LAWU 300. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for taking equivalent course.): LAWU 138.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024

13 Unit(s)

Addresses significant, topical and practical problems, issues and theories in law studies. Topics are compiled and selected by the department chair. This course may be taken more than once, provided the same topic is not repeated. Prerequisites will vary based on topic.

2 Unit(s)

This bankruptcy law course is a general introduction to the structure of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The objectives of this course are to (1) familiarize the student with the basic principles of bankruptcy law through the examination of large bankruptcy concepts; (2) teach the student to analyze court opinions and statutes; and (3) teach the student to apply the principles of bankruptcy law to hypothetical situations. The course emphasizes the practical application of legal concepts and processes. Students should take from the course the ability to analyze a bankruptcy case an any chapter of the Code and develop the ability to file a simple chapter 7 case. The course also provides a foundation for more advanced bankruptcy law courses: business reorganizations, bankruptcy procedures, and the bankruptcy clinic. Cross-listed with LAW-826E.

13 Unit(s)

A survey course in the procedural aspects of dealings between taxpayers and their representatives on the one hand and the Internal Revenue Service, IRS Office of Professional Responsibility, the Office of the Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service, and the Tax Division of the Department of Justice on the other hand. It will assist you to understand and prepare to handle practical issues involving your and your clients' or employer's duties, powers, responsibilities, liabilities, privileges, and ethical obligations arising in federal tax practice, including access to information; IRS examinations and appeals; deficiency assessments; interest on underpayments and overpayments; penalties (civil and criminal) against taxpayers, their representatives, and their tax return preparers; statutes of limitations on assessment and collection of taxes and penalties and criminal tax prosecutions; and refund and collection of federal income, estate and gift taxes. Cross-listed with LLM-319.

2 Unit(s)

In Technology, Business, and Human Rights, this course will analyze judicial, legislative, and practical developments at the regional and international levels in the emerging economies of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This course is especially relevant for students who want to learn more about FinTech and technological innovation, focusing on and even going beyond the traditional BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, and China). This course will delve into innovations in Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, Vietnam, and more. Depending on interest and availability, students will learn from and network with international and local banking and finance experts, academics, and entrepreneurs. Classes will accommodate different learning styles and incorporate both asynchronous and synchronous modules.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

4 Unit(s)

Explores the environment of the policy analyst, including an examination of the frames of reference that both guide and constrain work in the field. Students will be introduced to policy analytical paradigms, examine historical themes in the policy literature, and use the major tools used in policy analysis and program evaluation, including benefit-cost analysis, factor analysis and time series analysis. The advantages and disadvantages of these tools will be critically examined. Case studies will be used extensively as examples and source material for theory building.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024

13 Unit(s)

Provides an opportunity for the advanced student with a specific project in mind to do reading in a focused area and to prepare a substantial paper under the direction of a faculty member. Only one directed study course may be taken for credit toward a masters degree. Prerequisite: Completion of five, advanced graduate Law Studies courses, or consent of the instructor and approval of the department chair.

3 Unit(s)

This course will have two central goals. First, it will provide students with a basic understanding of the legal principles and central policy goals that underly the U.S. legal system at the federal, state, and local levels. In this, students will learn how U.S. legal institutions are organized and operate. Second, the course will familiarize students with the basic processes that are used to advance legal claims in the U.S. In this skills-based portion of the course, students will be instructed in the fundamentals of legal research and communication. In addition, students will become acquainted with a range of standard legal documents and forms and will draft portions of standard documents and forms. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 300.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

3 Unit(s)

Contract law governs the enforceability and enforcement of promises. As such, it is an essential building block in the formation of commercial and other formal, legal arrangements. In Contracts, students will learn the policies, principles, and rules relating to (1) contract formation; (2) the requirement of what is known as "consideration" to support a contract and its exceptions; (3) equitable bases for enforcing promises; (4) legal remedies for breach of contract as well as for equitable causes of action; and (5) the requirement of a "writing" for certain contracts. This course will study the common law (i.e., judge-made law) and select portions of the Uniform Commercial Code (a model statute adopted in many jurisdictions). Corequisite(s): LAW 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 310.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

3 Unit(s)

Procedure will introduce students to the fundamental aspects of U.S. civil procedure as well as the most important differences between civil procedure on the one hand and criminal and administrative procedure on the other. Students will acquire particular familiarity with the steps required to initiate and pursue a civil lawsuit through trial and appeal, including such matters as pleading, investigation and discovery, the role of the court and jury, motions, evidence and trial, and appeals. Corequisite(s): LAWU 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 312.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

3 Unit(s)

In Property Law, students will be introduced to and acquire mastery of the basic principles of Property Law in all of its social, economic and legal dimensions. Property Law covers a wide range of concerns, including real, personal, and intellectual property. As such, Property Law introduces students to a multitude of different, specialized substantive legal areas, such as family law, land use law, landlord-tenant law real estate law, wills, trusts and estate law, and others. The course also affords students the ability to understand and master the difference between common, or judge-made, law and statutory law enacted by legislators; this allows students to examine the debates about the ideal sources of lawmaking. Finally, Property Law will allow students to develop analytical and drafting skills related to documents as diverse as a residential lease and an estate plan and last will and testament. Corequisite(s): LAW 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 314.

View Course Sections: Fall 2023

3 Unit(s)

Administrative Law surveys the organization, authority, and procedures of civil administrative agencies in relation to rulemaking, adjudication, and judicial review of administrative rulings and decisions. As such, Administrative Law explores the constitutional powers and limitations of government actors, as well as exploring controversies about the breadth of governmental power. The course examines the role of both U.S. federal and state administrative agencies. Administrative Law also introduces students to major areas of regulated activity, from bankruptcy and family law to communications, financial and securities, and trade law. Corequisite(s): LAW 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 316.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

3 Unit(s)

Torts: the Law of Civil Harms introduces students to the three major categories of torts, or civil harms, namely intentional torts, negligent torts and strict liability torts. In addition, the course will allow students to master the elements of and defenses to each category of tort. The course will also allow students to examine the policies used to justify and criticize the different types of torts. The course will thus involve extensive discussion of the aims and challenges of the torts system, and its socio-economic functions, including consideration of matters such as defective products and medical malpractice liability. Corequisite(s): LAW 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 318.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

3 Unit(s)

Constitutional Law focuses on developing knowledge of constitutional law and litigation as well as skills related to legal analysis, professionalism, and practical legal writing. The course will introduce students to a wide range of substantive knowledge, including the following: the role and purpose of constitutions generally and the influences and history of the U.S. Constitution; the purpose and function of the U.S. federal judicial, executive, and legislative branches; the reach and application of the federal Constitution in relation to all levels of government action and private conduct; and the history and importance of federal jurisprudence related to separation of powers, federalism, substantive due process, and equal protection. Corequisite(s): LAW 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 320.

View Course Sections: Fall 2023

3 Unit(s)

This course introduces students to the study of substantive criminal law. It examines the rules of conduct for major crimes against persons and property - from homicide to burglary, robbery and arson - and the defenses to such crimes. The course also considers the development of and philosophical rationales for criminal law, including debates about topics such as punishment, incarceration, and rehabilitation. Students will also be asked to consider criminal law through a social justice lens and compare the approaches to criminal law in the U.S. to that of other countries. Corequisite(s): LAW 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 332.

View Course Sections: Fall 2023

3 Unit(s)

This course provides an overview of the main fields of intellectual property (IP) law, including trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights. It explores the theoretical justifications for providing "property-like" rights in the intangibles that each of these main doctrinal areas of IP law protects. The course examines what is protected by each type of IP, what is required to have valid IP rights, what rights the IP owner has, what limits apply to those rights, if any, and what constitutes a violation of those rights. Corequisite(s): LAW 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 334.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024

3 Unit(s)

The course focuses on U.S. and national asylum law and procedure, international refugee protection law and procedure, and significant debates regarding these topics. Students will become familiar with the procedures and processes for the various agencies directed to handle asylum and refugee matters, including USCIS, US ICE, Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the federal courts of review. Considerable time will be devoted to considering the policy and philosophical justifications for and against various asylum and refugee laws and regulations. Corequisite(s): LAW 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAW 336.

3 Unit(s)

This is a fast-paced introduction to key elements of the field of Entertainment Law, which features an introduction to copyright law, followed by an examination of law and policy relating to motion pictures, television, sound recordings, musical compositions, video games, and the right of publicity. Corequisite(s): LAWU 100. Cross-listed with and equivalent to the following course. (Note: no academic credit is awarded for retaking equivalent course.): LAWU 338.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024