Courses

Introduction to legal skills, research, analysis, and writing is considered an academic excellence
course. This course provides students with a foundational understanding of the essential skills
required for legal practice. Students will learn key research techniques, including the use of legal
databases, statutes, case law, and secondary legal sources. Emphasis is placed on developing
analytical thinking by interpreting and applying legal principles to various fact patterns. The
course also covers the structure and organization of legal writing, focusing on drafting clear,
concise legal documents such as memos, briefs, and client communications. Through practical
assignments and simulations, students will build critical skills in research, analysis, and
persuasive legal writing.

This course examines the evolution of the intersection of American law and culture from the late
colonial period to the twentieth century. This course will specifically analyze legal history from a
cultural perspective. Among the subjects covered are the questions over sovereignty and freedom
posed by the American Revolution, the ratification and implementation of the American
Constitution, 19th century debates over federalism and citizenship, reforms of the Progressive
era, and the ways in which the legal system transformed during the postwar war. Special
attention will be paid to the relationship between American law and social justice, particularly
the women’s rights and civil rights movements. By examining the historical context, students
will gain a deeper understanding of how the U.S. legal system has adapted and evolved in
response to societal, political, and economic changes.

This course examines the ethical obligations and professional responsibilities of legal
practitioners. Students will explore key principles of legal ethics, including client confidentiality,
conflicts of interest, and attorney-client privilege, as well as the rules governing attorney conduct
as outlined by the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The
course also addresses issues of integrity, accountability, and the moral challenges faced by
lawyers in practice. Through case studies and real-world scenarios, students will develop a
deeper understanding of ethical decision-making and the responsibilities of lawyers to the courts,
their clients, and society.

This course explores the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution and their impact on
legal and public policy. Students will examine the structure of government, the separation of
powers, and federalism, as well as the role of the judiciary in interpreting constitutional law. Key
topics include individual rights, civil liberties, and the evolution of constitutional doctrines in
shaping modern policy debates. Through analysis of landmark Supreme Court cases and
contemporary legal issues, students will gain insight into how constitutional principles influence
the development and implementation of public policy in the United States.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of contract law and the
essential skills needed for drafting enforceable agreements. Students will learn about contract
formation, performance, breach, and remedies, as well as the legal doctrines governing contract
interpretation. The course emphasizes practical skills in contract drafting, including clear
language use, structuring terms, and anticipating potential disputes. Through real-world
examples and drafting exercises, students will develop the ability to create precise, legally sound
contracts tailored to specific legal and business needs.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of criminal law and
the procedures governing the criminal justice system. Students will study the elements of
criminal offenses, defenses, and the legal concepts of mens rea and actus reus. Additionally, the
course covers key procedural aspects, including the rights of the accused, search and seizure, due
process, and the stages of criminal prosecution from arrest through trial and sentencing. Case law
and statutory analysis are integral components, helping students understand the application of
criminal law in real-world contexts.

This course examines the legal framework governing employment relationships and workplace
regulations. Students will explore key topics such as employee rights, employer responsibilities,
discrimination, wage and hour laws, wrongful termination, and workplace safety. The course
covers federal statutes such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as well as state-level employment laws.
Students will also study the legal processes for resolving workplace disputes and the role of
regulatory agencies in enforcing labor standards.

This course provides an overview of the principles and practices of administrative law, focusing
on the role of government agencies in creating, enforcing, and adjudicating regulations. Students
will explore the legal frameworks that govern agency rulemaking, adjudication, and enforcement
actions, as well as judicial review of agency decisions. Key topics include the Administrative
Procedure Act (APA), due process in administrative hearings, and the impact of regulatory
compliance on businesses and individuals. The course emphasizes the practical application of
administrative law in various sectors, preparing students to navigate and manage regulatory
requirements effectively.

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of tort law, focusing on civil wrongs
and the legal remedies available for personal injuries. Key topics include negligence, intentional
torts, strict liability, and product liability. Students will analyze the elements required to establish
liability, defenses to tort claims, and the calculation of damages in personal injury cases.
Through case studies and legal analysis, students will develop a practical understanding of how
tort law applies to real-world situations, including medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and
consumer protection.

This course is designed to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed across the
legal studies program. Students will engage in an advanced research project that culminates in
the drafting of a comprehensive legal memo or brief. Also, students will have to present an oral
presentation of this project. This project will require students to demonstrate proficiency in legal
research, analysis, and writing, while also synthesizing core principles from the program’s
previous courses, including contract law, criminal law, constitutional law, torts, and
administrative law. Through this final assignment, students will measure their ability to address
complex legal issues, apply legal doctrines, formulate and deliver persuasive oral arguments. The
course serves as a culminating assessment of the program’s learning outcomes and prepares
students for professional legal practice or further academic pursuits.