INTERNATIONAL LAW SCHOOL
US Substantive Law (Elective)
Course Descriptions
The list of courses and corresponding credit hours that appear below is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Availability of elective courses is based on the availability of instructors for the course. Core required courses and the hours of credit may be modified by faculty action.
Sufficient notice will be given to students of any such modifications. The total hours required for graduation will not be changed in any matter that delays or prejudices a student’s progress toward graduation.
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U.S. Substantive Law (Elective)
Statutory Interpretation (2 credits)
This course seeks to equip the law student with skills to help a client who is facing a legal problem in which statutes are directly involved. This is becoming more common as legislatures codify and regulate in more areas. In earlier days, Courts would have applied the Common Law to resolve disputes and govern conduct, therefore the law student was trained to apply Common Law principles, but increasingly, client problems require a lawyer to interpret and apply a statute or regulation. Unfortunately, effective law practice is not achieved only by carefully reading the statutory text. This course is intended to familiarize the law student with the rules and approaches to statutory interpretation in an advocacy setting in order to pursue an outcome that meets the greatest needs of the Client.
This course seeks to equip the law student with skills to help a client who is facing a legal problem in which statutes are directly involved. This is becoming more common as legislatures codify and regulate in more areas. In earlier days, Courts would have applied the Common Law to resolve disputes and govern conduct, therefore the law student was trained to apply Common Law principles, but increasingly, client problems require a lawyer to interpret and apply a statute or regulation. Unfortunately, effective law practice is not achieved only by carefully reading the statutory text. This course is intended to familiarize the law student with the rules and approaches to statutory interpretation in an advocacy setting in order to pursue an outcome that meets the greatest needs of the Client.
Joint Ventures (2 credits)
This advanced course deals with special topics related to joint ventures including structural issues in an international joint venture, financial considerations in multinational transactions, corporate aspects of an international joint venture as well as experiences of the instructor in handling these matters for a large international law firm.
This advanced course deals with special topics related to joint ventures including structural issues in an international joint venture, financial considerations in multinational transactions, corporate aspects of an international joint venture as well as experiences of the instructor in handling these matters for a large international law firm.
Sports Law (1 credit)
This course provides a student an overview of the business and legal issues within the areas of American professional sports. This course is taught by an adjunct professor who handles sports law matters on a regular basis.
This course provides a student an overview of the business and legal issues within the areas of American professional sports. This course is taught by an adjunct professor who handles sports law matters on a regular basis.
Immigration Law (3 credits)
This course covers visa classification, both for immigrant and nonimmigrant; citizenship and naturalization; and deportation issues in the United States. This class incorporates administrative law, and the practice of various agencies that have a role in the immigration laws. Students will learn how to apply for immigrant benefits.
This course covers visa classification, both for immigrant and nonimmigrant; citizenship and naturalization; and deportation issues in the United States. This class incorporates administrative law, and the practice of various agencies that have a role in the immigration laws. Students will learn how to apply for immigrant benefits.
Family Law (3 credits)
This course is intended to give an introduction to the legal issues related to the nature and regulation of family associations. There is a focus on the relationships of husband and wife, parent and child along with an examination of the underlying principles of biblical, historical and contemporary value-systems related to the family and other interpersonal relationships. Legal issues between government, parents and children are reviewed along with some aspects of the family and international law.
This course is intended to give an introduction to the legal issues related to the nature and regulation of family associations. There is a focus on the relationships of husband and wife, parent and child along with an examination of the underlying principles of biblical, historical and contemporary value-systems related to the family and other interpersonal relationships. Legal issues between government, parents and children are reviewed along with some aspects of the family and international law.
Products Liability (1 credit)
This course is almost essential to those who intend to work in larger personal injury law firms, but it is also helpful for PI lawyers in smaller firms or in solo practice. Not all products liability cases are massive affairs requiring large investments of time and money. In many cases, liability is clear and only negotiating skills are needed to settle the case. But one must know something about products liability to manage these simpler cases and to identify and refer to the more demanding ones. Accidents associated with defective products are very common and appear to be on the increase.
This course is almost essential to those who intend to work in larger personal injury law firms, but it is also helpful for PI lawyers in smaller firms or in solo practice. Not all products liability cases are massive affairs requiring large investments of time and money. In many cases, liability is clear and only negotiating skills are needed to settle the case. But one must know something about products liability to manage these simpler cases and to identify and refer to the more demanding ones. Accidents associated with defective products are very common and appear to be on the increase.
Foreign Investment to the United States (2 credits)
During 2007, the United States received foreign direct investment (”FDI”) of more than $177 Billion and was the largest single host country for FDI in the world. The structure of the United States legal system is characterized by a degree of decentralization, and most legal decisions relating to foreign investors and investments require the cooperation, if not the approval, of numerous independent governmental bodies. Because of this decentralization, the role of the U.S. attorney differs substantially from the role of lawyers in other legal systems. The U.S. lawyer takes an active role in helping to plan the proper structure of a foreign investment and the best method of approaching each governmental body. In this course, we will identify the various issues involved in planning FDI into the United States.
During 2007, the United States received foreign direct investment (”FDI”) of more than $177 Billion and was the largest single host country for FDI in the world. The structure of the United States legal system is characterized by a degree of decentralization, and most legal decisions relating to foreign investors and investments require the cooperation, if not the approval, of numerous independent governmental bodies. Because of this decentralization, the role of the U.S. attorney differs substantially from the role of lawyers in other legal systems. The U.S. lawyer takes an active role in helping to plan the proper structure of a foreign investment and the best method of approaching each governmental body. In this course, we will identify the various issues involved in planning FDI into the United States.
Trademarks (3 credits)
This introduction to trademark law provides an overview of trademark protection. The course examines the subject matter of trademark protection, acquisition and retention of trademark rights, federal trademark registration, likelihood of confusion and trademark infringement, trademark dilution, trade dress, false advertising, and trademark/free speech issues.
This introduction to trademark law provides an overview of trademark protection. The course examines the subject matter of trademark protection, acquisition and retention of trademark rights, federal trademark registration, likelihood of confusion and trademark infringement, trademark dilution, trade dress, false advertising, and trademark/free speech issues.
Patents (3 credits)
This course will cover the following topics on Patent Law: One-Origins and Policies; Obtaining the Patent Grant; Disclosure Requirements; Novelty and Loss of Rights; Non-obviousness; Utility; Statutory Subject Matter; Infringement; Defenses and Limitations; Remedies. Engineering and science background at the undergraduate level is desirable to understand this course.
This course will cover the following topics on Patent Law: One-Origins and Policies; Obtaining the Patent Grant; Disclosure Requirements; Novelty and Loss of Rights; Non-obviousness; Utility; Statutory Subject Matter; Infringement; Defenses and Limitations; Remedies. Engineering and science background at the undergraduate level is desirable to understand this course.
Copyrights (3 credits)
This course covers the basics of copyright law, including determinations of what is copyrightable, formalities for obtaining protection, and copyright registration practices and procedures. The substantive and procedural elements of infringement actions are examined, including defenses.
This course covers the basics of copyright law, including determinations of what is copyrightable, formalities for obtaining protection, and copyright registration practices and procedures. The substantive and procedural elements of infringement actions are examined, including defenses.
Wills and Trusts (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the various principles and components underlying the subject of wills and trusts. We will cover topics such as intestacy, creation and formalities of wills, revocation of wills, succession problems commonly encountered, creation of trusts, powers of trustees, trust administration, and others.
This course is an introduction to the various principles and components underlying the subject of wills and trusts. We will cover topics such as intestacy, creation and formalities of wills, revocation of wills, succession problems commonly encountered, creation of trusts, powers of trustees, trust administration, and others.
Bankruptcy (3 credits)
Antitrust (1/3 credits)
This course provides a basic introduction to the antitrust laws of the United States. It explores the philosophical foundation upon which the antitrust law is predicated and the economic models which have influenced its development. It introduces the statutory framework that regulates business activity, with special reference to the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, Federal Trade Commission Act, and Robinson-Patman Act. The course explores oligopoly, monopoly, unreasonable restraints upon trade, unfair competition, per se rules against price fixing, horizontal and vertical restraints, market divisions, boycotts, tying arrangements, conspiracy, cooperation, integration, business justification, predatory pricing, mergers and acquisitions, exemptions, and the impact of antitrust laws on intellectual property law. It also analyzes the public and private enforcement of the antitrust laws. There are no prerequisites other than the course is not open to first year law students.
This course provides a basic introduction to the antitrust laws of the United States. It explores the philosophical foundation upon which the antitrust law is predicated and the economic models which have influenced its development. It introduces the statutory framework that regulates business activity, with special reference to the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, Federal Trade Commission Act, and Robinson-Patman Act. The course explores oligopoly, monopoly, unreasonable restraints upon trade, unfair competition, per se rules against price fixing, horizontal and vertical restraints, market divisions, boycotts, tying arrangements, conspiracy, cooperation, integration, business justification, predatory pricing, mergers and acquisitions, exemptions, and the impact of antitrust laws on intellectual property law. It also analyzes the public and private enforcement of the antitrust laws. There are no prerequisites other than the course is not open to first year law students.
Non-Profit Organizations (3 credits)
Nonprofit organizations have served as vehicles of philanthropy, charity, and different forms of service to the community. A review of their history, as well as of their formation, dissolution, governance, operation, regulation and taxation will comprise the different components of this course. Though important for the legal practitioner, the taxation of nonprofit organizations will be given limited attention. Many nongovernmental organizations (“NGO”) are formed as nonprofit entities, and the scope of outreach, work and service is structured to comply with the underlying statutory regulations. This course will examine the underlying legal principles, enabling the law student to understand the analysis necessary to form and advise nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofit organizations have served as vehicles of philanthropy, charity, and different forms of service to the community. A review of their history, as well as of their formation, dissolution, governance, operation, regulation and taxation will comprise the different components of this course. Though important for the legal practitioner, the taxation of nonprofit organizations will be given limited attention. Many nongovernmental organizations (“NGO”) are formed as nonprofit entities, and the scope of outreach, work and service is structured to comply with the underlying statutory regulations. This course will examine the underlying legal principles, enabling the law student to understand the analysis necessary to form and advise nonprofit organizations.
Agency and Partnership (2/3 credits)
In order to carry out the goals and fulfill the purposes of many business, religious, civic and other associations, agency relationships and partnerships are formed far more often than one thinks. This course studies such relationships and unincorporated business organizations. The related statutes will be examined, as a complement to the basic development of such relationships under the common law, so as to gain the knowledge and understanding to advise, form and represent unincorporated business organizations. Neither limited liability companies nor corporations will be covered in this course.
In order to carry out the goals and fulfill the purposes of many business, religious, civic and other associations, agency relationships and partnerships are formed far more often than one thinks. This course studies such relationships and unincorporated business organizations. The related statutes will be examined, as a complement to the basic development of such relationships under the common law, so as to gain the knowledge and understanding to advise, form and represent unincorporated business organizations. Neither limited liability companies nor corporations will be covered in this course.
Remedies (3 credits)
This course explores the law of damages, equity and restitution. It focuses not on the elements of causes of actions such as breach of contract or tort, but on the kinds of relief or remedies that aggrieved parties may obtain if their substantive claims are upheld. Thus, for example, what kinds of damages may be obtained in a breach of contract action, or tort, how will such damages be measured? Or what types of equitable relief may a court grant such as injunctive relief or specific performance. In common language, a remedies course seeks to answer the question: “So what?” if one prevails on a claim of breach or wrongful action. The course commences with a review of some core remedial principles such as damages, equitable relief and restitution, and then explores remedy issues in the context of specific types of actions: remedies for harms to persons, harms to property, fraud and misrepresentation, and mistake. While not a required course, it is often seen as especially appropriate for bar preparation.
This course explores the law of damages, equity and restitution. It focuses not on the elements of causes of actions such as breach of contract or tort, but on the kinds of relief or remedies that aggrieved parties may obtain if their substantive claims are upheld. Thus, for example, what kinds of damages may be obtained in a breach of contract action, or tort, how will such damages be measured? Or what types of equitable relief may a court grant such as injunctive relief or specific performance. In common language, a remedies course seeks to answer the question: “So what?” if one prevails on a claim of breach or wrongful action. The course commences with a review of some core remedial principles such as damages, equitable relief and restitution, and then explores remedy issues in the context of specific types of actions: remedies for harms to persons, harms to property, fraud and misrepresentation, and mistake. While not a required course, it is often seen as especially appropriate for bar preparation.
Administrative Law (2/3 credits)
This course is a study of the organization, function, and procedures of state and federal administrative agencies, including the investigatory, rulemaking, adjudicatory, and enforcement functions of such agencies, and judicial review of administrative action.
This course is a study of the organization, function, and procedures of state and federal administrative agencies, including the investigatory, rulemaking, adjudicatory, and enforcement functions of such agencies, and judicial review of administrative action.
Corporations (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce law students with the foundational legal premises of the corporation and to prepare them for more advanced business related courses. Topics to be covered: corporate form, corporate structure, shareholders’ rights, duty of care, duty of loyalty, insider trading, mergers and acquisitions, and others.
This course is designed to introduce law students with the foundational legal premises of the corporation and to prepare them for more advanced business related courses. Topics to be covered: corporate form, corporate structure, shareholders’ rights, duty of care, duty of loyalty, insider trading, mergers and acquisitions, and others.
Business Associations (4 credits)
An analysis of the legal attributes of available business organization forms. Emphasis will be on partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations. The law of agency, as applied to each of these forms will also be emphasized. Rights, duties and liabilities of managers, owners, and agents will be examined. The course also focuses on formation issues, operational powers and fundamental changes in business forms such as dissolution, merger, or acquisition.
An analysis of the legal attributes of available business organization forms. Emphasis will be on partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations. The law of agency, as applied to each of these forms will also be emphasized. Rights, duties and liabilities of managers, owners, and agents will be examined. The course also focuses on formation issues, operational powers and fundamental changes in business forms such as dissolution, merger, or acquisition.
Commercial Transactions II – Sales (3 credits)
This course will cover Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code , which covers the Sale of Goods along with the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods and related commercial transactions. Students should note that they may take this course even if they have not taken Commercial Transactions I.
This course will cover Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code , which covers the Sale of Goods along with the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods and related commercial transactions. Students should note that they may take this course even if they have not taken Commercial Transactions I.
Commercial Transactions I – Secured Transactions (3 credits)
This course will focus primarily on secured transactions, and payment systems, Articles 9 and 3, and 4 of the UCC, respectively. Secured transactions and “commercial paper,” covered in this course, are bar-tested subjects.
This course will focus primarily on secured transactions, and payment systems, Articles 9 and 3, and 4 of the UCC, respectively. Secured transactions and “commercial paper,” covered in this course, are bar-tested subjects.
