Law (LAW)
Students will learn criminal law through statutory interpretation, case analysis and rule synthesis, print and online legal research, and legal writing projects. Doctrinal topics may include larceny, burglary, robbery, arson, and rape; murder, manslaughter, and self-defense; attempts and inchoate crime; principles in the first and second degree; sanity and competency; and conspiracy.
This course integrates rigorous instruction in legal analysis, research and writing with substantive criminal law to give beginning law students an opportunity to combine skills and doctrine the way lawyers must in the practice of law. The course is taught by full-time professors in sections of no more than 45 students with one-on-one conferences. Legal analysis, research, and writing skills will be developed through course work that includes critical case reading, analysis, and briefing; common law principles and processes; factual analogy and distinction; rule synthesis and application; persuasive writing (motion and appellate briefs); case law and statutory research' citation form; and professional norms and ethics.
Introduction to those basic legal skills expected of practicing attorneys, including fundamentals of legal research; how to actively read and brief legal opinions; how to synthesize those opinions into holdings that can be applied to new factual situations; and how to use holdings to predict the outcome of legal controversy. Students will learn the basics of legal writing to effectively predict an outcome to the appropriate legal audience. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
Provides an overview of the investigation and prosecution of white collar crime. Covers key federal criminal statutes, including conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, securities fraud, bribery and extortion, money laundering, false statments and perjury, obstruction of justice and RICO. Includes overview of procedural issues such as grandjury proceedings and immunity.
A study of the constitutional issues presented in the criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on the constitutional restraints of police practices imposed by the Fourth Amendment (search and seizure), the Fifth Amendment (interrogation) and the Sixth Amendment (right to counsel). Can be taken for numeric grade only.
A study of constitutional issues presented in the criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on issues relating to specific procedures in the criminal process, including pretrial procedures (charging, bail, preliminary hearing, grand jury and right-to-counsel), trial procedures (effective assistance of counsel, jury trials and trial publicity), post-trial procedures sentencing and appeals) and double jeopardy. Can be taken for numeric grade only.
Building upon skills learned in LAW 501, students will learn how to write persuasively to the appropriate legal audience by examining the fundamentals of brief writing. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
This upper-division elective is designed as a supplement to the Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure courses. This course focuses on criminal practice in California Superior Courts. The course will be particularly helpful and attractive to students enrolled in externships at local district attorney and public defender offices. The course will present the chief doctrinal foundations of California Criminal Procedure and will focus on practice in San Bernardino and other local criminal courts. The course will present, discuss, and practice the skills needed to perform competently on California performance exams.
This course will include a focused consideration of the law and local jury selection procedure. Students will observe jury selection in a minimum of three cases. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
Contracts-Doctrine, Values and Skills is a foundational course in the study of law. This course pursues a comprehensive experience in (1) the doctrinal fundamentals of contract law and (2) the values and skills necessary to achieve success in both law school and ultimately the profession. Performance with respect to the doctrinal focus of the course will constitute 2/3 of the course grade, and the values and skills focus of the course will constitute 1/3 of the course grade.
A study of the formation of legally enforceable contracts and their enforcement. Topics covered include consideration, offer, acceptance, mistake, reliance, capacity, equitable factors, illegality and the effects of the Statute of Frauds. Remedies for breach of contract, interpretation of contract language, factors affecting contract enforcement, persons entitled to enforce contractual obligations and special statutory provisions affecting consumer and commercial transactions are also covered.
A study of the formation of legally enforceable contracts and their enforcement. Topics covered include consideration, offer, acceptance, mistake, reliance, capacity, equitable factors, illegality and the effects of the Statute of Frauds. Remedies for breach of contract, interpretation of contract language, factors affecting contract enforcement, persons entitled to enforce contractual obligations and special statutory provisions affecting consumer and commercial transactions are also covered.
A survey of the legal and equitable remedies available for various injuries. Topics include actions for injuries to persons, property, businesses, reputations, etc. and the grounds for choosing between alternate remedies.
Remedies - Practice Workshop is designed to supplement the traditional Remedies course. Remedies - Practice Workshop is a practice-based course focusing on a particular concept of Remedies. The course will include an in-depth consideration of a particular concept in Remedies, followed by a project where students research, draft, develop, and argue a motion. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
This course helps first-year law students transition into the professional role of law students and attorneys. Students will learn how to represent themselves, the law school, their future clients, and the legal profession. Students will learn how to cultivate trust and prepare for their career by crafting an ethical presence through behavior, appearance, verbal communication, written correspondence, and digital footprint. Credit/no credit only. Not challengeable.
This course is a study of the rights and consequences of land ownership and problems in transferring interests in land. Subjects include common law estates and interests, duties and rights of landlord and tenant, easements, covenants, and the rights of neighbors, the government, and the public. Also included are such topics as contracts for sale and remedies for breach, non-contractual transfer, covenants of title, marketable title, implied warranties, recording statutes, title insurance, adverse possession, and equitable conversion.
A study of the rights and consequences of land ownership and problems in transferring interests in land. Subjects include common law estates and interests, duties and rights of landlord and tenant, easements, covenants and the rights of neighbors, the government and the public. Also included are such topics as contracts for sale and remedies for breach, non-contractual transfer, covenants of title, marketable title, implied warranties, recording statutes, title insurance, adverse possession and equitable conversion.
A study of the rights and consequences of land ownership and problems in transferring interests in land. Subjects include common law estates and interests, duties and rights of landlord and tenant, easements, covenants and the rights of neighbors, the government and the public. Also included are such topics as contracts for sale and remedies for breach, non-contractual transfer, covenants of title, marketable title, implied warranties, recording statutes, title insurance, adverse possession and equitable conversion.
This course is a study of family wealth transmission problems. Subjects include will creation (formal and informal), will interpretation, and will revocation. Also studied are the creation and enforcement of trusts (both private and charitable), the duties of the trustee, and revocation issues.
This practice ready skills course in Estates will prepare the student for practical, and immediately applicable skills in preparing estate plans as a legal practitioner. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
Topics include classifying marital property, management and control of community property, the liability of marital property for the debts and torts of the spouses, the division of community property upon dissolution or death and the property rights of putative and meretricious spouses.
A study of the law regarding marriage, separation, dissolution of marriage, annulment, child and spousal support, adoption and child custody under the California Family Code.
Family Law - Practice Workshop is designed to supplement the traditional Family Law course. Family Law - Practice Workshop is a practice-based course focusing on a component of Family Law. This course will include an in-depth consideration of a component of Family Law, followed by a project where students research, develop, draft, and possibly argue a Court submission. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
This course explores the fundamental public policy favoring the devolution of property from generation to generation and continues with the elements of a will, the goals of estate planning, and drafting estate planning documents. The course also includes analysis of the concept of bifurcation of title; the elements of a trust, its formation, types of trusts and their characteristics; the law of posers of appointment and its application to trusts; the Rule against Perpetuities; charitable trusts, and the fiduciary responsibility of trustees.
Numeric grade only.
This course will cover civil wrongs which form the basis for a lawsuit; the primary aim of tort law is to provide relief for damages incurred and to deter others from committing the same wrong. Students will learn the law of imposed liability for personal, property, and economic harm. Doctrinal topics will include negligence (including professional malpractice); strict liability (including products liability) and intentional torts; causation and elements of damages; and affirmative defenses and limitations of duties including; assumption of risk, contributory negligence, comparative negligence, immunity, and limited liability of property owners.
Torts - Introduction to Legal Skills integrates professional skills training--in legal analysis, research, and writing--with traditional casebook instruction in torts doctrine to give you an opportunity to combine the study and practice of law.. This portion of the course will address legal analysis, research, and writing skills which will be developed through coursework that includes critical case reading; analysis and briefing; factual analogy and distinction; rule synthesis and application; objective/predictive writing (office memo); case law and statutory research; print and electronic research; Blue Book citation form; and professional norms and ethics. . Torts-ILS is a rigorous course which will demand a great deal of time and energy during the first semester. It will aid you in learning many of the basic skills needed to succeed in law school, on the bar exam, and in practice.
This course is a unique program designed to introduce the student to the challenges and issues involved in setting up and running a law office. Reviews theory, examples, attitude, client relationships, and other practical problems, and explores how this relates to a successful practice.
This seminar addresses a variety of legal issues faced by persons with serious chronic health conditions such as cancer or HIV. The legal issues will include how persons with chronic illness access health care, maintain employment or sufficient income, deal with stigma and discrimination in housing and the workplace, medical privacy and consent for care, as well as public policy issues such as limits on recovery through litigation and the government's role in health disparities and disease prevention.
Course examines the growing area of federal and state law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, with particular emphasis on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Fair Housing Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and California's disabilities civil rights statutes. The course will put the federal and state laws in the context of the history of the disability rights movement and the states' rights (federalism) movement.
This course examines the nature and law of the international legal system, role of major participants, and relation of public and private international law. It covers selected issues of international economic law, with particular emphasis on the influence of transnational corporations, regulation of foreign direct investment, and dispute resolution, and surveys the role of international courts and tribunals, and standards and professional responsibility of lawyers, judges and arbitrators.
The study of federal and state judicial systems, with emphasis on the Federal rules of Civil Procedure. Students will become proficient in analyzing the law in the following subject areas: Jurisdiction, Venue, Choice of Law, Pleading, Joinder of Claims and Parties, Class Actions, Discovery, Adjudication without Trial, Trial by Jury, Res Judicata, and Collateral Estoppel.. Students will also be introduced to the concepts of alternative dispute resolution and its impact on litigation in the civil procedure context.
A study of the constitutional and jurisprudential aspects of civil procedure. Subjects covered include jurisdiction, venue, joinder of parties and claims including issues of standing, justiciability, pleading requirements, discovery, right to trial by jury, the effects of a prior judgment on subsequent proceedings, the interaction between state and federal court systems and the scope of appellate review.
A study of the constitutional and jurisprudential aspects of civil procedure. Subjects covered include jurisdiction, venue, joinder of parties and claims including issues of standing, justiciability, pleading requirements, discovery, right to trial by jury, the effects of a prior judgment on subsequent proceedings, the interaction between state and federal court systems and the scope of appellate review.
An introduction to the law and practice of arbitration within a variety of contexts, including labor, employment, and commercial matters. Readings, simulations, and discussions focus on federal and state statutes relating to the selection of arbitrators, the arbitration process, judicial review, and enforcement of arbitration awards.
This course addresses the legal problems created when the authority of sources of law are not clearly defined and neatly demarcated, such that a single event or occurrence giving rise to a legal dispute may be subject to control by more than one lawmaker or law enforcer. Conflicts arise between the unclear and sometimes overlapping power of different bodies to make or administer law, and this course is designed to explore the ways these conflicts are resolved.
A study of the process in which a third party mediator assists others in reaching consensus. Through discussions, simulations, and case studies, students explore the theory, practice, policies and ethnics of mediation, including the role of lawyers in mediation.
A course exploring the division of jurisdiction between state and federal courts, original jurisdiction of district courts, federal questions, diversity of citizenship, jurisdictional amount and removal, Supreme Court review of state court decisions and habeas corpus.
This course will first consider the history of plea bargaining, the logistics of plea bargaining, and the major issues regarding plea bargaining. Subsequently, the course will consider plea bargaining from the perspectives of the district attorney, defense attorney, and judge. Then, students will participate in a plea bargaining simulation. Numeric grading only. Not challengeable.
numeric
Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
This course emphasizes theoretical and practical applications of mediation. Students will learn about conflict and communication, mediation theory, the stages of mediation, the role of the mediator, mediator styles, the role of an attorney advocate involved in a mediation, cultural and gender issues, and ethical considerations.
An indepth study of mediation ethics. Through discussions and case studies, students explore the theory, practice, and policies of mediation ethics, with an emphasis on party self-determination, mediator impartiality, confidentiality, quality of the process and of the outcome, mediator competence, and conflicts of interest. Students will participate in class dialogue and ponder ethical dilemmas. Students will research and write a paper that satisfies the upper division writing requirement.
A unique, hands-on program that uses realistic law office and courtroom simulations to teach students how to handle a dispute from its inception through resolution either by motion, arbitration or mediation. After being organized into separate law firms, students explore pre-trial procedures (including pleadings, discovery and motions) and case resolution strategies. Course may be repeated 3 times for upto 10 semester hours of credit.
An advanced study of the process in which a third-party mediator assists others in reaching resolution, Students explore the theory, practice, policies, and ethics of mediation, including the importance of mediation preparation, negotiation skills, power of apology and forgiveness, the importance of trust, mediator malpractice, quality control, online dispute resolution and expansion of traditional aspects of mediation. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
A course designed to help students expand and improve the skills learned in the introductory research and writing courses. Students will learn persuasive writing skills by drafting persuasive documents, such as those written to a court when advocating a clients position. Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
An advanced survey of legal analysis and communication with workshop sessions and writing exercises designed for the graduating student preparing to transition from studying law to practicing law.
Examines sources and methods of legal research relating to administrative law, legislative history and selected specialized topics. Particular emphasis is given to online sources.
This course covers the process of transferring property upon death. Focus will be on testamentary transfers of assets under the California Probate Code and Local Rules of Court. It is a skills-based course.
The purpose of this course is to help students improve their writing skills for their introduction to Legal Skills courses, as well as for their professional careers. This course helps students understand good writing while strengthening their mechanics and composition. Topics range from punctuation to grammar and usage. In addition to weekly labs, there are individual conferences for students to receive one-on-one writing attention. Utilizing both the labs and the conferences, students will have the opportunity to develop the composition skills necessary for success.
The SLM I class will be linked substantively with an MBE-tested subject chosen by the Center for Academic and Bar Readiness, with a heavy emphasis on practicing essay exam-taking skills such as issue-spotting, analytical writing, and essay organization skills, as well as multiple choice exam-taking skills. Student learning will be reinforced through in-class practice, and students will develop the skill of self-evaluation so they can continue to progress independently.
The SLM II class will be linked substantively with an MBE-tested subject chosen by the Center for Academic and Bar Readiness, with a heavy emphasis on practicing essay exam-taking skills such as issue-spotting, analytical writing, and essay organization skills, as well as multiple choice exam-taking skills. Student learning will be reinforced through in-class practice, and students will develop the skill of self-evaluation so they can continue to progress independently.
A skilled focused course designed to: 1) introduce students to the performance test portion of the California Bar Exam; 2) teach students the strategies necessary for sucess on performance tests; and 3) provide students with opportunities to practice the skills necessary for the bar exam. This class is not a substitute for a commercial bar review course.
This course examines the theories that underpin the law and legal decision making. Including the theory of how judges actually decide cases and how they ought to decide them, the sources and basis of our legal system as well as the relationship between morality and the law. We will focus on the major American schools of thought including formalism, realism, Natural law, positivism, critical legal studies, law and society, and law and the social sciences. Not challengeable.
This course will examine the origin and development of major areas of law and legal institutions in the law. The class will provide the background of many legal doctrines, rights, and causes of action. The course may be repeated for credit if the topic is substantially different from a previous offering.
This is a capstone course intended to be the culmination of a comprehensive legal education, with the ultimate goal being success on the California Bar Exam. Topics include planning and preparation techniques, completing assignments involving substantive areas of the law, analysis and writing bar essays, performance tests, and solving multiple-choice questions. The course is required to be taken in the student's final year of law school. This class is not a substitute for a commerical bar review course. Credit/no credit only.
Teaches students the fundamentals of brief writing and oral advocacy including preparation of an appellate brief and making oral arguments before a mock appellate tribunal.
Additionally, students must receive instructor approval to enroll in this course. This course will facilitate the creation of a Student Executive Board within the Board of Advocates. The Executive Board will consist of three to six students with one to two faculty advisors. One to two students will be selected to represent and assist the trial teams, moot teams, and ADR teams, respectively. The faculty chair(s) of the Board of Advocates will work closely with the students to provide guidance and will hold regular meetings with the students. Students selected for the Board will be expected to: familiarize themselves with the fact and law involved in the competitions attended by their division; assist the competition teams as permitted and necessary; attend regular meetings to coordinate teams and communicate with faculty; participate in the try-out process; participate in the selection of teams; help identify suitable competitions; help secure outside judges as appropriate/coordinate with faculty coaches in finding outside judges; provide peer coaching; coordinate student judges. Credit/no credit only.
Students pursue the study of trial advocacy in a simulated environment, participating in sanctioned, inter-scholastic mock trial competitions. Trial team members are required to participate as mock witnesses, research evidentiary issues and motions relevant to trial practice, and attend lectures and practices relevant to the trial practice and competitions. Students who participate as a member of a competing team, and who complete all requirements of a competition in accordance with its participatory rules earn 2 units of credit. Students who do not participate as a member of a competing team but who participate as a supporting trial team member and who complete all participatory assignments ear 1 unit of credit. Student participation as a competing trial team member is determined at the discretion of the trial team coach/instructor, and selection to participate as a competitor shall be made on merit. A prerequisite for participation is completion of the litigation track or upon approval of the instructor and with course professor’s approval. Credit/no credit only.
Program in which students engage in brief writing and oral presentation on sophisticated legal issues. Students who have shown outstanding ability in appellate advocacy are invited to participate.
May be taken four times for credit
The ADR Competition Team is designed to develop and master negotiation and advocacy skills, including effective communication techniques, to take place either within a negotiation setting, a mediation setting, or an arbitration setting. Participation is by invitation only after an intra-mural competition judged by experienced members of the community and the faculty. After selection, students may participate in a regional and/or national competition against other law schools. Potential competitions include: Negotiation, Representation in Mediation, Mediation. and Arbitration. At least one of the following courses is a prerequisite or co-requisite for the Negotiation, Representation in Mediation or Mediation Competitions: ADR, Negotiation, Mediation, Mediation Practicum, or Mediation Ethics Seminar. Either ADR or Arbitration is a prerequisite or co-requisite for an Arbitration Competition. Members of the ADR Competition Team may not be on academic probation or academic warning in any semester in which they are selected or they compete.
This course will serve as an introductory survey covering most of the core concepts of United States constitutional law. By the end of the semester, students will have a basic understanding of the theory and practice of judicial review; the nature and structure of the US federal system; the expansion of national power and its limitations on state authority; the continuing significance of state authority in the United States national system; the operation of separation of powers and the manner in which this structural constraint places limits on the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government; and last, the framework through which individual rights are identified and protected against invasion by federal and state actors, especially those rights related to the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses.
A study of the law of the United States Constitution. Subjects include the structure of the federal republic, the constitutional powers of government, separation of powers, judicial review and individual rights and liberties (including due process of law, equal protection, freedom of expression and association, and free exercise and establishment of religion).
A study of the law of the United States Constitution. Subjects include the structure of the federal republic, the constitutional powers of government, separation of powers, judicial review and individual rights and liberties (including due process of law, equal protection, freedom of expression and association, and free exercise and establishment of religion).
Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
This course includes an analytic discussion of theories of constitutional litigation as well as practical consideration of enforcement strategies. Areas of emphasis include private enforcement of constitutional rights against state and federal actors (including police excessive force and government employer retaliation cases), laws against sex discrimination and rights and remedies in prison cases. Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
This seminar explores current issues in constitutional law from a comparative and global perspective. Issues include judicial review, presidential powers, free speech, freedom of religion, and privacy rights.
This course will cover the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other relevant state and federal statutes (i.e. the Code of Federal Regulations, the California Code of Regulations, and the California Education Code) pertaining to the practice of special education law. It is a practical course that teaches students how to navigate a special education case from inception (including client interviewing) through a due process proceeding. Students who participate in this course will be eligible to apply as Student Directors in the DRLC Clinic.
A two-semester course examining the laws governing modern business entities. The course covers agency, partnership and limited liability companies. The second semester examines legal issues relevant to the control and management of a corporation, with a focus on public corporations.
A two-semester course examining the laws governing modern business entities. The course covers agency, partnership and limited liability companies. The second semester examines legal issues relevant to the control and management of a corporation, with a focus on public corporations.
An examination of contract formation, performance, discharge of contractual obligations, implied and expressed warranties, breach and remedies. Emphasis is given to the differences between Article 2 and the common law of contracts.
An examination of common law and statutory copyright and artistic property, including such topics as originality, types of work protected, publication formalities, the nature of the rights protected, duration and renewal of assignments, infringement actions and remedies. The course also considers trademarks and trade names, appropriation of competitors products and interference with contractual relations.
Analysis of the many legal problems stemming from the relationships between writers, performers and other artists and their agents, managers, promoters and producers.
The course gives an overview of insurance law principles, insurance marketing, coverages and public policies. Case law and statutory materials studied give an understanding of contract formation and interpretation as well as familiarity with specific types of insurance coverage commonly encountered in the general practice of law.
An in-depth study of bankruptcy and the consumer debtor, collection and distribution of assets of an insolvent, bankruptcy jurisdiction of the debtor and creditor rights under Chapters 7, 11 and 13 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code.
An examination of many present-day issues that arise when professional and college sports confront the legal system. Course analyzes the basic legal relationships among player, agent, union, team, league and commissioner within professional sports and among athletes, colleges and the NCAA in college sports. Discussions focus on a number of contemporary conflicts within the sports world, such as drug use and domestic violence by players, free agency, franchise movements and stadium subsidies, representations by sports agents, eligibility for collegiate competition and the role of Title IX in womens sports.
Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
May be taken twice for credit. Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
This course examines Federal Income Taxation of the individual. It includes basic principles of the federal income tax - including concepts of gross income, exclusions, deductions, elements of tax procedure, judicial review, and tax research. Tax concepts and theories of tax policy are discussed throughout the semester. Practical applications of economic theories relevant to transactional law practice are framed throughout the course.
This course examines important legal issues in health care. The course covers legal aspects of the doctor-patient relationship (such as informed consent, duty to treat, confidentiality and malpractice liability), financing and delivery issues (such as insurance coverage, managed care regulation and Medicare/Medicaid reform) and selected issues in bioethics (such as organ transplantation and physician-assisted suicide). Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
This course introduces and explores the application of Constitutional doctrine to people under the age of majority in legal arenas other than juvenile justice. Subjects include searches in school, freedom of expression-speech and religion in public schools, curfews and adoption. Students may elect to write a paper that would satisfy the upper level writing requirement or maintain a journal as the evaluation mechanism for the course. The course will include a drafting exercise and may include a practicum involving the area of adoption.
As evidenced by current events and media reports, video games have become serious business; the products comprise a rapidly expanding, multi-billion dollar, global video and computer game industry. This relatively new entertainment medium has been growing exponentially. According to the Entertainment Software Association, in 2005 sales of video and computer games exceeded seven billion dollars, thereby doubling revenues of 1996. The growth is not merely vertical; the multivariate nature of the games has entangled them with other existing entertainment and educational media. So too have the legal issues continued to expand and intertwine themselves with this relatively recent phenomenon.
This course provides an introduction to Federal taxation of corporations and shareholders, focusing upon areas of corporate formation, taxation of the corporation as a separate entity, taxations of distributions by the corporation to its shareholders, taxation on the termination of a corporation by partial or complete liquidation, and an introduction to taxable and non-taxable acquisitions.
This seminar will introduce and begin to explore the variety of forms of antidiscrimination law and policy in the U.S. The seminar will be organized around protected categories (impermissible bases of discrimination), and within those categories, will cover topics including employment discrimination, housing discrimination, and so on.
This concentrated course will provide the ability to effectively and strategically initiate, enforce, and respond to all forms of discovery. The course should enable students to instantly analyze a situation and prepare the discovery pleadings necessary to obtain summary judgement or start trial. Provides an arsenal of forms, checklists, rules, and cases.
This course is an overview of the topics that arise unique to patent litigation, including pre-suit litigation, claim construction, doctrine of equivalents, prosecution history estoppel, marking, reasonable royalties, enhanced damages, and reexamination. The role of attorney opinion letters will be explored, including infringement, and validity opinions and design around studies. Students will write a paper in the course.
This course introduces the legal principles governing not-for-profit organizations, including relevant corporate, trust, and tax principles; basic practice issues; and distinctions between the law for for-profit versus not-for-profit organizations.
The transactional track workshop curriculum provides an integrated, experiential framework for students to pursue and attain core doctrinal and practice competencies within the context of Business Organizations, Sales, and Negotiations. While each doctrinal course offering is grounded on differentiated, course-specific learning objectives, track-curriculum integration is achieved through faculty and student coordination of, and participation in, a semester-long case/problem requiring students to draw on the substantive and practice-oriented experiences offered in each of the core courses. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
The study of the law of evidence includes relevancy and materiality, hearsay and its exceptions, comptency of witnesses, presumptions, judicial notice, and privileged communications. Scientific, demonstrative and documentary evidence is covered, as are impeachment and cross-examination.
The study of the law of evidence. Subjects include relevancy and materiality, hearsay and its exceptions, competency of witnesses, presumptions, judicial notice and privileged communications. Scientific, demonstrative and documentary evidence is covered, as are impeachment and cross-examination.
This course is designed to provide important training with respect to the two most difficult and confrontational trial functions: objections and cross-examination. Traditional Evidence and Trial Practice courses deliver necessary theoretical and doctrinal foundations for the later development of those skills by way of on-the-job experience. In order to accelerate that experience, this course is intended to bridge the gap between doctrinal studies and the practitioner's real-world courtroom. Not challengeable.
This course is an introductory animal law course to provide the student with an understanding of the complexities and diversity that exists in animal law. Students will also be introduced to current animal law issues. Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
This course introduces students to the basics of construction law. Throughout the course, students will learn the vocabulary and process of construction law at various stages. Topics covered in the course include participants in the design and construction process, contracting for construction projects, construction scheduling, construction safety, changes, termination and default, mechanics' liens, insurance and bonds, defective construction, consumer protection liability, economic loss rule, damages, and construction industry ethics. Additionally, students will learn relevant provisions in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24). The class will include a practical aspect for drafting and form completion.
This course provides an opportunity to build on the basic skills learned in Trial Advocacy and gain a further understanding of the legal and procedural requirements of the trial process, as well as an appreciation for the creative part of the presentation. While some classroom time will be spent on lecture and discussion, the majority of class time will involve students performing various exercises involving different aspects of trial work.
In this seminar we will study international trade law and policy. We will examine how the World Trade Organzation (WTO) came into existence and its place in the broader realm of international economic institutions. We will examine substantive WTO law in depth, drawing heavily on the significant body of WTO Dispute Settlement Body jurisprudence. We will cover the fundamentals of the "WTO constitution" formed in the Uruguay Round, including the substantial WTO dispute settlement system. We will study the law on trade in goods and trade in services and some of the important specialized WTO agreements on intellectual property, investment, environmental protection, safeguards, and health and safety. In addition to examining WTO law, we cannot fully understand trade governance without examining the proliferation of bilateral and regional trade agreements. We will spend time studying NAFTA and the European Union. Some time will be spent on the effects of these laws and institutions on California's economy and communities.
A study of the powers and procedures of federal and state administrative agencies, including rulemaking and adjudication, judicial and legislative control thereof and the rights of individuals affected by such decision-making.
Many lawyers are unaware of the rich legality applicable at the international level, in the forms of both domestic and international law. Recent Supreme Court decisions brought to the attention of many that both domestic and international law have a great deal to do with the treatment of suspect terrorists. This course covers the basics of domestic and international law relevant to terrorism. It examines how domestic criminal law and procedure might apply to suspected terrorists. It covers terrorism in the form of restrictions on the movement of people, goods, technology, and capital across borders. Legal issues involving use of military force against terrorism are examined. The course covers legal issues associated with military detention, interrogation, trial, and punishment of suspected terrorists. Finally, the course covers civil law issues involving compensation of victims of terrorism and victims of responses to terrorism. The course brings out how complex social problems involve diverse areas of law: from domestic criminal law and procedure, to public international law, as well as regulatory law, tort, and civil procedure.
This seminar expands on topics covered in Employment Relations, such as wrongful termination and other legal aspects governing relations between employers and employees. Topics include wrongful termination in violation of public policy, discrimination, unlawful retaliation, and just cause provisions.
Examines issues surrounding the organization and operation of local governments and their relation to federal and state government, including land-use, zoning, taxation and public contracting. Constitutional implications are also considered.
A survey of immigration law and procedure, with emphasis on exclusion and deportation proceedings, judicial review, nationality and citizenship.
A study of wrongful termination and other aspects of the law governing relations between employers and employees, including collective bargaining agreements, strikes, boycotts, picketing, unfair labor practices and the impact of the National Labor Relations Act and other federal legislation.
A study of the policies behind and the operation of workers compensation statutes. Such matters as the comprehensibility of accident-related injuries arising in the course of employment, benefits payable and the relationship of common law tort theories are included.
A general survey of statutory and case law in the environmental arena and the economic policies behind such law. Consideration is given to remedial devices available for environmental protection.
This course will introduce students to both civil and criminal aspects of mental health and the law. The course will present the definitions of mental illness and mental disability, as well as outline the issues for providers of mental health services, including psychiatrist-patient privilege. The course will then focus on civil aspects of mental health law, such as standards and procedures for involuntary commitment; consent for, and informed refusal of, treatment; and deinstitutionalization/community-based treatment. Next, the course will focus on the mentally ill, and the sexually violent predator laws. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
The practicum will include weekly instruction on the applicable mental health law and civil procedure; training in client interviewing and counseling, burden of proof and standard of proof; applying rules of evidence, performing direct and cross-examinations (with feedback and debriefing); court observation and debriefing; assisting the supervising attorney with client interviews and court representation; and finally the student acting as legal representative under the supervision of the attorney (with permission of the client). The supervising attorney may train students through mock client interviews and a moot of the hearing with self-evaluation and feedback from the supervising attorney. In addition, court observation and debriefing provides a forum for students to learn mental health and disability law pertinent to the cases they will handle, as well as for the discussion of practice and ethical issues arising in those cases. Credit/no credit only. Not challengeable.
This subject is regularly tested on the California bar exam. This course will revisit the hearsay rule and the many exceptions that exist under both federal and California law. Students will learn what constitutes hearsay, why so many exceptions exist, and how to walk through a hearsay analysis and objection. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
This course provides a survey of aviation law topics. It will cover the basic framework of aviation law including: international treaties, federal laws, applicable tort law doctrines and choice of issues relating to aviation accident litigation. Related topics include airmen certification, regulation, airport land use, aircraft ownership, and governance of unmanned aerial vehicles in the national airspace system. Numeric grade only. Not challengeable.
This course will survey the basic structure of securities regulation with a focus on providing the student with the knowledge and understanding of the issues often confronted in the contest of corporate finance. The course will reiterate and supplement the coverage provided in the Business Organization course pertaining to state and federal securities regulations. Relevant coverage includes: the Securities Regulation Framework, the definition of securities, understanding the investor's perspective, public offerings, private offerings, exempt transactions, secondary distributions, liability under the Securities Act, financial reporting, insider trading, materiality of information, fraud, and enforcement.
A study of the broad scope of issues affecting international business. The course introduces students to analytical tools used by lawyers who advise on matters related to international business and examines law and practice relating to prevalent forms of international business transactions.
A course designed to challenge each students preconceived ideas concerning the relation of church and state in America. Utilizing historical material concerning the state of religion in the colonies at the time the religion clause of the First Amendment was created; students are urged to question the true intent of the Founding Fathers in providing for religious freedom in American life. Both the establishment clause and the free exercise clause of the First Amendment are studied in detail through a close examination of United States Supreme Court cases spanning the last two centuries.
A study of the organization of the legal profession and the duties and responsibilities of lawyers toward clients, the public, the courts and other attorneys. This study of the standards and processes by which lawyers are disciplined gives particular attention to the Model Rules of the American Bar Association and the rules and statutes governing California attorneys.
Course can be taken for numeric grade only.
The Appellate Advocacy Clinic: 9th Circuit Court of Appeals provides students with an intensive appellate experience in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The Appellate Advocacy Clinic: 9th Circuit will argue cases before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The clinic will select the cases that offer the highest pedagogical value for its students. This is a two semester course: fall and spring. The clinic will include a classroom component. Credit/No Credit Only.
Externships in which students are placed with local public agencies, including the District Attorney, the Public Defender, various legal aid clinics, County Counsel and local judges in both the Superior and Appellate Courts. Students work under the supervision of an attorney, learning how to solve practical legal problems in real life situations. Course may be repeated multiple times for up to 12 semester hours of credit
This course provides clinical experience to upper division law students at the Disability Rights Legal Center, focusing on disability rights litigation and special education issues for low-income and minority families.
This is a live-client clinic. Students represent clients before the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service, the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs & Border Protection, in cases including applications for asylum and other relief from removal. 3 hours of class/week, 1 hour weekly case team meeting, and approximately 25-30 hours of case work per week, on average. The standard number of units for this course is six. Any change is the unusual exception.
Members of the Journal for Law, Business and Ethics may enroll in this weekly seminar whose focus is the writing of a Note or Comment for publication. Students are guided by members of the faculty in all aspects of their legal scholarship, including topic selection; preliminary research in primary and secondary sources; finding sources online, on paper, and inside and outside the La Verne library; outlining, editing, Bluebook format and cite-checking; and the publication process.
Students participate in editing, blue-booking, cite-checking, managing and producing the Journal for Law, Business and Ethics in association with the Pacific Southwest Academy of Legal Studies in Business and its faculty-board of editors. Students are eligible to earn 1 unit of credit (pass/fail) for their participation advancing the production of one volume of the journal. Students may earn up to a total of 2 units for their participation in advancing the production of two total volumes. Credit/no credit only.
Offers students with demonstrated high scholastic ability an annual opportunity to participate in the publication of the Journal of Juvenile Law. As a member of the law review staff, a student has the opportunity to write a scholarly article and/or serve in an editorial or administrative capacity. Course may be repeated multiple times for upto 4 semester hours of credit
A course designed to enhance the students research and writing skills and to acquaint the student with a topic or issue of particular interest. Course work consists of a written paper involving legal research and analysis of substantial depth. A faculty member closely supervises the students work. The students topic must be pre-approved and not covered in detail by any other offered course. The student will receive one or two units of credit for the particular project, based on the amount of identifiable time spent in researching and writing the paper.