Students are expected to do any reading associated with topics, perform the assignments given, and come to class prepared to discuss them. The assignments are due at the beginning of the class period. Students are encouraged to make two copies of the assignments, one for a grade and one for use in class discussions. Assignments will be predominantly written reports and abstracts of legal cases. Students may be required to review specific topics and conduct short instructional seminars.
Expectations are high for writing and oral communication skills.
Written work will be evaluated for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as for factual accuracy. From time to time, lectures will be conducted by guest speakers. Although attendance is not mandatory, examinations will cover issues and topics that evolve out of classroom discussions. Students who fail to arrive at the class on time will not be admitted to the classroom that day. The text is used principally for background information.