This survey course introduces the student to the legal fundamentals that affect citizen's social, economic, and political relations with others. In addition, it deals with important ethical issues facing the legal profession. Taught by law professors in the same manner as a first year law school course, this course also allows students considering law school to determine whether law school is for them, and students committed to going to law school a chance to begin to learn key skills for law school success, such as briefing cases, legal research, legal writing, and exposure to law school style examinations. The course is taught in two time blocks, the first dealing with substantive law issues and the second, conducted in smaller breakout sessions, focusing on the research and writing component. The course is open to students who are juniors or seniors, and may be taken by graduating students on a non-credit basis.
Enrollment is limited and no credit is earned toward a law degree.
This is an introduction to the intellectual and philosophical basis of the American legal system and the processes by which it is carried on. Students examine civil and criminal cases and proceed through the court from fact gathering to final appeal. It includes a study of case reports, statutes, and tools for finding and updating research. Students are given basic problem exercises and learn about computer-assisted research. The course introduces the student to social work as a profession, examining historical development, current practice, and predicted trends.