Professor Goldstein's class is exclusively problem focused. A study of the codified law as it relates to the federal taxation of the income of individuals, this course emphasizes the concepts of gross income, taxable income, deductions, credits, and tax consequences of divorce. Special emphasis is given to the federal tax policy considerations inherent in resolving tax issues. A survey of selected topics such as administrative practice before the Internal Revenue Service and the Tax Court may be included in the course. The full-time Legal Research and Writing faculty work closely with students in smaller classroom settings introducing case briefing, case synthesis, and analysis through a series of research and writing assignments.
Students learn how to research legal issues, frame legal arguments, and analyze legal problems.
In addition to learning traditional research methods, students are also trained to use computer-assisted legal research including Lexis and Westlaw. This full-year course culminates in an oral argument in a simulated court setting, during which each student argues a motion based on a brief written by the student. This course discusses the unique role of lawyers in today's society. The course addresses the nature and scope of the attorney's responsibilities and obligations to the administration of justice, to clients, and to the profession. The course examines the application of the law governing the conduct of lawyers in relation to the development of professional ethics.