Curriculum
Certificate of Concentration in Family Law
The National Center for Family Law offers law students at the University of Richmond the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Concentration in Family Law to be awarded at graduation along with the J.D. diploma. Transcripts will also reflect completion of the concentration program.
Earning the Certificate of Concentration in Family Law is similar to completing a major as an undergraduate. A student must take a basic Family Law course and a certain number of credits from other Family Law-related courses. Students seeking the Certificate of Concentration in Family Law will meet their upper-level writing requirement by writing on a family law-related subject.
Certificates will be awarded only to those who achieve a grade point average of at least 3.0 in all family law concentration classes taken. Students whose GPA is 3.5 or higher in concentration courses will earn the certificate "with distinction."
Requirements
Total Family Law Credits Required
Each student must take a total of 24 credits from family law concentration courses or those identified as related.
Required Courses
Each student must take the following courses:
| 707, Family Law | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 724, Ethical Issues in Family Law | 2 sem. hrs. |
| An approved clinic* | 5-7 sem. hrs. |
| An upper-level writing requirement** | 2 sem. hrs. |
Target Courses
Each student must take at least one of the following courses:
| 610, Alternative Dispute Resolution | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 672, Negotiations | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 670, Interviewing & Counseling | 2 sem. hrs. |
Family Law Concentration Classes
Students may count any of the following toward completion of the concentration requirements except as otherwise indicated:
| 707, Family Law | 3 sem. hrs. (Required) |
| 703, Advanced Family Law Seminar | 2 sem. hrs. (Satisfies upper-level writing requirement) |
| 724, Ethical Issues in Family Law | 2 sem. hrs. (Required) |
| 685, Muslim Family Law | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 616, Children and the Law | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 627, Education Law | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 713, Child Support & Enforcement | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 785, Domestic Violence Seminar | 2 sem. hrs. (Satisfies upper-level writing requirement) |
| 740, Sexual Orientation and the Law | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 634, Estate Planning | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 606, Wills and Trusts | 4 sem. hrs. |
| 633, Estate and Gift Tax | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 717, Bioethics | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 600, Federal Income Taxation | 4 sem. hrs. |
| 699, Marriage, Money, and the Law | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 723, Collaborative Law | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 778, Family Law Clinic | 6 sem. hrs. |
| 755, Disability Law Clinic | 6 sem. hrs. |
| 753, Delinquency Clinic | 6 sem. hrs. |
| 754, Juvenile Law and Policy Clinic | 5 sem. hrs. |
| 773, Advanced Children's Law Clinic | 2-6 sem. hrs. |
| Clinical Placement Program | 5-7 sem. hrs.(Selected approved placements only) |
Credit for independent studies, research assistance, family law moot court competitions, and courses taught outside the University of Richmond School of Law may be approved as sufficiently related to family law by the director of the National Center for Family Law in consultation with the associate dean for academic affairs.
*Students can apply no more than 7 clinic credits toward meeting the requirements for the Certificate of Concentration. (Only 12 clinic credits may be credited toward the 86 needed for graduation)
**All concentration students must complete their upper-level writing requirement on a family law-related topic. The topic for any paper submitted to satisfy the family law upper-level writing requirement must be approved by the director of the National Center for Family Law in consultation with the associate dean of academic affairs and must satisfy the standards applicable for the upper-level writing requirement as set forth in the Student Handbook. This paper must be written in conjunction with either an upper-level writing seminar or an independent research project of at least 2 credits.
Certificate of Concentration in Intellectual Property
The University of Richmond School of Law offers its students the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Concentration in Intellectual Property (IP) in the course of earning their J.D. degree. Earning the IP Certificate is similar to completing a major or concentration as an undergraduate student and has the following three requirements.
First, a student must take the Intellectual Property Fundamentals course and at least 12 additional hours from a designated group of IP-related courses, such as those listed below. (Note that not all of these courses will be taught every year, and courses may be added or deleted from time to time. See law.richmond.edu/ipi/studying.htm for the most recent list.) Courses taught at other programs or institutions may be counted toward the required certificate hours upon the approval of the director of the IP Institute in consultation with the associate dean for academic affairs.
Second, a student must write his or her upper-level writing requirement on an IP-related subject. "IP-related" means that the paper either was written for a Core course within the IP curriculum or has been approved by the director of the IP Institute and the instructor, if any. Students should seek such approval as early as possible in the paper-writing process. Students should also keep in mind that the paper must not only be IP-related, but must also meet the general standards for the upper-level writing requirements as set forth in the student handbook.
Finally, a student must achieve a minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 in the Core certificate courses. Students whose average is 3.5 or higher will earn the certificate "with distinction."
Students who satisfy these three requirements receive the IP Certificate, and Intellectual Property is recorded as a concentration on their academic transcript.
Requirements
Core IP Courses
| 768, Trademark and Unfair Competition | 3 sem. hrs. (Required) |
| 759, Computer Law | 2-3 sem. hrs. |
| 788, Copyright Law | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 700, Entertainment Law | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 641, Intellectual Property Fundamentals | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 776, Intellectual Property Litigation | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 722, International Intellectual Property | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 673, Licensing and Technology Transfer | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 744, Patent Law | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 786, Patent Policy Seminar | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 787, Patent Preparation and Prosecution | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 710, Trademark, Copyright, and Trade Secret Practice | 2 sem. hrs. |
Satellite IP Courses
Can be used to satisfy up to 4 of the total 12 required credits.
| 607, Administrative Law | 2-3 sem. hrs. |
| 613, Antitrust | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 717, Bioethics | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 676, First Amendment Law | 2-3 sem. hrs. |
| 749, Law and Economics | 2 sem. hrs. |
| 656, Remedies | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 690, Sports and Law | 2 sem. hrs. |
General Requirements
The 86 semester hours necessary for graduation must include the successful completion of the following courses and requirements:
First Year Required Courses (27 semester hours)
| 515, Civil Procedure | 4 sem. hrs. |
| 503, Constitutional Law | 4 sem. hrs. |
| 513, Contracts | 4 sem. hrs. |
| 506, Criminal Law | 3 sem. hrs. |
| 517-8, Lawyering Skills I-II | 2-2 sem. hrs. |
| 516, Property | 4 sem. hrs. |
| 514, Torts | 4 sem. hrs. |
Students are required to choose one additional course in the spring semester from an array of course offerings identified by the law school for such purposes. In recent years, these courses have included Family Law, Intellectual Property Law, Corporations, and Environmental Law.
Required Upper-Level Courses (6 semester hours)
| 598-9, Lawyering Skills III-IV | 2-2 sem. hrs. |
| 605, Professional Responsibility | 2 sem. hrs. |
Note: The required course, Professional Responsibility, and the elective course, Evidence, must be satisfactorily completed by the end of the second year if the student wishes to qualify under the Third-year Practice Rule. Students may obtain a Third-year Practice certificate after they have completed 56 credits and courses in Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Evidence, and Professional Responsibility. This certificate allows a student to appear in some courts under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
Additional Requirement: Upper-Level Writing Requirement (ULWR)
During the second or third year of law school, the student must complete satisfactorily a substantial paper which requires in-depth research and rigorous analysis of a specific area of law and evidences a sophisticated knowledge of the law, including larger issues concerning the impact of the law on various parts of society, and future directions the law may take. This requirement may be fulfilled by an independent research paper meeting these goals, a paper prepared for a seminar course designated as approved for this requirement, or by publication of an article in the journal of an American Bar Association accredited law school.
The notation "Meets upper-level writing requirement" appears after the description of some of these courses. Other courses will occasionally be structured in a format so as to meet the requirement. The list of courses offered, published each year by the law school, indicates all the courses offered that year through which this requirement can be satisfied.
Elective Credits
Non-Law School Graduate-Level Coursework and Non Course Work.
Information available in online version of catalog at lawcatalog.richmond.edu or through Dean's Office.
Courses
First-Year Courses
The following courses totaling 27 semester hours are prescribed plus one elective course:
Civil Procedure
(LAWR515)
Introduction, with emphasis on federal law, to rules governing jurisdiction, venue, service of process, pleadings, joinder, discovery, summary adjudication, trial, judgments, direct and collateral attack on judgments, appellate procedure, and choice of law in civil litigation.
Semester Hour(s): 4
Constitutional Law
(LAWR503)
An introduction to the law of the United States Constitution and to the legal dynamics of constitutional drafting and interpreting. Separation of powers, federalism, economic and social regulation, privileges, and immunities of U.S. citizenship, and the federal civil rights to equal protection and due process are examined from doctrinal and historical perspectives.
Semester Hour(s): 4
Contracts
(LAWR513)
Basic elements of contract law. Stress on the agreement process, i.e., offer and acceptance, consideration, and substitutes for consideration. Avoidance of contractual obligations, conditions, performance, and breach of contracts are examined, as are discharge of contractual duties and remedies. Third-party beneficiaries, assignments, and illegal contracts may be examined. The Uniform Commercial Code and the Restatement are emphasized throughout.
Semester Hour(s): 4
Criminal Law
(LAWR506)
Sources of criminal law; constitutional limitations on power to create and define crimes; elements of crimes; conduct, mental state, causation; specific offenses, including homicides, sex offenses, larceny and other property offenses; defenses of mistakes, infancy, compulsion, intoxication, insanity; attempt; solicitation; conspiracy; accessoryship.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Lawyering Skills I-II
(LAWR517-518)
Introduces first-year law students to essential lawyering skills including legal analysis, predictive and persuasive writing, research, counseling, negotiation, and oral advocacy.
Semester Hour(s): 2-2
Property
(LAWR516)
Introduction to property laws, with emphasis on the concepts of title and possession of personal and real property; finders and bailments; rights and remedies of the possessor; donative transactions; rights of the bona fide purchaser; historical background of real property law; estates in land; concurrent ownership; conveyancing and future interests after the Statute of Uses; Statute of Frauds; contracts, deeds, and mortgages in the sale of land; recordation and title examination; covenants, easements, and licenses in the use of land.
Semester Hour(s): 4
Torts
(LAWR514)
Liability for personal injuries and injuries to property. Includes analysis of various intentional tort theories, the concepts of negligence and strict liability, and the privileges and defenses which may apply to actions brought in tort. May include treatment of one or more special or emerging areas such as product liability, misrepresentation, privacy, defamation, misuse of legal procedures, or interference with advantageous relationships.
Semester Hour(s): 4
Required Upper-Level Courses
The following upper-level courses totaling six semester hours are prescribed:
Lawyering Skills III-IV
(LAWR598-599)
Introduces second-year students to essential lawyering skills of trial and appellate advocacy. Lawyering Skills III & IV must be taken during the second year.
Semester Hour(s): 2-2
Professional Responsibility
(LAWR605)
Ethical standards of the legal profession, including judicial ethics and unauthorized practice.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Second- or Third-Year Elective Courses
Administrative Law
(LAWE607)
Survey of the nature, purpose, and functions of federal and state administrative agencies. Coverage includes an analysis of procedures and practices before such agencies, enforcement of agency decisions, judicial review, and control of agency use of governmental power.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Admiralty
(LAWE608)
Special substantive and procedural laws that govern navigation and waterborne commerce, designed for those anticipating the practice of law where boating and shipping are prevalent. It covers topics related to civil procedure and federal courts, as well as matters of contract and commercial law, labor law, and compensation for personal injury or death.
Semester Hour(s): 3
ULWR
In addition to these courses, students must successfully complete a writing requirement. The courses through which this requirement can be satisfied are included in the following list. The notation "Meets upper-level writing requirement" appears after the description of some of these courses. Other courses occasionally will be structured in a format so as to meet the requirement. The list of courses offered, published each year by the law school, indicates all the courses offered that year through which this requirement can be satisfied.
ADR in the Workplace
(LAWE708)
Explores mediation and arbitration in both union and nonunion workplaces. In addition to reading and discussion, students participate in simulations of both processes and also write a post-hearing arbitration brief.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Advanced Children's Law Clinic
(LAWE773)
With faculty permission, students who have completed either the Delinquency Clinic or the Disability Law Clinic, may enroll for between two and six credits. Advanced students will take leadership roles in clinic cases and complete a significant project over the course of the semester.
Semester Hour(s): 6
Advanced Family Law Seminar
(LAWE703)
Through the medium of hypothetical clients, selected family law issues, from courtship through divorce, will be analyzed in detail. Role playing and guest lecturers will be utilized. Submission of a substantial research paper and oral presentation are required.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Advanced Legal Research
(LAWE748)
Explores legal research strategies and resources more comprehensively and in-depth than what is covered during first year as well as an increased emphasis on electronic resources. Review of primary American legal sources in all types of formats plus extensive coverage of legal research in selected subject areas, such as international law, federal taxation, and labor and employment law.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Advanced Trial Practice
(LAWE632)
Refines and builds on the skills covered in Trial Practice or Lawyering Skills by using more complex civil and criminal problems and files developed by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy for training the more experienced trial advocate. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of a case theory and the choosing of an appropriate case theme for the more complex case. Covers use of demonstrative evidence, including photographs, charts, white boards, overheads, videos, and computer simulations. Enrollment limited. While both civil and criminal problems will be used in the class, special emphasis is placed upon civil litigation and trying a complex civil case.
Prerequisite(s): Lawyering Skills III (598).
Semester Hour(s): 3
Agency and Partnership
(LAWE612)
Creation of agency relationships; contractual liability of principals (disclosed and undisclosed), agents and third parties; tort liability of principals; fiduciary duties of agents; partnership: creation, rights, and duties of partners, dissolution of partnerships; limited partnerships; limited liability companies (LLCs).
Semester Hour(s): 2
Alternate Dispute Resolution
(LAWE610)
Development of skills in certain dispute resolution techniques, including negotiation, arbitration, mediation, and mini-trials. Enrollment limited.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Special Topic: Animal Law
(LAWE699)
The field of animal law has exploded in recent years, with a particularly high level of activity in the areas of anti-cruelty; dog fighting; cockfighting; standing; wills and trust benefiting animals; factory farming; the Endangered Species Act; non economic damages for harm done to companion animals; and litigation over the treatment and welfare of animals. Will explore this emerging field of law with emphasis on the latest cases, legislation, and legal theory behind it. Class is structured in a way that students will have the opportunity to learn about and study new developments in this area of law. Classes will incorporate real world contributions from many of those people directly affected by animal law, including veterinarians, prosecutors, activists, and psychologists.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Antitrust
(LAWE613)
Control of private economic power in the United States, focusing on the law regarding monopolies, mergers, and restrictive business practices as regulated by the Sherman and Clayton acts. Some attention to other federal antitrust legislation such as the Federal Trade Commission Act and state antitrust enforcement.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Bankruptcy
(LAWE704)
Liquidation and reorganization proceedings under the federal bankruptcy code.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Bioethics
(LAWE717)
Seminar with primary focus on bioethical legal issues that confront society today. Among topics to be considered: distinctions, if any, between ethical and legal issues; philosophical models for analyzing bioethical issues, including deontological models (rules and rights), theological models (utilitarian, economic), and models of care; informed consent and autonomy versus utility debate; genetic engineering; shortages of organ supply; termination of life support; quality-of-life issues; beginning care and infants; cost issues, including how much to treat; and the cost of technology versus other societal values.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Capital Murder Litigation
(LAWE736)
Important issues arising in the trial of death penalty cases, including constitutional and statutory challenges, punishable offenses, mitigation, and jury selection.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Child Support Law
(LAWE713)
Provides substantive background in federal and state child support law; judicial establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support obligations; interstate matters, including the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act and the Uniform Parentage Act; current trends such as same-sex marriage, prisoner re-entry, military issues, and changes to the Bankruptcy Act; and the role of attorneys for the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Children and the Law
(LAWE616)
Developments in handling juvenile problems. Emphasis on procedural ramifications of recent court and legislative attempts to reform the juvenile justice system, and emerging issues in legal enforcement of children's rights.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Civil Litigation
(LAWE631)
Will cover topics not covered in basic Civil Procedure course and also will delve more deeply into complex issues relating to topics with which students should be familiar. New topics to be covered include complex litigation, pretrial case management, attacks on verdicts and judgments, and alternatives to litigation. Additionally will explore personal jurisdiction and the Internet; heightened pleading requirements; the changing role and impact of attorney sanctions; and discovery reform and electronic discovery. Goals will not only be to understand the material, but also to analyze and evaluate the systemic impact of the various procedural doctrines. Students will be graded on the basis of a paper submitted at the end of the semester, in which they will provide their own exploration and analysis of one of the topics covered in the course.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Clinical Programs
The Clinical Placement Program offers students the opportunity to integrate legal theory with practical experience by working with lawyers and judges. Students gain an appreciation for the complexity of law practice and the meaning of professionalism while honing their legal skills.
In House Offerings:
- Delinquency Clinic
- Disability Law Clinic
- Family Law Clinic
- Wrongful Conviction Clinic
Delinquency Clinic
(LAWE753)
Students advocate on behalf of children appearing before area juvenile courts. In the majority of cases, students serve as defense counsel for youth accused of delinquency (criminal) offenses. Students are also occasionally assigned to work on other cases which involve children's issues such as abuse and neglect or custody.
Semester Hour(s): 6
Disability Law Clinic
(LAWE755)
The clinic represents children with mental disabilities and their families. Law students advocate for children and parents seeking appropriate special education and community-based services mandated by
both federal and state law. Students also may represent youth with mental disabilities who are incarcerated or institutionalized. They sometimes serve as guardians ad litem for children with mental health needs in the justice system.
Semester Hour(s): 6
Family Law Clinic
(LAWE778)
Working under the supervision of the clinic director, students will represent low-income clients in the City of Richmond on family law-related matters in a multi-disciplinary collaboration with faculty-supervised graduate students from Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work and Department of Psychology. This is a two-semester clinic. Students will enroll for four credits in the fall semester and continue for three credits in the spring semester.
Semester Hour(s): 6
Wrongful Conviction Clinic
(LAWE774)
With supervision from the director of the Institute of Actual Innocence, students will screen, investigate and, when possible, help prepare cases for post-conviction litigation under Virginia's Writs of Actual Innocence. Litigation work is only possible when a case has matured to that level. Students will work in teams. The cases selected for investigation and litigation are those where there is substantial evidence of innocence.
Prerequisite(s): First priority for enrollment goes to students who have completed the Wrongful Conviction Seminar (770). Students who have not completed the seminar must obtain approval to enroll in the clinic.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Placement Offerings:
- Civil Placement Program
- Criminal Placement Program
- In House Counsel Program
- Judicial Placement Program
Civil Placement Program
(LAWE750)
Placements are available with non profit lawyers as well as local, state, and federal government lawyers working on civil law matters. Opportunities are offered in the areas of litigation, public policy, legislative advocacy, and regulatory law. Two-hour classroom component required. Graded pass/fail. See director of Clinical Placement Program for more details.
Semester Hour(s): 5-7
Criminal Placement Program
(LAWE751)
Placements are with state and federal prosecutors and public defenders. Students must have completed the requirements for third year practice certification for all placements, except the Capital Defender's Office, which handles death penalty cases. Two-hour classroom component required. Graded pass/fail. See director of Clinical Placement Program for more details.
Semester Hour(s): 5-7
In-house Counsel Program
(LAWE775)
Placements are available with both national and international corporations. The placements are only offered during the spring semester. Two-hour classroom component required. Graded pass/fail. See Clinical Placement Program director for more details.
Semester Hour(s): 5-7
Judicial Placement Program
(LAWE752)
Placements are offered in the chambers of both state and federal judges. Students assume the role of a law clerk. Opportunities are available at both the trial and appellate levels. Two-hour classroom component required. Graded pass/fail. See director of Clinical Placement Program for more details.
Semester Hour(s): 5-7
Collaborative Law
(LAWE723)
Provides history and development of the collaborative practice model. Will discuss principles of collaborative practice and its different steps, the legal implications of required and recommended practice, and the difference between interest-based and positional negotiation strategies. In addition, students will practice skills necessary for effective collaborative practice. Will also explore ethical issues involved.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Commercial Paper and Payment Systems
(LAWE618)
Law relating to negotiable instruments, bank deposits and collections, and electronic money transfers, with emphasis on Articles 3, 4, and 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, and Regulation CC.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Comparative Law
(LAWE714)
Overview of procedural and substantive principles of civil, Islamic, and socialist legal traditions. Attention to historical underpinnings of traditions and to law-making and judicial institutions within legal systems as well as to the principles of law.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Comparative Public Law of the U.S. and U.K.
(LAWE694)
(Offered only in the Cambridge University Program.) Examines and compares underlying principles of constitutional and administrative law in the U.S. and the U.K.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Complex Litigation
(LAWE766)
Study of legal system's response to problems created by defective products and hazardous substances that injure many people over a period of time (mass exposure cases) and by occurrence of harm to many people at the same time (mass accident cases). Explores procedural devices and substantive rules that attempt to go beyond traditional civil litigation model and resolve mass tort cases on a basis other than repetitive adjudication of the same questions. In addition to an examination of significant issues raised by mass tort litigation, course will include a number of case studies of important mass tort experiences of last two decades, including Agent Orange, Bendectin, and the Dalkon Shield, as well as administrative alternatives to litigation or mass tort claims.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Computer Law
(LAWE759)
Explores specific problems encountered in "cyberspace" in such areas as personal jurisdiction and choice of law, regulatory jurisdiction and effectiveness, intellectual property, commercial transactions, digital defamation, and freedom of speech and privacy.
General Education Requirement: May meet upper-level writing requirement at instructor's option.
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Conflict of Laws
(LAWE621)
Law relating to acts and transactions in which any operative fact occurs outside the state where legal proceedings are instituted, or which involve other significant extra-state elements. The theoretical bases of conflict of laws, including traditional and modern approaches to choice of law, are covered.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Constitutional and Statutory Law of Public Employment
(LAWE698)
Examination of statutory and constitutional employment rights of public employees in federal, state, and local government. Concentration on legal framework for union organization and collective bargaining rights of public employees. Comparative analysis of various approaches to government employee rights, including analysis of relevant public policy issues.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement.
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Contract Drafting
(LAWE679)
In this Law Skills IV pilot course, students will experience the application of contract law principles to the drafting of contracts through weekly written exercises, drafting assignments, and negotiations. Students will learn techniques to draft clear and accurate contracts and to effectively review contracts drafted by others. Several exercises will include ethical considerations in contract drafting. Enrollment is limited.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Copyright Law
(LAWE788)
A detailed examination of the law that protects literary, musical, artistic, and other works of authorship, with particular attention to the 1976 federal copyright statute, as amended. Topics include requirements for and scope of copyright protection, ownership and duration of copyright, copyright rights and remedies, fair use, interaction of copyright and digital technologies, the liability of third parties for the copyright infringement of others, and the tension between copyright and other areas of the law, such as free speech, patent, and contract law.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Corporate Finance
(LAWE689)
Advanced corporate course designed to develop awareness of the range of legal issues involved in public and private funding of activities of a corporation. Prerequisite: Corporations (602).
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Corporate Governance
(LAWE721)
Examines an overview tapestry of corporate governance today, then spends some time on the frauds that prompted the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("SOX"), particularly WorldCom and Enron. Lectures and the course reader will then address some of the major provisions in SOX, and related reforms in stock exchange listing standards. Class discussion will also focus on selected governance topics such as CEO pay and the role of activist investors. In addition, we will consider what the recent decline in the stock market -- particularly in the financial sector -- tells us about corporate governance.
Prerequisite(s): Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Corporate Taxation
(LAWE623)
Income taxation of corporations and their shareholders under the Internal Revenue Code. Topics include classification of the business entity, formation of a corporation, and transfer of property to an existing corporation, distributions, redemptions, stock dividends, and liquidations.
Prerequisite(s): Federal Income Taxation (600)
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Corporations
(LAWE602)
Focuses on the law governing corporations, as well as the law of agency, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Discussion will include the choice of business form, distribution of power between mergers and owners, fiduciary duties of managers, shareholder voting, an overview of federal disclosure obligations, and the special problems of close corporations.
Semester Hour(s): 4
Criminal Procedure
(LAWE603)
Important problems and cases in area of due process of law in criminal prosecutions, including the topics of arrest, search and seizure, electronic eavesdropping, right to counsel, police interrogations and confessions, and fair trial/free press.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Criminal Process
(LAWE625)
Federal and Virginia procedures at various stages of a criminal prosecution, including bail, preliminary hearings, indictments, discovery, speedy trial, double jeopardy, plea bargaining, jury selection, venue, and jurisdiction.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Domestic Violence Seminar
(LAWE785)
Explores the dynamics of domestic violence, its impact on families, and how our justice system responds to protect and punish those involved. Topics surveyed include mandatory arrest policies, victimless prosecutions, civil protective orders, and community-based services for domestic violence offenders.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Education Law
(LAWE627)
Legal issues surrounding education in grades K through 12, including compulsory schooling, use of tax credits and other means of financing education, religion in the schools, textbook review, freedom of expression issues, due process and discipline, and competency role in education.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Election Law
(LAWE626)
Seminar that will examine laws regulating the political process. Topics will include voting rights, reapportionment, the role of political parties and campaign finance.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Employment Discrimination Law
(LAWE628)
Analysis of theories underlying employment discrimination law. Examination of the various statutes prohibiting discrimination in employment, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Act of 1866, and the judicial interpretation of those statutes.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Employment Law
(LAWE629)
Analysis of statutory and common law regulation of the employment relationship, including employer testing and information gathering, wage and hour regulation, OSHA, workers compensation, wrongful discharge and other common law actions challenging discharge, unemployment compensation, and ERISA. Consideration of what role the law should play in various aspects of the employment relationship.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Energy Law
(LAWE666)
Explores laws and policies governing the exploitation of energy resources and the production and distribution of electricity. Covers traditional rate regulation principles, and specific laws and policies affecting individual energy industries, including coal, oil, natural gas, and electricity. Special emphasis on market mechanisms such as electricity restructuring, and on environmental issues such as global climate change and energy use in transportation.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Entertainment Law
(LAWE700)
Issues of law and policy affecting the entertainment industry.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Environmental Law
(LAWE620)
This course looks at current issues in environmental law through the lenses of ecology, politics, economics, and ethics. Will confront issues such as how law regulates private economic activity, how it allocates scarce resources, and how it weighs the interests of future generations. It will examine the interaction of Congress, federal agencies, the states, and the courts in developing and implementing environmental law, and it will explore the diverse and conflicting perspectives of your potential future clients (environmental groups, government agencies, and businesses). Focuses on the major federal environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and CERCLA, the "Superfund" (toxic waste) statute.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Environmental Law: Solid Waste and Toxic Material
(LAWE692)
Focus primarily on two federal statutes: the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), as well as leading judicial interpretations of the acts. In addition, complementary state law examined.
General Education Requirement: Depending on particular offering, this course may meet the upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Estate and Gift Taxation
(LAWE633)
Taxes imposed on testamentary and inter vivos transfers, intricacies of the gross estate, the marital deduction, problems of joint ownership, grantor trusts under subpart E of the Internal Revenue Code, and problems in valuation.
Prerequisite(s): Federal Income Taxation (600).
Semester Hour(s): 2
Estate Planning
(LAWE634)
Analysis of assets for disposition in estate planning; estate plan by operation of law; revocable inter vivos trusts as an instrument in the estate plan; irrevocable inter vivos trusts as an instrument in the estate plan; non-trust gifts; disposition of life insurance; employee and Social Security benefits; the will as an instrument in the estate plan; marital deduction; use of powers of appointment; charitable dispositions; methods of minimizing income and estate taxes while accomplishing desired results for objects of bounty; and preparation of instruments involved in estate planning.
Prerequisite(s): Estate and Gift Taxation (633).
Semester Hour(s): 2
Ethics and Family Law
(LAWE724)
Ethics in Family Law will focus on the many ethical issues that can arise in the context of representing families. In the often highly charged atmosphere of family conflict, lawyers are often confronted with situations that pose ethical dilemmas. Will explore the challenges to practicing ethical family law. This course is required for those students seeking the Certificate of Concentration in Family Law.
Prerequisite(s): Family Law (707).
Semester Hour(s): 2
Evidence
(LAWE599)
Rules of admissibility of evidence, including concepts of relevancy, hearsay, direct examination, cross examination, impeachment, and privileges.
Semester Hour(s): 4
Family Law
(LAWE707)
Legal problems involved in the formation and dissolution of marriage and welfare of children, including nonmarital and premarital agreements, illegitimacy and paternity, marriage, divorce and annulment, marital support and property rights, abortion, contraception and artificial conception, intrafamily torts and domestic violence, adoption, spousal and child support, child custody, divisions of marital property, and separation agreements.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Federal Courts
(LAWE636)
Jurisdiction of the federal courts over cases and controversies within limitations of the "federal question"; diversity of citizenship, amount in controversy, and removal statues; federal judicial control over state administrative and judicial proceedings, including direct federal review, injunctions and abstention, and habeas corpus; and choice of law in federal courts.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Federal Income Taxation
(LAWE600)
Basic provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, including problems concerning determination of gross income; the allowance of deductions and credits; methods of accounting; deferral and the time value of money; debt-financed property transactions; and concepts of capital gains and losses.
Semester Hour(s): 4
Feminist Legal Theory
(LAWE701)
Seminar investigating variety of feminist approaches to law and the study of legal culture. Will explore such contemporary topics as the debate about the meaning of equality; the comparison of liberal, radical and cultural strands of feminist thought; and the intersections between gender subordination and subordination based on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Most readings drawn from books and law review articles, with less emphasis on cases and legal doctrine. Open to all students--men and women--who have an interest in legal theory or sexual equality-even if no prior courses in women's studies, jurisprudence, or gender-based discrimination.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
First Amendment Law
(LAWE676)
Examines American constitutional law pertaining to religion, speech, and the media, including the law pertaining to aid for sectarian schools, prayer in public schools, conscientious objection, censorship, association, and access to trials and state secrets.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Health Care Regulation
(LAWE680)
Selected issues in the health care delivery system, including health care planning, certificate of need procedures, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, and malpractice.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Human Rights Seminar
(LAWE667)
A general introduction to international human rights. Issues covered include nature of concept of human rights; origin and development of the International Bill of Rights; thematic procedures available for protection of human rights in the United Nations; standards and methods for international fact finding on human rights; cultural relativity in human rights law; implementation of the International Covenants on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights in the United States; the Inter-American Human Rights Process; and the ability of the United States to impact human rights in Third-World countries
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 3
Immigration Law
(LAWE758)
Explores the philosophical foundations of immigration law, admission and exclusion, deportation and relief from deportation, refugees, and asylum law.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Independent Research
(LAWE796)
Independent research on approved selected topics. Topic must be approved in writing prior to registration by the associate dean and by the instructor under whose supervision the research is conducted. Limit of three semester hours total for independent research projects.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement if taken for 2 or 3 sem. hrs.
Semester Hour(s): 1-3
Indian Law
(LAWE691)
Will explore numerous areas of law and policy by looking at the legal and political relationships between Indian tribes and state/federal governments. Indian law involves components of Constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law and procedure, environmental law, family law, and administrative law. Material presented through seminar that examines history of federal Indian law and policy; treaty rights and sovereignty; congressional plenary power, and legal trends regarding tribal property, treaty rights and sovereignty, and tribal government. Topics include tribal lawmaking powers and jurisdiction; gaming and economic development in Indian country; protection of Indian culture and religious rights; and treaty-based rights, such as water rights, fishing, and hunting. Course will be graded on class participation and one research paper
Semester Hour(s): 2
Information Design and the Law
(LAWE684)
A hands-on introduction to the role of visual persuasion and logic for lawyers. Students will explore, critique, and invent visual models for interpreting and explaining rules for crafting legal arguments. Topics include: law and cartography, courtroom graphics, visual metaphors, and analytical legal diagrams.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Insurance Law
(LAWE640)
Meaning of insurance and its historical development; framework of insurance industry within the scope of government regulation; insurance contract interpretation; warranties, representations, concealment, and exceptions as applied to selection and control of insurable risks; waiver, estoppel, and reformation; indemnity and subrogation; and selected problems with insurable interest in property, liability, and life insurance.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Intellectual Property Fundamentals
(LAWE641)
Survey of intellectual property law, including copyright, trademark, patent and other subject matters. Serves as the foundation course for the specialist who wishes to pursue the Intellectual Property certificate, but also a good choice for the generalist who simply wants to learn the basics of intellectual property law.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Intellectual Property Law and Policy Seminar
(LAWE655)
Will examine the legal and public policy considerations regarding intellectual property protection in various fields and industries. In particular, the course will explore whether intellectual property protection and enforcement is beneficial and necessary for the creation, development, and commercialization of different ideas, expressions, and other intangibles.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Intellectual Property and Transactional Law Clinic
(LAWE790)
Students represent for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, as well as artists, authors and inventors from a variety of backgrounds. Students will help business startup clients by engaging in business formation counseling and by preparing and filing charter documents. Students provide legal services to established clients, such as negotiating and drafting contracts, providing corporate legal services and analysis, and facilitating strategic decision-making. Students help clients acquire and license a variety of intellectual property rights.
Semester Hour(s): 6
Intellectual Property Litigation
(LAWE776)
Examines federal and state intellectual property causes of action, defenses, and remedies. Mechanisms for enforcing and challenging rights in patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets are discussed. Pretrial considerations, pleadings, and discovery are considered, as well as trial, appeal and alternative dispute resolution.
Prerequisite(s): Intellectual Property Fundamentals (641)
Semester Hour(s): 2
International Business Transactions
(LAWE642)
Problems in international trade and investment; regulation of international trade by national governments and international agencies. Emphasis on lawyer's role in counseling firms engaged in international activities.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Special Topic: International Commercial Arbitration
(LAWE699)
Overview of entire international commercial arbitration process including: history of its development; legal bases for arbitral jurisdiction; judicial enforcement of arbitration agreements; the leading arbitral institutions throughout the world; the applicable substantive and procedural laws; and enforcement of final arbitral decisions (called "Awards") in national courts. Will also cover the basics of drafting arbitration agreements and the various stages of arbitration proceedings from the filing of a Request for Arbitration all the way through enforcement of the arbitral Award.
Semester Hour(s): 2
International Environmental Law
(LAWE729)
Explores how the international community has managed environmental problems through treaties and lawmaking institutions. Examines the growth in international environmental law since the 1990s, exploring how general norms of international law manifest themselves in the environmental field. Involves a mix of readings, discussions, research, and short problems in various fields of environmental law, focusing on global climate change and other topics that may include ozone depletion, transboundary pollution, ocean conservation, and biodiversity.
Semester Hour(s): 2
International Intellectual Property
(LAWE722)
Will cover aspects of both public and private international law, as well as efforts to harmonize intellectual property over multiple countries and comparative aspects, considering basic differences in approaches to intellectual property in both national and international systems. Will cover all major international IP regimes (WIPO, WTO, the EU), as well as the major areas of intellectual property law (patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret). Will also touch on the interaction between trade policy and IP law. Other topics may include areas of current interest, such as compulsory licensing of patented medication, protection of traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples, or issues related to the World Wide Web.
Prerequisite(s): Intellectual Property Fundamentals (641) or at least two of the following: Patent Law (744), Copyright Law (788), or Trademark Law (710).
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
International Law
(LAWE643)
Basic principles, including sources of international law, settlement of international disputes, responsibilities and immunities of sovereign states, human rights, and the machinery of international law and justice.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Interviewing and Counseling
(LAWE670)
In-depth analysis of pretrial lawyering skills using interdisciplinary materials. Explores interpersonal relationships, focusing on role of attorney in relation to client, the legal system (including other attorneys), and society. Classroom discussion and development of own skills through weekly audio- and video-taped simulations. Enrollment limited.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Islam, Law and Society
(LAWE653)
Focus on basic elements of Islamic jurisprudence as articulated by basic Islamic texts. In presenting and discussing these elements, attention drawn to the rich diversity of interpretations of these elements and their corollaries that have been generated throughout the ages. Some interpretations as embodied in present-day legal systems will be critically evaluated in light of certain concepts with which students are familiar.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
John Marshall Scholars Seminar
(LAWE764)
A seminar on various legal topics for the John Marshall Scholars.
Semester Hour(s): 1
Jurisprudence
(LAWE590)
Intensive study of selected schools of legal philosophy, including attention to analytical jurisprudence and positive law, theories of justice, and sociological jurisprudence.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Juvenile Law & Policy Clinic
(LAWE754)
This is a full-year clinic in which students will learn how to do legislative advocacy and will practice these skills at the General Assembly. Students will work on issues involving juvenile justice and possibly child welfare and education.
The course is 3 credit hours in the fall and 2 credit hours in the spring.
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Labor Law
(LAWE644)
Analysis of origin and scope of National Labor Relations Act and role of the National Labor Relations Board and the courts in interpreting the statute. Focus on right of employees to organize unions, choice of bargaining representative, strikes and picketing, and negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreement.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Labor Law in a Global Economy
(LAWE777)
Designed to focus on the global economy and will cover labor and employment issues related to such topics as to why jobs are being relocated to foreign countries and how this affects the work force in the United States. Topics of discussion include how changes in trade policies, transportation, and communication have made it possible for American and foreign corporations to do business anywhere in the world; current laws pertaining to shutdown and plant relocations and whether these are adequate; the effect of plan shutdowns on communities and what further actions should be taken to mitigate effects; the effects of NAFTA on U.S. employees and employers and what to expect if present trends continue; and recent developments concerning China and Mexico.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 3
Land Use Planning
(LAWE645)
Government control of use of land and eminent domain. Zoning, subdivision control, and urban redevelopment and planning.
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Law and Economics
(LAWE749)
Introduces students to economic analysis of law--an approach which, significantly, more and more courts and administrative agencies have adopted to resolve legal issues in recent years. Previous exposure to subject of economics is not required. Students will undertake a close and critical study of selected economic theories and principles that inform the legal rules governing, for example, bargaining, allocation of risk, strategic behavior, and property rights. Focus on areas of substantive law such as contracts, torts, antitrust, and intellectual property, where economic analysis currently plays a prominent role in policy and in practice.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Special Topic: Law of Global Warming
(LAWE699)
Covers the rapidly growing body of judicial, regulatory, and international law on control of greenhouse gases in the U.S. and around the world. Takes an intensive, comparative look at legal developments and the effectiveness of various policy instruments in state, regional, national, and international forums where this evolving body of law is being made.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Law of the European Union
(LAWE693)
(Offered only in Cambridge Summer Program). Surveys institutions of the EU and examines substantive principles of EU law and their integration into the legal systems of member countries.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Law Office Management
(LAWE648)
Focuses on many of the practical, nonlegal aspects of law practice to include information on financial management, administration, technology, insurance, marketing, and issues related to the firm owners including compensation and agreements. Guest presenters will be experts in their particular fields who will share practical experiences in their respective areas.
Semester Hour(s): 1
Legal History
(LAWE592)
Development of legal institutions using historical perspective to help understand reasons for apparent anomalies in our legal system, such as distinctions between law and equity, crime and tort, and to aid decisions of law reform.
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Legal History Seminar
(LAWE712)
Various topics of modern law are explored in historical perspective in order to understand nature of the development of law in general and of some specific area in particular.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Legislation
(LAWE728)
Overview of statutory interpretation and creation of public policy through legislation. Topics include procedures of statute creation, role of interest groups, various competing models or theories of the legislative process. In addition, consideration of doctrines and theories of interpreting statutes, including rules, presumptions, and canons of interpretation.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Licensing and Technology Transfer
(LAWE673)
Will help equip students to manage creatively the impact of intellectual property on personal, business, and public life through contracting. Cases and problems illustrate processes involved in negotiating and formalizing domestic and international licenses in patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Consideration given to issues associated with UCITA, software, music and multimedia licensing, as well as valuing, selling, and monetizing intellectual property assets.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Local Government Law
(LAWE652)
Legal implications of the formation and conduct of various units of local government, addressing subjects such as annexation and incorporation, municipal powers, governmental immunity, Section 1983, and taxation and finance.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Special Topic: Marriage, Money and the Law
(LAWE699)
This seminar explores legal and public policy considerations surrounding the economic relationship between spouses and between couples and the state. Topics will include the disparate treatment of married couples, unmarried couples, and singles; marriage promotion initiatives; the economic consequences of childbearing, childrearing, and household labor; marital contracts; control over property during marriage; divorce; and spousal inheritance protections. While the course explores a specific area of the law, special attention also will be given to the craft of writing. Accordingly, seminar meetings will combine policy discussions with group critiques of participants' work. The grade for the class will be based on students' writing, an oral presentation, class participation, and constructive feedback on classmates' work.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Medical Malpractice
(LAWE762)
Liability of physician for injuries arising out of the physician patient relationship. Includes coverage of standard of care, causation, informed consent, intentional torts, and recoverable damages.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Mergers and Acquisitions
(LAWE705)
Study of corporate mergers, acquisitions, and recapitalization of insolvent corporations, including issues related to taxation, securities regulation, accounting, and creditor's rights.
Prerequisite(s): Corporations (602)
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Muslim Family Law
(LAWE685)
Will study two types of material: (a) the Islamic jurisprudential foundation of family law, and (b) actual personal status laws (family laws) in select Muslim countries. In both cases, the discussion will be aimed at understanding both the religious principles and cultural influences that play a role in the formation of the codes. The discussion will raise and address important related current issues, such as honor killings, right to work, right to political participation and rape laws. Students will be encouraged to develop comparative perspective on family laws among the Muslim states and with respect to the United States.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Negotiation
(LAWE672)
In-depth analysis of theories and tactics of negotiations. Fosters student's negotiating skills through classroom discussions and simulations.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Nonprofit Organizations
(LAWE771)
Focuses on the creation and operation of nonprofit organizations including incorporation; obtaining, maintaining, and losing tax exempt status; liability and charitable immunity; fiduciary duties of directors; and ethical issues. Students will learn practical skills needed to start and operate nonprofits.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Patent Law
(LAWE744)
Covers fundamental doctrines of patent law and is designed to serve as a basic course for those who wish to specialize in this field, as well as to provide a general background for a corporate or business practice. Topics will include eligible subject matter for patenting; conditions for patentability, including utility, novelty, non-obviousness, enablement, best mode, definiteness, and adequate written description; patent infringement; defenses; and remedies. Will study statutory aspects of patent law, as well as judicial interpretation by the Supreme Court and the Federal Circuit Court. Further, course will consider justifications for the patent monopoly. An engineering or science background is not required to take the course.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Patent Law and Policy Seminar
(LAWE786)
Will examine the legal and public policy considerations regarding patent protection for inventions in various industries. In particular, will explore whether patent protection and enforcement is beneficial and necessary for the creation, development, and commercialization of different technologies.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Patent Preparation and Prosecution
(LAWE787)
Explores the art of drafting a patent application and the subsequent prosecution of the application through the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). Will include some necessary detail with respect to PTO Rules, but will also cover the strategy and reasoning behind various drafting techniques. Directed to students who plan to become patent practitioners as well as those who are simply interested in the process.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Products Liability Law
(LAWE654)
Law of defective products under theories of negligence, strict liability, misrepresentation, and breach of warranty under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code. Covers defective manufacture, design and marketing; limitations on product defectiveness; causation issues; affirmative defenses; damages; and transactions in chain of product distribution.
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Race, Religion and the Law
(LAWE765)
Focuses on the intersection of race and religion and their impact on the law as expressed in American judicial decisions. To facilitate this inquiry, the course furnishes historical background regarding the evolution of the concept of race in Western societies, especially Europe and the United States.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 3
Real Estate Transfers and Finance
(LAWE611)
Surveys modern real estate transactions, such as condominiums, cooperatives, sales and leasebacks, leasehold mortgages, FHA and VA financing, tax consequences, title insurance, construction loan agreements, and shopping center leases.
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Remedies
(LAWE656)
Court-dispensed legal and equitable relief awarded to protect and compensate for invasions, or threatened invasions, of a variety of assets such as real property, tangible personal property, contract rights,
and other intangible property, and to protect and compensate for personal harms.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Research Assistant
(LAWE780)
Students may assist professors on the full-time faculty in their scholarly research efforts, either for pay (under the University Work Study Program), or for academic credit, though not for both at the same time. Students may earn up to four hours of academic credit toward their degree requirements by serving as unpaid research assistants. The credit hours may be pass/fail or graded, at the option of the student, and with the permission of the professor. Graded credit hours require a written work product by the student that will enable the professor to determine an appropriate grade. To receive academic credit, the student must work an average of four hours per week throughout the semester, for each hour of academic credit earned. Registration is with permission of the professor and the dean's office. Limit of four semester hours total.
Semester Hour(s): 1-4
Special Topic: Role of Lawyer in Mediation
(LAWE699)
Covers the role of the lawyer in mediation. Designed to provide students with skills necessary to effectively represent their client in the mediation process. Will explore differences between interest-based and positional negotiation. Stages of the mediation process and the role of the mediator will be reviewed. Additional areas that will be addressed include the attorney's ethical obligation to inform clients about dispute resolution options, factors that should be considered in assessing whether a case is appropriate for mediation, preparing for mediation, collaborative problem-solving, and effective strategies in representing clients in the mediation process. Students will engage in a series of mock mediations to develop their advocacy skills and will be introduced to various applications of mediation by the courts, state agencies, and private entities.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Sales and Leases
(LAWE675)
Sales and leases of personal property under Articles 2 and 2A of the Uniform Commercial Code, including contract formation and terms, warranties, and remedies.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Scientific Evidence
(LAWE657)
Technical and legal aspects of scientific aids in the trial of civil and criminal cases. Scientific experts participate as guest lecturers.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Secured Transactions
(LAWE677)
Commercial transactions involving personal property under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, with focus on financing transactions.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Securities Regulation
(LAWE658)
Legislation and regulation affecting issuance and trading of corporate securities, especially Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and other federal legislation.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Selected Issues in European Union Law
(LAWE769)
Seminar presenting overview of the law of the European Union. Covers both aspects of EU Law: the institutional or "constitutional" aspects and substantive law. In the first portion the roles of the EU's four principal institutions are considered, as are their relations to the governments of the member states and the lawmaking process. This portion provides insights into issues of federalism as understood in this country. The second aspect covered, the substantive law of the EU covers topics including competition, intellectual property, workers' rights, and the monetary union. Topics covered are those thought to be of most relevance to U.S. interests doing business within the EU.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Selected Issues in Public International Law
(LAWE719)
(Offered only in Cambridge.) Consideration of various discrete issues of public international law, including statehood, boundaries, the law of war, jurisdiction and state responsibility, and their relation to municipal law.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Selected Topics
(LAWE699)
The law school generally offers one course which may be offered only one time. These courses are in an area of special interest to a faculty member. Details are provided in the registration materials. Depending on this particular offering, this course may meet the upper-level writing requirement.
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Sexual Orientation and the Law
(LAWE740)
Seminar examines legal rights of lesbians and gay men. Explores concept of sexual orientation and legal system's regulation of life experiences of lesbians and gay men, including sexuality, expressions of identity, public and private employment, same-sex relationships, and parenting.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Sports and the Law
(LAWE690)
Survey of law relating to professional, college, and amateur sports. Includes professional player contracts and their enforceability through arbitration and litigation; role of player agents in professional sports; application of antitrust laws to professional leagues and player restraints; player discipline mechanisms; role of player associations as labor organizations in collective bargaining; and federal income taxation of sports activities. Also covered is regulation of amateur athletics, including Title IX, role of NCAA, as well as tort and criminal law issues.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Taxation of Non Corporate Entities
(LAWE635)
Nature and formation of a partnership; taxation of partnership income; transactions between related parties; termination of partnership; sale of partnership interest; distribution by partnership; special basis adjustment; and distribution to retiring or deceased partners. Also includes treatment of pass-through entities.
Prerequisite(s): Federal Income Taxation (600).
Semester Hour(s): 2-3
Tax Policy Seminar
(LAWE674)
Examination of economic, political, and social goals of well-designed tax system. Analysis of selected topics in design of an income tax and consideration of alternative tax systems, including consumption-based tax.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
Trademark and Unfair Competition Law
(LAWE768)
Will cover federal and common-law trademark law, trade secrets, and unfair competition. Within the unfair competition section, topics will include interference with contractual relations, trade libel, unfair competition under the Lanham Act, publicity rights, and consumer protection. Will also examine public policies and economic considerations underlying these rules that govern competition within the marketplace. In addition to these basic topics, will cover areas of current interest, such as the application of traditional principles to non traditional media, i.e. the Internet.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Trademark, Copyright, and Trade Secrets Practice
(LAWE710)
Will focus on developing and refining practical skills, including conducting intellectual property audits, filing domestic and Madrid Protocol applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, trademark examination rules and procedures, conducting opposition proceedings, copyright filings, franchising issues, developing and implementing trade secrets policies and programs for businesses, licensing, and ethics.
Semester Hour(s): 2
Virginia Procedure
(LAWE664)
All aspects of Virginia civil procedure and practice, including out-of-court settlements, arbitration, court system, jurisdiction, process, appearances, venue, parties, pleading, discovery, juries, motions and incidents of trial, verdicts, judgments, motions after judgment, appeals, enforcement of judgments, etc. Builds on first-year civil procedure course by giving specific Virginia solutions to general problems of
procedure; can in turn be used as foundation for third-year courses in trial tactics and clinical courses involving litigation in court.
Semester Hour(s): 3
White Collar Crime
(LAWE687)
Examination of substantive federal criminal statutes involving fraud, RICO, public corruption, obstruction of justice, money laundering, false statements, and false claims. Other topics such as conspiracy, corporate criminal liability, and federal sentencing guidelines are discussed. Also considers substantive and procedural issues related to the grand jury.
Semester Hour(s): 3
Wills and Trusts
(LAWE606)
Intestate succession; protection of decedent's family; community property; components, execution, revocation, republication and revival of wills; will contracts; will substitutes; nature, use, creation, elements, alienability, and termination of private trusts; and introduction to charitable resulting trusts and constructive trusts.
Semester Hour(s): 4
Wrongful Conviction Seminar
(LAWE770)
Topical introductory course addressing the causes of wrongful convictions. Provides theoretical and legal framework for the field-based work that follows in the spring semester. Readings are multidisciplinary and heavily drawn from law review articles.
General Education Requirement: Meets upper-level writing requirement
Semester Hour(s): 2
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