The institutional framework of the Common Law and how that framework influenced the structure of the substantive law. Discusses the early courts; the emergence of the dominant ‘common law’ courts, King's Bench and Common Pleas, and the competing/complementary Equity jurisdiction in the Chancery; the writ system and development of the pleading forms and the methods of proof used in trials. Considers tenures, the principal Real Actions for the recovery of land at Common Law, and selected writs. There will be a 2-1/2 hr. closed-book handwritten exam.

This course examines the history, theory, and jurisprudence of the First Amendment’s Free Speech Clause. It focuses on the coverage of the First Amendment and how courts protect core interests in free expression. Special attention is given to rhetorical methods of judicial interpretation with primary concentrations being on self-expression, public discourse, and the quest for truth.

This seminar explores the complex intersection of aging and the law, examining how legal frameworks both protect and impact older adults. Students will engage with core topics such as vulnerability theory, guardianship, financial exploitation and abuse, consumer protection, access to health care, dignity in aging, the aging criminal justice system, advance planning, and age discrimination.

This seminar offers a legal-theoretical exploration of property as one of the core institutions of law. At its foundation, the course asks how and why we relate to people and things through property. We will study classical justifications for private property and turn to contemporary scholarship to examine pressing issues relevant to society through a property lens, including discussions on gendered and racialized inequality, environmental challenges and economic prosperity.

This seminar applies principles of psychology—the scientific study of how people think, feel, and behave—to normative legal doctrine and contemporary policies, practices, and procedures.  The class will draw on cognitive, social, and clinical psychology to address various topics, including (1) perception and memory, with a focus on eyewitness testimony, deception detection, and confession evidence; (2) decision making, including cognitive shortcuts, biases, and emotionality; and (3) persuasion principles and group dynamics, focusing on their implications for adversarial negotiatio

This course analyzes state, federal, and international regulation of prescription and nonprescription drugs. Through course readings, discussions, and exercises students will evaluate historical and contemporary drug laws, administrative rules, and policy debates. They will explore the FDA’s origins and the expansion of its powers to regulate pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug labeling, and product marketing. They will learn the origins and history of international drug treaties, the DEA, and the Controlled Substances Act.

This course covers digital currencies, blockchains, and related topics in the FinTech area, perhaps the most significant innovation in the financial world since the advent of double entry bookkeeping centuries ago.  The technology appears to represent an existential challenge for major parts of the finance industry.  It is now commonly suggested by experts such as McKinsey that commercial banks and stock exchanges may no longer exist, or may become much smaller, within the next 10 to 20 years, with increasing volumes of payments and exchange taking place on a peer to peer basis.

Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution is a survey course designed to introduce law students to the prevention and resolution of disputes through means other than litigation before a court.  It is broken down into three main parts:  negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.  The course will include a number of simulations designed to sharpen the distinctions among the alternative techniques, give the students some “real world” experience with them, and in the process enhance their interpersonal skills.

This course examines the intersection of law and technological innovation, exploring the legal implications and challenges posed by emerging technologies. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the law interacts with technological advancements and learn to analyze and address legal issues arising from disruptive technologies. The course will cover a range of topics, including intellectual property, privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the regulation of emerging technologies.

This course aims to present national security law within its context. Supplemented with guest speakers and scenario exercises, students will not only learn about the applicable legal standards and rules, but also be exposed to the real-world effects, and normative dimensions, of practicing national security law. The seminar will cover various aspects of the law governing national security, as well as leadership and decision-making in the national security law context.