This course introduces students to jurisdictional issues relating to the power of courts to bind a defendant to a judgment and to adjudicate particular categories of cases. This course also explores problems presented by more complex litigation matters, including class actions and combining multiple claims or parties in a single lawsuit. This course also explores the relationships between federal and state courts and how this dual court structure creates both problems and opportunities for trial lawyers.

This course primarily focuses on constitutional constraints on the pre-trial gathering of evidence in criminal cases. Coverage emphasizes the Fourth Amendment's limitations on unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause and Self-Incrimination Clause, as well as the Sixth Amendment Right-to-Counsel clause, are also studied. Students also discuss rules relating to pre-trial and in-courtroom identification procedures.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of civil litigation, including pleading, discovery, pre-trial motions and judicial management, post-trial motions, and appeal, and the finality of judgments. This course also examines the common law history of pleading systems, access to the adjudication system, and the role of lawyers in civil litigation. In addition to the traditional casebook study, students also litigate a simulated matter requiring them to interview clients, draft and respond to a complaint, and propound and respond to discovery.

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the rules governing admission of evidence in judicial trials. Students study the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE). In the course of studying the FRE, however, students give considerable attention to the principles and policies that underlie the admissions of evidence in common law trials. In addition to traditional doctrinal analysis of the Rules, students also participate in a series of simulations designed to introduce the use of evidence rules in courtroom settings. For these "labs" the class is divided into smaller groups of students.

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the rules governing admission of evidence in judicial trials. Students study the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE). In the course of studying the FRE, however, students give considerable attention to the principles and policies that underlie the admissions of evidence in common law trials. In addition to traditional doctrinal analysis of the Rules, students also participate in a series of simulations designed to introduce the use of evidence rules in courtroom settings. For these "labs" the class is divided into smaller groups of students.

The course explores the philosophical justifications for punishing individuals as well as the limitations on legislative power to define and punish criminal behavior. The primary focus of the course, however, is on the substantive aspects of criminal law. Cases and statutes are studied to develop a critical understanding of the fundamental concepts of criminal responsibility which include mens rea, actus reus, and the principle of legality.

This course examines civil wrongs not arising from a breach of contract. It explores several theories for holding such wrongdoers liable - including intentional torts, negligence and strict liability - and the defenses that may be asserted in response. For each theory and defense, it analyzes the law's substantive bases, evidentiary requirements, historical antecedents and policy implications. It covers topics as diverse and important as duty, standard of care, causation, harm, intent, privilege, deterrence, punishment, compensation and loss spreading.

The Legal Writing and Legal Research courses are designed to help students develop and practice research and writing skills that are necessary not only to law students but also to practicing attorneys. The Legal Writing course introduces the purposes, structures, and styles of legal writing. The course also emphasizes principles of clear writing.

The course introduces the student - in context of theory, simulated practice, and models of professionalism - to selected topics in the law of the contemporary workplace. Although much emphasis will be placed on traditional labor-management relations, the course offers a working knowledge of the essential language, issues, rules, and strategies found across a wide range of employment law practice including wrongful termination, status discrimination, privacy, wages and hours, alternative dispute resolution, international labor standards, and federal preemption.

This course will survey the common law, state statutory, and federal rules of evidence. The rules, principles behind the rules, and cases interpreting them shall be examined. The primary focus of this course is on the Federal Rules of Evidence, with comparison to the California Evidence Code in those instances where California law differs from the Federal Rules. Primary emphasis is on the basic concepts of relevance and prejudice, hearsay and confrontation clause, best evidence, authentication, witness competency, opinion, and impeachment.