This course is devoted primarily to the study of the differences between community and separate property, what determines how property is classified as one or the other, and the impact of such classification. The course also deals with the disposition of community property on termination of the marriage relationship, either by divorce or death. Liability of spouses for debts is also explored. Prerequisite: Property (160).

This course is an in-depth study of copyright law and its protection of the intellectual property rights of authors. Among the topics covered by the course are protectable subject matter, ownership, duration, licensing, infringement and defenses. Students will learn basic concepts as well as statutory rules and apply them to various issues that arise in the entertainment, art, communication and information industries.

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.