Course Descriptions: Careers: Earle Mack School of Law @ Drexel University

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Course Descriptions

Last update: 05.09.08

First Year: Description of Required Courses
Second and Third Year: Course Descriptions

1. First Year: Description of Required Courses

LAW 511 - Introduction to Law and Legal Methods
This course will introduce students to the American legal system, sources and types of law, and jurisprudential theories, as well as basic legal analysis.
Credits: 2.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 601 - Legal Methods I: Research and Writing
This is course provides instruction in the fundamentals of legal research and writing. Students will learn basic legal research as well as essential LEXIS and Westlaw database skills. Students will also be introduced to predictive legal writing techniques.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)
Pre-Requisites: Law 511

LAW 602 - Legal Methods II: Introduction to Persuasion
This course is a continuation of Law 601. Students will be introduced to persuasive legal writing as well as more advanced research techniques.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)
Pre-Requisites: Law 601


LAW 604 - Torts I
This course examines the general theories of civil liability for injuries to persons or property. Topics include liability for intentional misconduct and an introduction to the law of negligence, as well as defenses to claims of tort liability.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 605 - Torts II
This course is a continuation of Law 604 and further develops the law regarding liability for, and defenses to, negligence. Additional topics include professional liability, strict liability, vicarious liability and an introduction to products liability.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)
Pre-Requisites: Torts I

LAW 606 - Contracts I
This course examines the enforcement of promises and bargains. Topics include contract formation, the doctrine of consideration, formalities including the Statute of Frauds and the parole evidence rule, and issues of performance and breach.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 607 - Contracts II
This course is a continuation of Law 606 and further develops the law of contracts. Additional topics include the effect of changed circumstances on the bargain, remedies, and third party rights and obligations.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)
Pre-Requisites: Contracts I

LAW 608 - Civil Procedure I
This course examines the civil litigation procedure, with an emphasis on the Federal courts. Topics include pleading and joinder of claims, pre-trial motion practice, discovery and motions for summary judgment, trial procedure and appellate review.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 609 - Civil Procedure II
This course is a continuation of Law 608 and further develops the law of civil procedure, particularly in the Federal courts. Additional topics include subject matter and personal jurisdiction, venue, and issue and claim preclusion in subsequent litigation.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)
Pre-Requisites: Civil Procedure I

LAW 610 - Property I
This course examines the basic elements of the law of real and personal property. Topics include ownership and possession of property, gifts, the rights of bona fide purchasers, adverse possession, estates and future interests in real property, co-ownership and concurrent interests, and landlord tenant law.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 611 - Property II
This course is a continuation of Law 610 and further develops issues in the ownership of real property. Additional topics include the real estate transaction, the regulation of land use including easements and zoning, and constitutional issues including the Fifth Amendment Takings.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)
Pre-Requisites: Property I

LAW 612 - Criminal Law
This course examines the underlying principles of criminal liability. Topics include the definition of crimes and principles of punishment, the required acts and mental states necessary for liability, and defenses to, and justifications for, conduct. Specific crimes, such as homicide and conspiracy, will also be discussed.
Credits: 5.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 614 - Constitutional Law I
This course examines the basic issues in federal constitutional law. Topics include the role of the courts in interpretation of the Constitution, the scope of legislative and executive powers, limitations on the powers of state and local governments, and the protection of individual rights under the Fourteenth Amendment.
Credits: 5.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 616 - Introduction to Interviewing, Negotiations, and Counseling
This course develops the practical lawyering skills of interviewing and counseling clients. Students will also be introduced to negotiation theory and practice.
Credits: 2.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

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2. Second and Third Year: Course Descriptions

LAW 617 - Constitutional Law II
This course covers issues in substantive and procedural due process and equal protection under the law. It also introduces issues related to personal rights, as embodied by the First Amendment.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)
Pre-Requisites: Constitutional Law I

LAW 618 - First Amendment
This course examines speech and religion clauses of the First Amendment. It considers the philosophical and historical foundation of free expression; analytical problems in First Amendment jurisprudence; and the relationships between free exercise of religion and the separation of church and state.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 620 - Lawyering Practice Seminar Experiential Learning Seminar
This seminar focuses on learning from experience, both in the Co-Op and in later professional practice. Students will study the roles played by lawyers and the institutions where lawyers work. They will discuss their fieldwork experiences, make formal class presentations, and have an opportunity to listen to practicing attorneys.
Credits: 2.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions: Must be concurrently enrolled in Law 621
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 621 - Co-Op
Co-Op is a two quarter field placement in a corporation, law firm, judicial office, public interest organization, or government agency. Students must attend a pre-placement orientation and will work 20-25 hours per week and satisfy or exceed the supervisor's expections. Students enrolled in Co-Op must also enroll in Law 620.
Credits: 5.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions: Must be concurrently enrolled in Law 620
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 622 - Professional Responsibility
This course will examine the ethical duties of lawyers toward clients, courts, and society. The course emphasizes the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, the Model Code of Professional Responsibility, and relevant case law. Topics covered include confidentiality, conflicts of interest, competence, fee arrangements, and the unauthorized practice of law.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 625 - Criminal Procedure - Investigations
This course considers the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable search and seizure, the Fifth Amendment’s right to Due Process and against compulsory self-incrimination, and the Sixth Amendment’s right to counsel, all with particular emphasis on the application of these constitutional provisions within the context of criminal investigation.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 626 - Criminal Procedure - Prosecution and Adjudication
This course will study of the basic rules of criminal procedure, beginning with the institution of formal proceedings. It will emphasize prosecutorial discretion, preliminary hearings, the grand jury, criminal discovery, guilty pleas and plea bargaining, jury selection, pretrial publicity, double jeopardy, the right to counsel, and pretrial release and sentencing.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 630 - Evidence
This course studies the law governing proof of disputed factual matters in criminal and civil trials, including issues of relevancy, competency, hearsay and other exclusionary rules, and the privileges of witnesses.
Credits: 5.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 635 - Sales [S]
This course reviews contract formation issues from the perspective of Uniform Commercial Code Article 2 and focuses on significant commercial contractual issues such as formation, performance (delivery and payment), title to goods, third party rights, warranty, and remedies.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 636 - Payment Systems [S]
This course introduces the student to the law of negotiable instruments, with a primary focus on checks and promissory notes. The course focuses on Articles 3 (Negotiable Instruments) and 4 (Bank Deposits and Collections) of the Uniform Commercial Code.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 637 - Secured Transactions [S]
This course provides an introduction to the law governing contractually created interests in personal property used to secure payment or performance of obligations. Students will study the creation, perfection, priority and enforcement of security interests in personal property under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
Credits: 3.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 640 - Trusts and Estates
This course will survey the law of gratuitous transfers and inheritance. The class will cover the the creation, execution, alteration and interpretation of wills as well as the creation, revocation and interpretation of trusts and trust instruments of various types.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 645 - Employment Discrimination [S]
This course studies the federal and state statutes and case law that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability and sexual orientation.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions: May not also enroll in Law 646
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 646 - Employment Discrimination - A Drafting Approach [S] [W2]
This course studies the federal and state statutes and case law that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability and sexual orientation. The class will approach these issues in the context of several drafting assignments designed to develop practical legal writing skills.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions: May not also enroll in Law 645
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 650 - Federal Income Tax [S]
This course is intended to give students an understanding of the fundamental legal and policy concepts underlying the federal individual income tax. The course will focus on the statutory framework of U.S. tax laws, particular judicial authorities, and selected Treasury Department regulations and rulings.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 651 -Enterprise Tax [S]
This course will survey the differing federal income tax treatments of the various forms of business and investment activities, including both corporations and partnerships.
Credits: 5.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)
Pre-requisites: Law 650-Federal Income Tax

LAW 655 - Environmental Law [S]
This course surveys the federal and state statutes and regulatory programs which attempt to limit water pollution, air pollution, environmental degradation, species extinction, hazardous waste, and chemical regulation problems.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 660 - Administrative Law [S]
This course studies the law governing administrative agencies in the task of carrying out governmental programs; interrelations of legislative, executive and judicial agencies in development of public policy; decision-making processes and internal procedures of administrative agencies, and legislative, executive, and judicial controls on them.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College of Law
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in the following program(s): JD-LAW
Must be enrolled in the following program level(s): LAW (PhD Program)

LAW 665 - Public International Law
This course introduces students to basic concepts and problems of public international law. It covers topics such as the sources, subjects and enforcement of international law; the international law of human rights, criminal law, and the use of force; and the relationship between international law and the internal law of states.
Credits: 4.00
College: College of Law
Department: College