Course Decriptions
Updated Nov. 25, 2024
- LAWD - Law Basic First Year Required
LAWD 9020 CIVIL PROCEDURE - PLEADING AND PRACTICE [3 hours] Study of the rules controlling the management of civil litigation. State and federal systems are covered.
LAWD 9110 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW 鈥� STRUCTURE (formerly Constitutional Law I) [3 hours] Constitutional Law - Structure will cover structural issues focusing on the Supreme Court鈥檚 interpretation of the nature and distribution of power within the federal government, the relationship between the federal government and the states in regulating commerce, and the meaning and scope of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
LAWD 9210 CONTRACTS I [3 hours] A survey of the law of contracts including the creation, modification and termination of contract rights obligations, the roles of reliance and restitution, capacity, conditions, third party rights and duties, and the effect of changed circumstances or mistake. Performance and breach of contractual obligations and remedies for breach are also examined in detail. The course includes a survey of the law relating to sales of goods under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
LAWD 9220 CONTRACTS II [3 hours] A continued survey of the law of contracts including the creation, modification and termination of contract rights and obligations, the roles of reliance and restitution, capacity, conditions, third party rights and duties, and the effect of changed circumstances or mistake. Performance and breach of contractual obligations and remedies for breach are also examined in detail. The course includes a survey of the law relating to sales of goods under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
LAWD 9300 CRIMINAL LAW [4 hours] Substantive criminal law, focusing on general principles of liability and defenses, the definitional elements of certain crimes, particularly homicide, and principles of accessorial liability.
LAWD 9750 LAWYERING SKILLS I [2 hours] A foundation course providing intensive instruction in three major areas: using research resources and techniques of research; developing skills of legal analysis; presenting legal analysis in predictive and persuasive formats, both written and oral. Instruction is through class meetings, small group meetings and individual conferences.
LAWD 9760 LAWYERING SKILLS II [2 hours] A continuation of Lawyering Skills I, this course provides intensive instruction in three major areas: using research resources and techniques of research; developing skills of legal analysis; presenting legal analysis in predictive and persuasive formats, both written and oral. Instruction is through class meetings, small group meetings and individual conferences.
LAWD 9410 PROPERTY 鈥� FUNDAMENTALS OF OWNERSHIP [3 hours] An introduction to the law of personal property and comprehensive coverage of the law of real property as it relates to estates and interests in land, landlord-tenant relationships, real estate transactions, private agreements respecting the use of land and public controls upon property use.
LAWD 9420 PROPERTY 鈥� TRANSACTIONS AND LAND USE [3 hours] Continued study of the law of personal property and comprehensive coverage of the law of real property as it relates to estates and interests in land, landlord-tenant relationships, real estate transactions, private agreements respecting the use of land and public controls upon property use.
LAWD 9510 TORTS [4 hours] Torts explores civil claims for a variety of intentional harms and offenses to people and property, negligent harms and theories of strict liability (including products liability). The course studies both traditional principles and modern concepts.
- LAWA - Upper Level Required
LAWA 9400 ADVANCED RESEARCH AND WRITING[1 hour] This course involves an advanced writing project completed under the supervision of a full-time faculty member.
LAWA 9010 CIVIL PROCEDURE - JURISDICTION [3 hours] Study of the rules controlling the jurisdiction of courts. State and federal systems are covered.
LAWA 9120 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW 鈥� RIGHTS [3 hours] This course covers the state action doctrine and various individual rights, including those protected by the Equal Protection, Free Speech, and Religion Clauses.
LAWA 9310 EVIDENCE [4 hours] The rules and policies governing a trial court鈥檚 fact-finding process, as exemplified by the Federal Rules of Evidence. Topics cover the full range of evidentiary issues at trial, including the content of admissible proof, the matter of presenting it and the respective roles of the judge and jury.
LAWA 9000 LEGAL ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY [3 hours] An introduction to legal and ethical principles governing lawyers, the legal profession and the practice of law. The course considers the principal ways in which lawyers are regulated through bar admission, professional codes, lawyer disciplinary actions and civil liability. The course explores the lawyer-client relationship and the scope and limits of duties to the client, the legal system and third parties. Prerequisite: Completion of basic first-year courses.
- LAWG - Bar-Tested Subjects
*The courses identified as "bar-tested" are those, along with first-year and required courses, tested on the Ohio bar exam and the Uniform Bar Exam (adopted in many other states). However, the subjects tested on bar exams in particular states vary. Michigan will soon be moving to the Uniform Bar Exam, for instance, but until then, and in the past, includes coverage of Equity, Creditors鈥� Rights, Insurance (no-fault), Negotiable Instruments (taught at UT as Commercial Paper), Sales, and Workers鈥� Compensation. You are encouraged to consult the web site of the bar examiners in a state in which you intend to take the bar exam, and should feel free to discuss your plans with the deans of Academic or Student Affairs and the College鈥檚 Director of Academic Success and Bar Preparation.
LAWG 9010 BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS [4 hours] Business Associations focuses on the legal entities commonly used to operate business enterprises, with an emphasis on closely held businesses. The course explores the major issues involved in formation and operation of agency relationships, corporations and limited liability companies. These include creation of business entities; financing for the small business; sharing in earnings; the roles of corporate officers, directors and shareholders; roles of LLC managers and members; doctrines of limited liability; fiduciary duties; and special statutory treatment of closely held corporations.
LAWG 9170 CONFLICT OF LAWS [2-3 hours] This course will study the problems encountered when a transaction or occurrence has a significant relationship to two or more states or countries. The jurisdiction of courts, the effect to be given to out-of-state judgments and the rules of decision in multi-state cases are studied. Both traditional rules and theories and modern developments are analyzed.
LAWG 9210 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE-INVESTIGATIONS [3 hours] A study of the constitutional and statutory limitations on the conduct of criminal investigations and related matters. Includes a discussion of the Fourth Amendment prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures, the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination and the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.
LAWG 9370 FAMILY LAW [3 hours] This course explores the interaction of law and the family. It surveys various topics including marriage, divorce and its financial consequences, child custody, non-marital families, parentage, adoption, and assisted reproductive technology.
LAWG 9610 SECURED TRANSACTIONS [3 hours] The creation, enforcement, perfection and priority of security interests in personal property under Article Nine of the Uniform Commercial Code and the federal Bankruptcy Code.
LAWG 9710 TRUSTS AND ESTATES [4 hours] The study of decedents鈥� estates and trust law. Intestate succession, the law of wills, estate administration, formation and administration of trusts and future interests are studied. Common law approaches are contrasted with Ohio and Uniform Probate Code practices.
- LAWI - Law Electives
LAWI 9030 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW [3 hours] The law and operation of administrative agencies, including agency adjudication, rulemaking and other forms of policy implementation. The course covers agencies鈥� place in the constitutional structure, legislative and executive controls on agency action, and judicial review of agency fact-finding, statutory interpretation, and exercise of discretion. The course examines state agencies as well as federal agencies and the federal Administrative Procedure Act.
LAWI 9130 BUSINESS ENTERPRISE TAX[2-3 hours] An examination of the federal income tax treatment of business enterprises (including corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies) and their owners. The course considers the tax consequences of entity-owner transactions (formation and property contributions, distributions, redemptions and liquidations) as well as entity-level transactions (business operations, mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations). Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax or consent of the instructor.
LAWI 9220 CIVIL RIGHTS LITIGATION SIMULATION [2-3 hours] This course will explore how to litigate constitutional claims, and how to enforce individual constitutional rights, including Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendment claims. The course will cover the relevant case law for a doctrinal overview, as well as the historical and factual backgrounds to the landmark cases in constitutional litigation. The course will also involve simulated law practice problems and other exercises to provide a hands-on approach to the problems and issues that arise in litigating constitutional claims.
LAWI 9210 COPYRIGHT LAW [2-3 hours] A substantive examination of the Copyright Act. This course will cover the fundamentals of copyright law and practice and the challenges to the existing copyright regime by new technologies.
LAWI 9280 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE-ADJUDICATIONS [3 hours] A study of the criminal processes from arrest through sentencing and appeal. Topics covered include bail, preliminary hearing, grand jury, plea bargaining and guilty pleas, discovery, fair trial, free press, jury trial, sentencing and double jeopardy.
LAWI 9090 DISABILITY LAW [2-3 hours] This course examines the growing area of disability law. Topics to be covered include discrimination based on disability in employment and public accommodations, as well as the requirement for educational institutions to provide special education services to disabled students. Relevant federal statutes will be examined, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (with special emphasis on the ADA Amendments Act of 2009), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act.
LAWI 9300 EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION [3 hours] This course focuses on the main federal statutes prohibiting employment discrimination and the policies underlying these laws, with the majority of time spent on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additional topics and subtopics include sexual harassment, discrimination based on sexual orientation, defenses and reasonable accommodation of religion.
LAWI 9310 EMPLOYMENT LAW [2-3 hours] This course focuses on the major state and federal employment laws affecting individual employees, excluding laws on unions and employment discrimination. Coverage includes the legal regulation of the hiring and firing process, testing and privacy issues, wage and hour laws, occupational health and safety, workers鈥� compensation, unemployment insurance, covenants not to compete, and related topics.
LAWI 9330 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW [2-3 hours] This course provides an introduction to U.S. environmental law by examining major federal statutes and the policy goals underlying them. Key statutes explored include the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Through analyzing and comparing different environmental statutes, students develop an understanding not only of the current environmental regulatory framework, but also of alternative approaches that may be employed to prevent pollution, clean up contamination and protect the environment.
LAWI 9350 ESTATE PLANNING [2-3 hours] This course focuses on the practical and tax aspects of estate planning. Emphasis is placed on the application of estate planning and wealth preservation techniques to commonly encountered estate planning problems. Prerequisite: Trusts and Estates.
LAWI 9500 FEDERAL INCOME TAX [3-4 hours] After a brief consideration of the federal income taxation system, this course examines the conceptual problems in defining income. A detailed treatment of the more significant personal and business deductions, exemptions and credits follows. Statutory methodology and policy considerations (including the tax expenditure concept) are developed integrally with substantive topics. In addition, the course considers the tax treatment of gains and losses from the disposition of property, including the capital gains preference and deferral of taxation. Tax shelters and attempts by Congress and the Internal Revenue Service to limit their utilization may be explored as well.
LAWI 9630 HEALTH LAW [2-3 hours] This course provides an overview of the legal issues that arise in the health care field. Topics surveyed will include individual and institutional liability, public and private regulation, accreditation and licensure, hospital/medical staff relationships, and the challenge of achieving cost efficiencies, while also maintaining high quality care and improved access to care. Students will learn to identify key legal issues affecting the operation of a health care entity.
LAWI 9440 IMMIGRATION LAW [2-3 hours] The course is designed to present a survey of immigration and nationality law. It will cover issues of citizenship as well as admissions to the United States. The course will address issues of removal and deportation, as well as relief from removal.
LAWI 9720 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SURVEY [2-3 hours] A preparatory course covering Copyright, Patent, Trademark and Trade Secret Law. A broad coverage of intellectual property law is useful for those students who want to learn the fundamentals of intellectual property law either as basis for more advanced courses or to integrate intellectual property law into other substantive courses.
LAWI 9480 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS [2-3 hours] This course introduces students to the issues, problems and legal norms applicable to International Business Transactions. The course will examine various problems that occur in international business as a means of discerning pitfalls for the unwary, as well as the matters that must be considered to protect one鈥檚 client. The course will begin with an examination of the issues arising in a basic international sale and will progress through increasingly complex types of business interaction, including distributorships, franchising, licensing, joint ventures and incorporating abroad. Through the course, there will be an emphasis on the U.S., foreign and international laws and standards that may affect the transaction. The course will emphasize contract negotiation and drafting skills. LAWI
LAWI 9100 INTERNATIONAL LAW [3 hours] This course focuses on the legal processes of the international community. The creation of law among nation states, the law-making activities of international organizations, the enforcement (and non-enforcement) of international law in both national and international forums, the limits of national jurisdiction, the responsibility of states for the injuries to the persons or property of aliens and the rules governing international agreements are surveyed. Particular attention is given to the law of treaties and the role of lawyers in foreign policy decision making.
LAWI 9490 JUVENILE LAW [2-3 hours] An examination of the relationship between children, their parents, siblings and the state in the lives of delinquent, unruly, dependent, neglected and abused children. The role of the court, judiciary, attorneys, police and social services historically, and in modern practice, will be examined as to the impact on families and individuals brought before the juvenile court. Special emphasis will be given to the theory of the juvenile justice system; the various court alternatives to adjudication; dispositional considerations and the attorney鈥檚 role in representing the child, parents or serving as a guardian ad litem.
LAWI 9510 LABOR LAW [3 hours] This course focuses on the law governing and policy issues surrounding the major facets of union-management relations in the private sector under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). These include union organizing, collective bargaining, contract enforcement, picketing and the economic weapons of both sides, including strikes. The course also covers the procedural mechanisms by which rights under the NLRA are enforced and remedies for NLRA violations.
LAWI 9390 NATURAL RESOURCES LAW [2-3 hours] This course provides an introduction to natural resources law and policy affecting both public lands and private property. Conflicts over natural resources, including their protection and use, are among the most contentious legal and policy issues of our time. Students explore the reasons why, the roles governmental authorities play in the management of natural resources, and the laws and policies pertaining to wildlife, preservation, conservation, protected lands, forestry, mining, oil and gas, water rights and other natural resources. Key federal statutes such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act are reviewed as well as cases, regulations, and commentary.
LAWI 9710 PATENT LAW [2-3 hours] A survey of the legal protection of inventions. This course covers the requirements for obtaining and enforcing a patent and the rights of a patentee with respect to licensing, assignment and patent misuse.
LAWI 9700 PATENT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE [2-3 hours] A hands-on course focusing on both regulatory requirements and attorney skills relating to representation of inventors before the Patent and Trademark Office. The course will follow a patent attorney鈥檚 relationship with an inventor and the written PTO responses, appeals and finally patent grant.
LAWP 9000 PUBLIC SECTOR LABOR LAW SEMINAR [2-3 hours] This seminar covers various models of public sector labor relations laws, including but not limited to the Ohio public sector labor statute. It focuses on the differing degrees to which public sector unions in different jurisdictions can bargain, resolve bargaining impasses (through strikes or mediation and arbitration), and enforce contracts with employers. This seminar also stresses issues unique to the public sector, including constitutional rules, civil service statutes and the rights of individual public employees.
LAWI 9260 RACE AND AMERICAN LAW [2-3 hours] This course addresses the racial and legal history of the major racial groups in the U.S., including African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos and Whites. In addition to these histories, the class includes the following topics: competing definitions of race and racism; race, voting, and participation in democracy; developing notions of equality; segregation and education; and responses to racism, including resistance, coalitions, and healing.
LAWI 9060 SALES AND LEASES OF GOODS [2-3 hours] A detailed study of sales of goods under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code and a survey of both Article 2A of the Uniform Commercial Code (leases of goods) and the U.N. Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. Topics include contract formation and interpretation, warranties, express and implied terms, risk of loss, performance obligations and breach, and remedies for breach. Consideration may also be given to other state and federal laws affecting sales and leases of goods. Prerequisite: Contracts I and II.
LAWI 9800 SECURITIES REGULATION [2-3 hours] This course focuses on the disclosure requirements of the federal securities laws which apply when businesses raise capital and when their shares are publicly traded. It examines the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, selected provisions of the Securities Exchange Act and state blue sky laws. It covers extensively the structuring of exempt transactions for small businesses. The course is taught primarily from a transactional, rather than a litigation, focus. Prerequisite: Business Associations.
LAWI 9900 TRADEMARKS [2-3 hours] An introduction to the fundamentals of federal trademark law and practice with some discussion of common law trademarks and state trademark registration. This course will cover how trademarks are acquired, trademark registration and practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and trademark infringement. False advertising and other forms of unfair competition actionable under the Lanham Act also will be studied.
LAWI 9940 WHITE COLLAR CRIME [3 hours] White Collar Crime is variously understood to refer to economic and political crimes, crimes predicated on deceit or concealment, and crimes in corporate or other professional contexts. While the definition is imprecise, the legal profession routinely treats white collar crime as distinct from other crime; prosecutors and defense counsel often specialize in white collar matters. This course is divided into two parts. First, the class surveys some of the key substantive laws involved in white collar cases. Second, it examines the distinctive procedural issues in white collar cases, including sentencing. Prerequisite: Criminal Law.
- LAWL - Law Review/Moot Court
LAWL 9110 LAW REVIEW I [1-2 hours] Course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Course requires the successful completion of a publishable manuscript as determined by the editor-in-chief and faculty adviser of the Law Review.
LAWL 9120 LAW REVIEW II [1-2 hours] Only students who have successfully completed Law Review I and who are serving as editors of the Law Review will be permitted to register for Law Review II. Enrollment is selective. Prerequisite: Law Review I.
LAWL 9150 MOOT COURT I [1-2 hours] Students participate in interscholastic Moot Court competitions, each of which deals with a particular area of law, such as: international law, labor and employment law, corporate law, sports law, tax, intellectual property, criminal law and constitutional law. Students will prepare a brief and present an appellate argument at a regional or national competition. Prerequisite: Enrollment is based on try-outs held in the spring, and each team requires enrollment in other courses based on the subject matter of the competition. All students are also required to take Appellate Procedure Seminar and Advanced Research and Writing.
LAWL 9160 MOOT COURT II [1-2 hours] Students participate in or coach Moot Court or Trial Advocacy teams. Students are also required to judge rounds of the annual Fornoff Moot Court competition. Prerequisite: Moot Court I.
- LAWN - Law Clinics and Skills
LAWN 9930 ADVANCED CIVIL ADVOCACY CLINIC [2 hours] The Advanced Civil Advocacy Clinic emphasizes development of skills beyond those achieved in the basic clinic. The program is tailored to meet the needs and interests of individual students. Typically, students in the Advanced Civil Advocacy Clinic are assigned more complex legal matters, mentor students in the basic Civil Advocacy Clinic, and/or work on policy or legislative projects. Prerequisite: Civil Advocacy Clinic, permission of instructor.
LAWN 9720 ADVANCED IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CLINIC [2 hours] The Advanced Immigrant Justice Clinic emphasizes development of skills beyond those achieved in the basic clinic. The program is tailored to meet the needs and interests of individual students. Typically, students in the Advanced Immigrant Justice Clinic are assigned more complex legal matters, mentor students in the basic Immigrant Justice Clinic, and/or work on policy projects. Prerequisite: Immigrant Justice Clinic, permission of instructor.
LAWN 9020 ADVANCED LEGAL RESEARCH [2-3 hours] An in-depth view of legal bibliography in both print and electronic formats. Detailed attention given to encyclopedias, treatises, and various general and topical indexes, digests, and citators as well as web-based compilations of legal materials.
LAWN 9520 ADVANCED TAX CONTROVERSY CLINIC [2 hours] In order to give law students valuable experience in handling actual tax cases, the Tax Controversy Clinic will offer free representation to taxpayers who are involved with IRS audits, appeals, and collection matters. In certain cases the Tax Clinic will represent taxpayers before the United States Tax Court. The Tax Clinic will negotiate and resolve contested matter with the IRS.
LAWN 9910 CIVIL ADVOCACY CLINIC [4 hours] The Civil Advocacy Clinic focuses on development of skills such as interviewing, counseling, negotiation, problem-solving, fact investigation, strategy formation law, landlord and tenant, consumer and civil rights cases. In addition, students may work on law reform and policy projects. Students in the clinic are the primary contact for clients, and are given responsibility for work on all aspects of the case under the close supervision of clinic faculty. Classroom meetings focus on practical, substantive, procedural and ethical issues, especially as they relate to the clients and cases handled by the clinic. It is recommended, but not required, that students complete at least 59 credit hours and apply for certification as legal interns under Rule II of the Ohio Supreme Court Rules for the Governance of the Bar. Admission is by the permission of the instructor.
LAWN 9130 CRIMINAL LAW SIMULATION [2-3 hours] In this simulation course, students will prepare a case for trial/plea and end the semester with a sentencing hearing. The course will feature written assignments and in-class exercises and will cover hearings on arraignment, detention, suppression, plea and sentencing. Students will work together and hone their skills as members of prosecution and defense teams.
LAWN 9710 IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CLINIC [4 hours] The Immigrant Justice Clinic helps prepare students for a career in immigration law, or to gain insight about how U.S. legal systems and policy decisions impact immigrants, families, and communities. The clinic introduces substantive immigration law and the theory and practice of core lawyering skills, including interviewing; counseling; listening; investigating facts; researching and analyzing relevant law; creative problem-solving; critical lawyering (lawyering conscious of power, bias, and justice issues); administrative agency and courtroom practicing; and legal writing, including affidavits and advocacy-focused briefs. Under the supervision of clinical faculty, students represent local community members with critical legal needs working through the U.S. immigration system, including people seeking family reunification and safety from domestic violence, persecution, torture, and human trafficking. Students also conduct community education on a variety of immigration law topics. Casework is complemented by a seminar that meets twice per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: Immigration Law.
LAWN 9100 NEGOTIATION THEORY AND STRATEGY [3 hours] This practical, skills course develops a series of conceptual structures for understanding negotiation as a coherent process and for understanding the strategic dynamics of all negotiating situations. The goal of the course is to encourage students to become skilled, versatile, and effective negotiators by applying the relevant structures, theories, and strategies to legal negotiations that will be scheduled each week of the course.
LAWN 9610 PUBLIC SERVICE EXTERNSHIP [2-6 hours] The Public Service Externship is a field placement program in which students are placed in structured legal settings with public service attorneys and programs. There is a required classroom component in which issues relating to learning from experience are explored. The program is available year round with out-of-town placements available in the summer session. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
LAWN 9510 TAX CONTROVERSY CLINIC [4 hours] In order to give law students valuable experience in handling actual tax cases, the Tax Controversy Clinic will offer free representation to taxpayers who are involved with IRS audits, appeals, and collection matters. In certain cases the Tax Clinic will represent taxpayers before the United States Tax Court. The Tax Clinic will negotiate and resolve contested matter with the IRS.
LAWN 9000 TRIAL PRACTICE [3 hours] Simulated exercises and trials, including such matters as pretrial motions, jury selection, opening statement, presentation of evidence, cross-examination, witness impeachment, closing argument and jury instructions. Emphasis is given to developing and proving a theory of the case. Prerequisite: Evidence.
- LAWP - Law Writing Courses/Independent Research
LAWP 9010 HONORS RESEARCH I [2 hours] A student who has completed 30 semester hours in the College of Law and who has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher may apply to undertake honors research. The student must submit a topic and detailed research proposal four weeks prior to enrollment to a faculty member who agrees to take primary responsibility to supervise the student鈥檚 work. Two other faculty members are appointed by the Dean to serve on the student鈥檚 advisory committee. The research and writing take place over two semesters and culminate in a written thesis intended for publication. The student must orally defend his or her thesis before the advisory committee and interested members of the University community. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for students to make a contribution to the professional literature through concentrated study in an area of interest. The advisory committee decides on the grade that will be awarded to the project.
LAWP 9020 HONORS RESEARCH II [2 hours] A student who has completed 30 semester hours in the College of Law and who has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher may apply to undertake honors research. The student must submit a topic and detailed research proposal four weeks prior to enrollment to a faculty member who agrees to take primary responsibility to supervise the student鈥檚 work. Two other faculty members are appointed by the Dean to serve on the student鈥檚 advisory committee. The research and writing take place over two semesters and culminate in a written thesis intended for publication. The student must orally defend his or her thesis before the advisory committee and interested members of the University community. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for students to make a contribution to the professional literature through concentrated study in an area of interest. The advisory committee decides on the grade that will be awarded to the project.
LAWP 9050 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH [2 hours] A student who has completed at least 30 semester hours in the College of Law and who has a grade point average of 2.0 or higher may undertake and complete individual research and writing for credit under an Independent Research Program. To enroll in the program, a student must submit a written proposal to the faculty member agreeing to take primary responsibility for that student. If the faculty member and the Dean approve the proposal, the student may then enroll for two hours of credit for one semester. The supervising faculty member decides on the grade that will be awarded to the project.
LAWP 9000 SEMINAR: EDUCATION LAW [2-3 hours] This course will explore the history of key cases that shaped the law of education in the United States as well as their legal, practical, and policy implications so that the contemporary education law landscape can be better understood. The course will cover selected topics relating to primary, secondary, and higher education such as affirmative action, disability law, student speech on college campuses, boundaries between public and private education, and boundaries between church and state. Students will use this background as a starting point for their own research on an education law topic of interest that will result in a paper that satisfies the upper-level writing requirement.
LAWP 9000 SEMINAR: JURISPRUDENCE AND MODERN LEGAL THOUGHT [2-3 hours] How do we know what the law is? What are the proper purposes and sources of law? What is the relationship between law and justice? What is the source of the duty to obey? The course investigates these and other questions through the lens of the major currents in modern legal thought. We will consider, among other topics, natural law, formalism, positivism, realism, law and economics, dissent and the critical turn in legal thought (i.e., critical legal studies, feminism, gender and sexual orientation, and critical race theory), and the conservative legal movement. We will apply the various thinkers and schools of thoughts to concrete issues with judicial decision-making and the practice of law. Students will write two 12-13 page papers and participate in class debates and discussions. Familiarity with philosophy or jurisprudence is not presupposed or required.
LAWP 9000 SEMINAR: LEGISLATION AND STATUTORY INTERPRETATION [2-3 hours] This course covers statutory interpretation, including canons of construction, sources of interpretation, and current debates over interpretative practice. Skills taught in this class are used to solve legal problems often faced by individual, corporate, and governmental clients. Students will write a short research paper (equivalent length to an Advanced Research and Writing paper) and take a shortened final exam.
LAWP 9000 SEMINAR: NO STRAIGHT ANSWERS: GENDER IDENTITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AND THE LAW [2 hours] This seminar will explore the history of LGBTQ+ rights and the pivotal cases that are shaping the legal landscape for the LGBTQA+ community. In addition, students will receive practical information about representing the LGBTQ+ community in several areas of the law.
LAWP 9000 SEMINAR: POLICE INTERROGATIONS AND THE CONSTITUTION [3 hours] This course focuses on the rights of the accused during custodial interrogations. We will discuss judicial opinions ranging from the nineteenth century to the present in an attempt to understand how courts have determined the constitutional limits of police conduct while questioning suspects. During the course of the semester we will see how law enforcement and the courts have evolved in this area in light of changing social norms and shifting popular attitudes towards crime and criminals.
LAWP 9000 SEMINAR: SOCIAL JUSTICE LAW [2 hours] This course will discuss lawyering skills and tools to remedy systemic injustice. Students will explore a variety of substantive areas related to poverty law, public interest law, and social justice advocacy. Additionally, students will be introduced to concepts such as race equity, implicit bias, and community lawyering.
- LAWT - Law Experimental Courses
LAWT 9600 3L EXTENDED BAR PREP [2-3 hours] This course gives students a head start on bar exam preparation by focusing on contextualized substantive review of the most heavily tested topics on the bar. It overlays intensive skill instruction on reading comprehension, issue identification, rule mastery, critical thinking, legal analysis and recognition of distractors skills. Students gain a strong conceptual understanding and in-depth knowledge of highly tested doctrines across three MBE subjects including Essays, Multiple Choice, and the MPT. They will be taught how to develop, use, and apply a flexible but strong analytical framework to solve bar exam problems. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Enrollment limited to 3Ls.
LAWT 9600 ADVANCED EVIDENCE [1-3 hours] This course will focus on evidence issues that regularly come up during courtroom trials. Students will be challenged to apply the rules of evidence to the facts of actual appellate court cases and will be expected to participate in classroom discussion. The course is "advanced" in the sense that various evidence rules will be examined in-depth. Students who make a good faith effort to engage in the materials and the classroom discussion will almost certainly have an improved understanding of the rules in preparation for the bar exam.
LAWT 9600 ADVANCED LEGAL ANALYSIS [2-3 hours] This course is designed to strengthen study skills, legal reasoning skills and exam taking skills in at-risk students. Class will include short lectures, class exercises, and practice exams under timed conditions. Individual conferences will be held, and feedback on the exams will be given. Students will be encouraged to evaluate their own work and learn from past performance. A discussion of the student鈥檚 self-evaluation and goals will also be discussed during individual conferences.
LAWT 9600 CORPORATE COUNSEL EXTERNSHIP [2-4 hours] The Corporate Counsel Externship is a field placement program in which students are placed in counsel鈥檚 office for publicly and privately held and non-profit corporations. There is a required classroom component in which issues relating to learning from experience are explored.
LAWT 9600 DRUG CRIMES [2 hours] This course will examine the charging, investigation, defense, and sentencing of drug crimes, largely at the federal level. Students will learn about common legal challenges and constitutional issues that are frequently implicated by drug charges. The course will review cases that helped shape modern drug laws, as well as discuss the evolution of policies surrounding drug offenses that have contributed to racial and socioeconomic inequities and mass incarceration.
LAWT 9600 ELECTION LAW [2-3 hours] This course will explore the fast-paced and evolving field of Election Law. The class will explore several areas of Election Law, including, but limited to, The Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering, campaign finance, issues of ballot access, due process and equal protection challenges, provisional balloting, and election result contests. Also, since the state of Ohio has been at the forefront of election law litigation over the past decade, we will also examine several Ohio election cases, which have been litigated throughout the state and federal courts in Ohio.
LAWT 9600 EMPLOYMENT LAW DRAFTING [2 hours] This skills course focuses on legal drafting in the practice area of employment law, providing experiential learning and practical application of drafting skills. Topics will vary each year but may include letters to clients, restrictive covenants, employee handbook policies, severance agreements, pleadings and discovery. Drafting assignments will be completed and reviewed both in class and as assignments, in lieu of a final exam. Simulation course counting towards Experiential Learning Requirement.
LAWT 9600 EXTERNSHIP [1-6 hours] The Externship is a field placement program in which students are placed in structured legal settings with public service attorneys and programs or corporate in-house counsel. There is a required classroom component in which issues relating to learning from experience are explored. Out-of-town placements available in the summer session.
LAWT 9600 FAIR HOUSING PRACTICUM [3 hours] In this skills development course, students will learn about the Fair Housing Amendments Act, and work directly on fair housing civil rights advocacy in the Toledo area. Students will collect documents from the Lucas County Recorder鈥檚 office that contain discriminatory restrictions, such as restrictive covenants that prohibited homeownership based on race. Students will catalog their findings so that other researchers can use the information. Finally, after researching best practices, students will develop an advocacy strategy to address the past and present harm caused by the housing discrimination they worked to uncover.
LAWT 9600 JUVENILE LAW SIMULATION [3 hours] This course will introduce students to Ohio Juvenile statutory law and enable them to apply the law in a courtroom setting. Students will be assigned readings, including fact patterns from cases pertaining to those readings. In-class exercises will include delinquencies; dependency, neglect and abuse cases; criminal certification hearings; and custody matters. Students will work in teams of 2-3 for each exercise.
LAWT 9600 LAW OF AMERICAN POLICING [2 hours] This course explores the establishment, role, and function of police in a democratic society. It will provide a foundation in the history of police culture/behavior, police discretion and its control. There will be a focus on the emerging topics of police legitimacy and public support, use of force, institutional bias, and racial justice. We will also discuss the present abolition movements and reform efforts across the country.
LAWT 9600 LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAW [2-3 hours] This class focuses on the powers, limitations and responsibilities of government entities formed 鈥渂elow鈥� the state level. In Ohio, local governments include counties, townships, cities, villages and special districts. Many interesting power struggles develop around local governments including conflicts with the state, with residents and with each other. Local governments are responsible for providing services that citizens use every day. Specific references to Ohio law and the City of Toledo will be used to exemplify the broader concepts.
LAWT 9600 CANNABIS AND PSCHEDELIC LAW AND POLICY [2-3 hours] This class will focus on the development of marijuana law in the United States from its appearance on the Controlled Substances Act Schedule I to its current legal or quasi-legal status in nearly two-thirds of the country. We will also delve into the challenges faced by not only businesses in the marijuana industry, but by the attorneys representing them, from ethical dilemmas to more practical barriers like financial services. An essential class for any student seeking to practice in this specialty.
LAWT 9600 MASTERING LAW SCHOOL EXAMS [1 hour] This course focuses on teaching essential exam prep and study skills for law students, such as reading and briefing cases, taking notes, outlining, and writing law school exams. It is designed to enhance legal analysis, problem solving, organization, time management, and written communication. Students will learn how to prepare for class, study for exams, and become more effective learners through a variety of hands-on activities, and practice exams given under timed conditions. In addition, students will engage in peer review, and self-evaluation of their own work, as well as meet in individual conferences with the professor for feedback, support, and guidance to master the tools to succeed in law school. Graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis.
LAWT 9600 OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL MOCK TRIAL I [1 hour] Students participate in an interscholastic Mock Trial competition hosted by the Ohio Attorney General鈥檚 Office. Students will prepare preliminary motions, draft opening and closing statements, and prepare for direct and cross examination of witnesses, and compete in a two-day competition. Prerequisite: Enrollment is based on try-outs held in the spring.
LAWT 9600 OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL MOCK TRIAL II [1 hour] Students continue participation in interscholastic Mock Trial competitions. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Ohio Attorney General Mock Trial I.
LAWT 9600 SPECIAL TOPICS [1-6 hours] Courses covering special topics and current events.