STU Law Student Handbook and Course Catalog
J.D. Program First Year Courses
Advanced Legal Research and Writing {S}
LAW 705 – 3 Credits
This one semester course builds upon and extends legal research, writing and analytical skills acquired in the first semester. The primary focus of the course is to familiarize students with research tools not covered in the first semester research and writing course, including federal and state constitutions, complex statutory regimes and legislative history, as well as administrative regulations and rulings. The legal problems presented are designed to expose students to documents they will encounter in practice, such as pleadings, motions, discovery documents, contracts, settlement agreements, and memoranda of law. This is a required course in the spring semester of the first year.
Prerequisite: Legal Analysis, Writing and Research.
Civil Procedure
LAW 600A – 4 Credits
This course provides an introduction to civil litigation processes, with particular attention to United States district courts. Students familiarize themselves with each major step in the litigation process, including pleadings, joinder of claims and parties, discovery, and pretrial and post-trial motions. Students also learn about the structure of American court systems, the subject matter jurisdiction of the federal courts, the power of courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over parties, and proper choice of venue. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, federal statutes, the United States Constitution, and judicial opinions provide the sources of law. This is a required course in the first year. This course is required for graduation.
Constitutional Law
LAW 680 – 4 Credits
This course is an introduction to the structure of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and liberties it defines. Judicial review, federalism, congressional powers and limits, the commerce clause, and the 10th Amendment are covered, as are the equal protection and due process clauses. This course is a required for graduation.
Contracts
LAW 610A – 4 Credits
This course is an introduction to the principles that govern legally enforceable agreements and promises, including offer, acceptance, consideration and its substitutes, and to other problems that arise in the formation process. Contracts may also examine performance and breach of contract, defenses, remedies for breach, third-party rights and excuse. This course is a required for graduation.
Criminal Law
LAW 620 – 3 Credits
This course is an overview of the common law and statutory elements of criminal liability. Topics include selected crimes against persons and property with emphasis on the act and intent requirements; principles of justification and excuse; inchoate crimes; and the theories of punishment. This course is a required for graduation.
Legal Analysis, Writing and Research
LAW 635 – 3 Credits
The purpose of this course is the development of a first-year law student’s analytical ability. Legal writing is a thinking process and legal research methods affect and shape the thinking process involved. The program integrates research skills with analytical thought, requiring students to resolve legal problems by researching the law, briefing cases, understanding legal reasoning and composing arguments. This course is required for graduation
Legal Skills
LAW 630A – 1 Credit Pass/No Pass
The course is mandatory for first-year students and consists of pre-coursework; a three-day, in-class workshop; and post-coursework. Students will improve learning and analytical abilities while continuing to lay ground work for development of stronger problem-solving skills through: (1) instruction; (2) exercises; and (3) debriefing. The course will build and refine fundamental lawyering skills including reading comprehension, rule mastery, issue spotting, outlining, and the mechanics of essay writing. Students are provided individual attention and feedback to improve. This course is required for graduation.
Property
LAW 690A – 4 Credits
Property introduces students to foundational legal doctrines that govern how people may possess, own, share, transfer, and otherwise use “things.” The course begins with a study of the means of acquiring property, including, but not limited to, adverse possession. The course then explores the system of estates and future interests. The course also examines various types of co-ownership, marital interests, and landlord-tenant law. The course then explores the stages of the land sale transaction, including contracts of sale; the statute of frauds; marketable title; risk of loss and equitable conversion; mortgage financing; interpretation of deeds; methods of title assurance; and the recording system. The course concludes by examining private land use arrangements, including easements, covenants, and servitudes. This course is required for graduation.
Torts
LAW 650A – 4 Credits
This course examines the civil liability for an intentional or unintentional breach of duty imposed by law. In addition, it explores the various theories for distributing losses due to harmful conduct. The torts to be studied include intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability for certain types of conduct. The affirmative defenses and privileges with respect to tortious conduct will also be covered. Students will develop greater proficiency in applying the rules of tort law to complex fact patterns and in recognizing, analyzing, and clearly expressing the legal issues and public policy arguments arising from actual and hypothetical cases. This course is required for graduation.
J.D. Program Upper-Level Required Courses Back to Top
Appellate Advocacy
LAW 685 – 2 Credits
Students participate in “Moot Court,” a simulated courtroom experience involving the writing of an appellate brief followed by the presentation of an oral argument. This is a required course in the fall semester of the second year.
Prerequisites: Legal Analysis, Writing and Research and Advanced Legal Research and Writing. This course is required for graduation.
Bar Prep Skills I
LAW 968 – 4 Credits
The course will provide substantive review and test-taking skills based in the following courses: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Evidence, and Property. The course will focus on topics that are tested on the bar examination. The goals are to (1) acclimate students to the bar exam and preparation process; (2) provide substantive review; and (3) refine multiple-choice and essay exam test-taking skills. Students should generally plan to take this course in their last semester of school. The course is graded, without a mandatory curve.
Prerequisites: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Evidence, and Property are prerequisites for this course. This course must be taken after a student has completed 60 credits. This course is required for graduation.
Business Associations
LAW 813 – 4 Credits
This course covers the law governing incorporated as well as unincorporated business associations including corporations, general partnerships, limited partnerships and other limited liability entities. The course begins with the common law of agency to explore the legal and economic relationships among principal, agent, third party and independent contractor. The course moves on to the modern law of partnerships and various forms of unincorporated limited liability entity such as the limited partnership and the LLC. The legal obligations of the firm, the partners or members inter se and to third parties are explored in the context of economic and business considerations. The course proceeds to an in depth study of the corporation including, inter alia, the nature of the corporate entity and its various constituencies, shareholder derivative actions, the duties of officers, directors and other insiders (including duty of care, duty of loyalty, duties of disclosure and fairness, duties with respect to inside information, short swing profits and rights to indemnification). The course will also explore basic concepts of corporate finance including the components of the balance sheet and the economic and legal motivations behind decisions on capital formation, dividend distribution and investment. In addition the course explores the problems of corporate control including proxy fights, control in closely held corporations, statutory dissolution upon abuse of control and transfer of shareholder voting control. The course then moves on to cover the law of mergers and acquisitions and hostile takeovers. Statutory material for the course includes the Revised Uniform Partnership Act, Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, Limited Liability Company Act (all as enacted in Florida), the Modern Business Corporation Act, the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Florida Business Corporation Act, and several federal statutes including inter alia, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Williams Act and the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act and the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This course is required for graduation.
Evidence
LAW 826 – 4 Credits
The study of the preparation and presentation of evidence, examination of witnesses, the opinion rule and expert testimony, cross-examination and subsequent examination of witnesses, impeachment of witnesses, the procedure of admitting and excluding evidence, competency of witnesses, the scope and effect of the evidentiary privileges, relevancy, demonstrative evidence, authentication of writings, the “best evidence” rule, the hearsay rule and exceptions, judicial notice, and the burden of proof and presumptions. This course is required for graduation.
Professional Responsibility
LAW 850 – 3 Credits
An examination of the attorney’s ethical obligations to the client, the court, the profession, and society, with special attention to the conflicts inherent in these duties. Included within the course is a history of ethical standards and a study of the character and fitness required for admission to the practice of law, and the disciplinary process of those who do not abide by appropriate regulations in the practice of law. Confidentiality, loyalty, advising of clients, client perjury, handling client funds, and the unauthorized practice of law are also covered. The course includes discussion of advertising, solicitation, and specialization within the profession. Pro bono work and the reputation and image that attorneys project to the public are also examined. Finally, the course discusses the role of the judiciary as it relates to clients, society, and the profession. This is a required course.
*At least two of the four required credits must be fulfilled by Bar Prep Skills II, Legal Methods or Essay Writing, Essay Writing for the Bar, or Advanced Legal Skills. At most, only 2 credits of the “Focus for the Bar” courses will count towards the required four credit hours. Students may take any or all “Focus for the Bar” courses, but only 2 credits will count towards this menu.
Advanced Legal Skills
LAW 711B1 – 4 Credits
This course will provide a review of three-first year substantive courses: Torts, Contracts, and Criminal Law. The course will also introduce students to Criminal Procedure. The course will highlight topics from these courses that are tested on the bar exam. The course is designed to provide students with substantive review and to acclimate them early to the bar preparation process.
The course will emphasize essay writing and multiple-choice test-taking skills. The course will include periodic exercises and exams in both formats and a final exam with an essay and a multiple-choice component. The periodic essays will cover important topics in the substantive subjects covered in the course.
Prerequisites: Torts, Contracts, and Criminal Law are prerequisites or co-requisites for this course. Students must take this course before they have completed 60 credits. This course is required for graduation.
Bar Prep Skills II
LAW 968A – 2 Credits
This course will provide a review and overview of four substantive areas covered on the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). The course will review: Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. The course will highlight topics from these areas of the law and provide students a framework for organizing the doctrinal law in the way it is tested on the MBE. The course is design to provide students with substantive review and enhance their multiple-choice question-taking skills.
The course will include lectures, including an opportunity for questions and feedback from the students, that highlight key aspects of each area of the law. The course will emphasize memorization of black letter law and application of the “law” to questions in the MBE-hypothetical format. The course will include periodic exercises and exams and a final exam in a mock-MBE format covering these areas of the law. The course is an elective meant as a complement to the required Bar Prep Skills course for students who want additional practice and guidance on Bar preparation. The course is open to students in either of their last two semesters, but is suggested to be taken in the semester of graduation. The course is graded pass/no pass.
Prerequisites: Torts, Contracts, and Criminal Law are prerequisites for this course. Students can only take this course after they have completed at least 58 credits.
Civil Procedure Focus for the Bar
LAW 615A – 1 Credits
This practical course prepares students for Civil Procedure questions on the Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE). It covers the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and other federal law relating to Civil Procedure, such as subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction. The course helps students develop and hone multiple-choice skills, including critical reading and analytical thinking, necessary for MBE preparation. All students are encouraged to take this course to [re]familiarize themselves with aspects of Civil Procedure. This course is only offered to students in their final year of law school and is graded pass/no pass.
Prerequisites: Civil Procedure.
Constitutional Law Focus for the Bar
LAW 958D – 1 Credit
This practical course prepares students for federal Constitutional Law questions on the Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE). It covers separation of powers and civil liberties. The course helps students develop and hone multiple-choice skills, including critical reading and analytical thinking, necessary for MBE preparation. All students are encouraged to take this course to [re]familiarize themselves with aspects of federal Constitutional Law. This course is only offered to students in their final year of law school and is graded pass/no pass.
Prerequisite: Constitutional Law
Contracts Focus for the Bar
LAW 848B – 1 or 2 Credits
This course prepares students for Contract related questions on both the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) and the Florida Contract based essays. The course will primarily focus on bar-exam development while also operating to refresh students on Contract related, bar tested material. More specifically, the course will cover the most frequently tested Contract MBE test materials. It will also focus on the Florida specific Contract law distinctions tested on the essay portion of the bar exam. This course will help students develop their essay writing skills as well as hone their multiple-choice test taking skills, including critical reading and analytical thinking. This course is graded pas/no pass.
Essay Writing for the Bar
LAW 648 – 1 or 2 Credits
This course focuses on preparing students for the essay portion of the Florida Bar exam, including reading comprehension, issue spotting, rule statements, and effective application of the rules to the facts. Students will receive formative assessment feedback on a regular basis. The course focuses on areas of law that may be heavily tested on the essay portion of the Bar Exam. The course is not graded on a curve and is only open to students in their final year of law school. This course counts towards the final four credits for the Bar course requirement.
Evidence Focus for the Bar
LAW 826A – 1 Credit
This practical course prepares students for Evidence questions on the Multi-State Exam (MBE). It covers the Federal Rules of Evidence and other federal law relating to Evidence, such as Confrontation Clause. The course helps students develop and hone multiple-choice skills, including critical reading and analytical thinking, necessary for MBE preparation. All students are encouraged to take this course to [re]familiarize themselves with aspects of Evidence. This course is only offered to third-year law students and is grade pass/no pass.
Prerequisite: Evidence.
Florida Fundamentals Focus for the Bar
LAW 884B – 1 or 2 Credits
This is a one or two-credit course designed to prepare students for the Florida Section of the Florida Bar. This course covers the topics in Florida Law that have been tested by multiple choice on the Florida Bar Exam: Florida civil and criminal procedure, business entities, evidence, wills, and administration of estates. The course is team taught by faculty as well as adjunct professors. Students will learn the subjects in depth and have numerous opportunities to practice multiple-choice questions. Essay writing strategies for the Florida Bar subjects may also be covered. The course is graded pass/no pass.
Legal Methods and Essay Writing
LAW 647 – 2 Credits
This course focuses on providing students with the knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law; legal analysis and reasoning; written and oral communication; and other professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession. Students will receive ongoing formative assessment feedback on a regular basis. This course is graded on the elective curve.
Property Focus for the Bar
LAW 747 – 1 or 2 Credits
This practical course prepares students for Property questions on the Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE). It covers key areas of the common law of Property. The course helps students develop and hone multiple-choice skills, including critical reading and analytical thinking, necessary for MBE preparation. All students are encouraged to take this course to [re]familiarize themselves with aspects of Property. This course is only offered to students in their last year of study. This course is graded pass/no pass.
Prerequisite: Property.
J.D. Program Elective Courses Back to Top
Administrative Law
LAW 800 – 2 or 3 Credits
The study of the powers and procedures of administrative agencies, including their investigatory, rule-making, adjudicatory, and enforcement functions, and the concomitant requirements of due process. The Administrative Procedure Act is studied. Topics covered include the doctrine of separation of powers; formal and informal rule-making and adjudication; the standard, scope, timing, and other aspects of judicial review of agency action; procedural due process; agency acquisition of information from individuals and businesses; standing, ripeness, exhaustion of remedies, and sovereign immunity.
Admiralty Law
LAW 869 – 3 Credits
An exploration of the legal doctrine governing maritime activities, including personal injury, statutory protections for seamen and maritime workers, wrongful death, maritime liens, mortgages, limitation of liability, marine insurance, sovereign immunity, forum shopping, and, if time permits, wreck and treasure salvage and pollution.
Admiralty Procedure
LAW 868 – 3 Credits
The course explores the issues of jurisdiction and federalism, the sources of Admiralty Law and modern trends on Maritime Conflict of Laws and on forum selection. A brief excursus on Maritime Law as applied in the rest of the world will complement this part. This course focuses on Admiralty Procedure, the special Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, in particular the “Supplemental Rules” B (attachment), C (ship’s arrest), E (in rem/quasi in rem general provisions) and Supplemental Rule F (Limitation of Liability). A major part of this course is marine financing, theory and practice of maritime liens and mortgages and boat sales and registration.
Advanced Civil Procedure: Complex Litigation
LAW 820A – 2 or 3 Credits
This is an advanced civil procedure course focusing on some important aspects of civil procedure that are only superficially considered (or not considered at all) in the first year. It is useful for anyone interested in civil litigation or practice involving multi-party, multi-forum events, such as antitrust, securities, environmental, product liability, mass torts, consumer protection, civil rights, and other complex transactions. The topics considered include transfer of cases by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation; class actions; and discovery, case management, settlement, attorney’s fees, and ethical issues in complex cases.
Advanced Constitutional Law
LAW 958C – 3 Credits
This elective course builds upon the required Constitutional Law course, offering a more in-depth analysis of select topics regarding the allocation of powers and individual rights, possibly including, but not limited to the reach of executive power, equal protection and substantive due process. Key cases will be analyzed in their historical context and evaluated in light of preferred policies. Hot issues of the day will be picked up, as they merit. The course will also focus in on current doctrine, placing precedent, methodologies, and frameworks of analysis in both a historic and modern perspective to best prepare students for understanding and practicing constitutional law in changing times.
Advanced Torts
LAW 651 – 2 or 3 Credits
This course focuses on torts other than those covered in the basic Torts course, Law 650. These include the strict liability torts arising from the harboring of animals, ultrahazardous activities, and contaminated food, products liability, nuisance, defamation, invasions of the common law right to privacy, and other torts chosen by the professor. Coverage will be broader when the course is offered for three credits.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
LAW 819 – 2 Credits
An examination of the principal methods of resolving disputes outside the judicial system. Client counseling is explored in depth. Additionally, the nature, uses, application, and legal status of arbitration, mediation, conciliation, fact-finding, and negotiation are explored. The philosophy and attributes of the methods of dispute settlement are compared with court and administrative agency litigation.
Antitrust
LAW 860 – 3 Credits
An examination of the control of private economic power through legal institutions promoting competition under the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the policies and objectives underlying the antitrust laws and the extent to which the enforcement of these laws has fulfilled these objectives. Particular areas discussed are: legal and economic concepts of monopoly; collaboration among competitors to fix prices, operate trade associations, and regulate methods of competition; “vertical restraints” including retail price maintenance; horizontal, vertical and conglomerate mergers; and the relationship of antitrust law and patents.
Asylum and Refugee Law
LAW 940 – 2 or 3 Credits
This course will take a hands-on approach to U.S. asylum and refugee law, to give you the tools you need to represent asylum seekers at all stages of the process, from their initial entry, through the Court process, until they can become legal permanent residents.
Prerequisites: Immigration Law.
Bankruptcy
LAW 842 – 3 Credits
This course is designed to provide a general overview of bankruptcy law including the various forms of relief under Chapters 7, 11 and 13. Topics to be covered include the bankruptcy estate, exemptions, claims in bankruptcy, the rights of secured and unsecured creditors, discharge, automatic stay, executory contracts and leases, preferences, avoiding powers of the trustee and fraudulent transfers. The course is offered in the fall term and is a pre-requisite to the Bankruptcy Clinic offered in the spring term.
Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Law
LAW 967B – 1 or 2 Credits
This is an interdisciplinary course covering the intersection of public law, economics, finance, and corporate usage shaping ongoing public policy discussions and governmental regulatory efforts concerning blockchain, distributed ledgers, cryptocurrencies and virtual currency. Technical considerations underlying the course will be presented in a mostly abstract manner; there is no requirement of students to possess a background or expertise in computer science generally or cryptography specifically for success in this class.
Capital Punishment
LAW 945 – 2 Credits
Students will become familiar with basic history, moral background, and constitutional rules governing the implementation of the death penalty in the United States, and particularly the State of Florida. Given the dramatic changes in Florida’s death penalty law over the past two years, this course will provide students with an inside look at the response of the death penalty litigation community to the new law both in practice and theory.
Civil Procedure
LAW 600A – 4 Credits
This course provides an introduction to civil litigation processes, with particular attention to United States district courts. Students familiarize themselves with each major step in the litigation process, including pleadings, joinder of claims and parties, discovery, and pretrial and post-trial motions. Students also learn about the structure of American court systems, the subject matter jurisdiction of the federal courts, the power of courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over parties, and proper choice of venue. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, federal statutes, the United States Constitution, and judicial opinions provide the sources of law. This is a required course in the first year. This course is required for graduation.
Class Action and COVID-19
LAW 887 – 1 Credit
This course will introduce students to class actions as seen through the lens of the hundreds of such lawsuits that address various legal consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The class action is a procedural device available to address harms experienced by a large number of similarly-situated people stemming from the same or similar events. The course will cover class action prerequisites, types of class actions, non-statutory requirements of ascertain ability and standing, and subject matter jurisdiction. To illuminate these topics, the class will study several recently-filed class action suits of varying types, such as civil rights, consumer protection, torts, wage and hour, contracts, or securities fraud, and consider which types of suits are more likely to succeed under class action law. Because we will study cases that have only recently been filed, the cases will provide a learning laboratory as the class will follow the procedural progress of the suits, addressing doctrinal issues as they arise.
Commercial Law Amicus Initiative {S}
LAW 802C – (Up to two semesters) 3 Credits per semester
This course is designed to introduce students the skills needed by lawyers writing amicus briefs and preparing policy documents and to help students begin to acquire some of those skills. The Commercial Law Amicus Initiative (CLAI) provides students from participating law schools an opportunity to weigh in on, and attempt to influence, the development of the commercial law and public policy in the courts. CLAI assists state and federal courts in faithfully interpreting and applying the Uniform Commercial Code, other commercial statutes, and related common law, in order to achieve the laws? underlying policies and to facilitate consistent decision-making by the courts. CLAI pursues this purpose through the filing of amicus curiae briefs. CLAI also provides research and recommendations on matters of commercial law to non-profit organizations such as the American Law Institute and the Uniform Law Commission, in connection with such organizations? preparation of uniform or model legislation or restatements of the law. Students will assist CLAI in these efforts.
Comparative Environmental Law
LAW 804 – 3 Credits
This course offers a comparative exploration of various environmental law regimes from around the world. It first provides a basic foundation of both United States environmental law and international environmental law, as well as specific environmental legal programs of selected countries. The course then examines the similarities and differences in how other countries address environmental problems to discover how the varied regulatory approaches impact the success of the particular program in question. Topics to be discussed include global climate changes; hydraulic fracturing; water pollution; biodiversity and land preservation; and environmental human rights.
Comparative Public Health Law
LAW 966A – 3 Credits
The Institute of Medicine has stated that “The mission of public health is to fulfill society’s interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy.” The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This course will examine the international, federal, state and local laws and policies that govern activities relevant to the public’s health. We will also consider the ethical implications of legal and policy decisions and explore prevalent issues facing lawyers from a legal and policy perspective. Topics covered will include the fundamentals of public health law, the AIDS pandemic and access to AIDS Pharmaceuticals, the Obesity Epidemic, the SARS Epidemic and Quarantine, the Global Tobacco Pandemic and International Law, and other country specific public health law and ethics topics.
Complex Litigation
LAW 820A – 2 or 3 Credits
This is an advanced civil procedure course focusing on some important aspects of civil procedure that are only superficially considered (or not considered at all) in the first year. It is useful for anyone interested in civil litigation or practice involving multi-party, multi-forum events, such as antitrust, securities, environmental, product liability, mass torts, consumer protection, civil rights, and other complex transactions. The topics considered include transfer of cases by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation; class actions; and discovery, case management, settlement, attorney’s fees, and ethical issues in complex cases.
Conflicts of Laws
LAW 866 – 2 or 3 Credits
This is an advanced civil procedure course focusing on some important aspects of civil procedure that are only superficially considered (or not considered at all) in the first year. It is useful for anyone interested in civil litigation or practice involving multi-party, multi-forum events, such as antitrust, securities, environmental, product liability, mass torts, consumer protection, civil rights, and other complex transactions. The topics considered include transfer of cases by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation; class actions; and discovery, case management, settlement, attorney’s fees, and ethical issues in complex cases.
Consumer Finance
LAW 863A – 1 or 2 credits
This course provides an overview of selected topics of laws governing consumer-financial products and services, including deposits, auto lending, credit cards, mortgages, small-dollar lending, student loans, debt relief, debt collection, and credit reporting. The course will focus particularly on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the persons and entities it regulates, and its broad authority to prohibit unfair, deceptive, and abusive acts and practices.
Consumer Law
LAW 863 – 3 Credits
The study of unique aspects of the rules and regulations, and consumer credit including the Truth in Lending Act, the Consumer Leasing Act, and the Equal Credit and Opportunity Act.
Contracting in a Crisis
LAW 892A – 1 Credit
This course will focus on the principles of contracts (including contracts for Sales of goods) that are implicated in an ongoing crisis, whether pandemic, hurricane, terrorism or other crisis. Particular emphasis will be on formation and modification of these contracts, as well as how defenses to contract formation, such as illegality and the impact of governmental regulations, may be implicated and to what extent parties may claim impossibility, impracticability and frustration of purpose during the pandemic. The course will also include the review and drafting of contract provisions, including modifications, conditions and force majeure clauses, as will the impact of a crisis on particular types of agreements.
Copyright & Content Management {S}
LAW 965B – 3 Credits
Copyright law stands at the forefront of law of the digital era, fostering and sometimes frustrating the creation and dissemination of human culture. By providing exclusive—but limited—rights to “original works of authorship,” copyright protects not just traditional media such as books, songs, and movies, but also electronic works found in YouTube videos, streaming media, and computer code. Because copyright issues are so prevalent in modern society, a modern lawyer should have a solid grounding in copyright law. This course covers major topics in domestic copyright law, such as originality, authorship, ownership, duration, the exclusive rights, infringement, fair use, and enforcement. It also pays close attention to the interplay of technology and law.
Corporate Finance
LAW 867 – 3 Credits
Economics, finance, and law will be interrelated in the course. Emphasis will be placed on financing corporate activity, including valuation of businesses, the efficient market hypothesis, and the issuance of debt securities, common and preferred stock, and convertible securities. The course will also focus on dividends, distributions, and acquisitions.
Prerequisite: Business Associations.
Corporate Justice
LAW 867A – 2 Credits
This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the historical foundations of Corporate Justice and how it can be used as a tool for legal activism. In this course we will further explore the following issues: foundational aspects of corporate governance; how issues of gender and racial diversity affect the corporate decision making processes; the causes and effects of the financial market crisis; regulation of credit default swaps and other derivative instruments; director/officer fiduciary duties; the Dodd-Frank Act; the prison industrial complex; and finally, we will explore the impact and effect of social movements like the “Occupy Wall Street Movement” on financial reform.
Corporate Taxation
LAW 903 – 3 Credits
Federal income tax consequences of the formation, capital structure, operation, and liquidation of corporations; treatment of distributions as dividends (taxable or non-taxable), redemptions or partial liquidations; determination of earnings and profits; and the disposition of corporate business by asset or stock sales.
Prerequisite: Federal Income Taxation.
Crimes, Trails and Penalties in Ecclesiastical Court
LAW 804E – 2 Credits
This course will offer students an introduction to the judicial process by which the Roman Catholic Church adjudicates ecclesiastical crimes (delicta) and imposes penalties. In doing so, students will become familiar with the categories of ecclesiastical crimes, the workings of a canonical trial, and the kinds of penalties that can be imposed. Where appropriate, suitable comparisons to American Common Law will be made. Various resources will be used, especially the Code of Canon Law, relevant documents of the Apostolic See, the jurisprudence of the tribunals of the Roman Curia, and the scholarship of canon lawyers.
Criminal Procedure I
LAW 808 – 3 Credits
An examination of the constitutional rights of the accused with regard to arrest, search, interrogation, wire-tapping and other forms of eavesdropping, and entrapment. This course considers the limitations upon police agencies in the various areas of the individual rights of the accused. The mechanics of the criminal process, such as grand juries and preliminary hearings are also examined.
Criminal Procedure II
LAW 848 – 3 Credits
The procedural problems experienced in the preparation and prosecution of a criminal proceeding are presented in this course. Major areas of analysis include arraignment and bail; an examination of the problems encountered in a preliminary hearing; the scope, extent and goals of a grand jury proceeding; pre-trial discovery, motions and suppression hearings; and the “plea bargaining” process.
Prerequisite: Criminal Procedure I.
Cyberlaw {S}
LAW 967 – 3 Credits
Cyberlaw examines the effect of the Internet on the law, and of the law on the internet. In one sense, Cyberlaw provides a petri dish to examine how technology interacts with and impacts the entire law. In a richer sense, Cyberlaw shows how intermediated network technologies can disrupt existing forms of power—laws, markets, and social norms—in unexpected ways, creating new centers of norms and power. In that sense, Cyberlaw is a study of how technology brings chaos as well as unexpected order. Whether the chaos and order is good will be a central and recurring question. Topics covered will vary depending on current developments in law and technology and one can expect the class to regularly confront ongoing events. Topics in any semester may include: online jurisdiction; cyber-speech; trolling and bullying; privacy and anonymity; defamation; online intellectual property disputes; service provider liability; social networks; cybersecurity, cyberwar, and cybercrime; and network neutrality.
Elder Law
LAW 851 – 3 Credits
This course explores the growing needs of the elderly throughout the nation and the legal response to those needs including federal & state responses and legislation. Topics to be discussed in the course will include a study of the demographics of the elder population, ethical issues raised in representing the elderly, age discrimination in employment, income maintenance, health care, long-term care, housing, guardianship, property management, health care decision making, and elder abuse neglect and crime. The weighting of various topics will depend on the needs of the class and the avoidance of duplicate coverage with other courses that may touch on one or more of topics. Efforts will be made to familiarize the students with the medical considerations of an aging population and the relevant tests of competency in common uses. The course may include visits to nursing homes and Probate Court of Miami Dade and Broward County.
Election Law
LAW 920 – 2 or 3 Credits
This course will give students a basic understanding of the legal regulation of elections and politics. It will cover federal and state cases on a variety of topics, including: the 2000 presidential election controversy; reapportionment and racial gerrymandering; ballot access and the initiative process; campaign financing and the regulation of political parties; the degree to which courts intervene in the electoral process; and the Voting Rights Act and other civil rights legislation.
Employment Discrimination Law
LAW 824 – 3 Credits
The study of substantive rules of federal law in employment discrimination, blending the constitutional and statutory sources of employment discrimination law with the rapidly developing case law. Employment discrimination in the major classifications of race, sex, age, and national origin are analyzed and studied especially in light of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972.
Entertainment Law
LAW 713 – 3 Credits
This course is designed to introduce law students to the legal, business, and creative aspects of the entertainment industry. The course surveys the many legal doctrines that help shape the entertainment industry and explores how these doctrines interact. The primary entertainment areas surveyed include film, television and music. The course is designed to prepare the student to analyze a wide variety of entertainment law issues at a general level.
Environmental Law
LAW 895 – 2 or 3 Credits
A survey of environmental law, policy, and regulation with particular emphasis on issues of current concern in Florida. Topics may include the role of the courts in environmental decision-making, techniques of pollution control in the major environmental statutes, the regulation of toxic substances, and the relationship between energy and environmental policy. A substantial writing component is required, e.g. comments on an EPA rulemaking, client memoranda construing environmental statutes and regulations, briefs in environmental litigation, and practical research problems.
Essential Concepts of Business for Lawyers
LAW 907A – 2 or 3 Credit(s)
This course will introduce the law student into the basic concepts of business and taxation needed by the lawyer to better understand and with greater sophistication courses in business law, finance, accounting for lawyers, real estate development, securities, bankruptcy, tax, estate planning, wills, trusts, and related areas. This course will focus on four specific areas: (1) Accounting and Financial Statements; (2) Principles of Finance and Valuation; (3) Financial Instruments and Capital Markets; and (4) Federal Income Taxation.
Estate Planning
LAW 902 – 3 Credits
An exploration of the various means of effecting the most beneficial results in the planning of a client’s estate. Consideration is given to drafting techniques, choice of marital deduction formulas, selections of fiduciaries, federal estate tax credits, inheritance, and income taxes.
Prerequisites: Federal Income Taxation and Federal Estates and Gift Taxation.
Family Law
LAW 810 – 3 Credits
The study of the law of marriage in depth including who may marry and the constitutionality of both substantive and procedural restrictions on the right to marry. Marital agreements including ante-nuptial and post-nuptial contracts are examined. Divorce and the role of counsel in a dissolution of marriage are examined, including issues such as jurisdiction, custody, visitation, support, property division, and modification and enforcement of court orders. Child neglect, children born out of wedlock, and adoption are included in this course.
Family Wealth Management
LAW 885 – 3 Credits
This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of financial planning needs of every family and how these needs are accommodated by lawyers and other professionals. It provides a foundation for a better understanding of courses dealing with business associations, federal taxation, wills & trusts, property ownerships and transfer, investment, insurance and related courses. Topics covered included accounting practices, investment strategy, risk and return, portfolio theory, property succession, income and wealth transfer taxation, housing, life and disability insurance, retirement planning and elder law. By providing an understanding of the basic structures supporting family wealth the student will be in a better position to make decisions on the areas of law the student would like to pursue.
Federal Courts
LAW 879 – 2 or 3 Credits
A detailed comparison of the federal court system to the various state court systems on both the trial and appellate level. The limitations on the federal courts contained in the United States Constitution and the implications of the concept of federalism embodied in the Constitution are discussed in addition to federal judicial review.
Federal Criminal Law
LAW 882 – 3 Credits
The basis of this course is the federal government’s model role within the U.S. criminal justice system. Some of the federal crimes discussed may include drug trafficking, immigration crimes, firearms regulation, extortion, mail and wire fraud, corruption at the local level and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Additional important offenses concern national security, i.e., international terrorism and organized crime. The course focuses on public policy, the interests involved and a critical view of the present law. The procedural aspects are federal jurisdiction, plea bargaining and sentencing.
Federal Estate and Gift Taxation
LAW 901 – 3 Credits
An examination of methods used to tax estates, trusts, beneficiaries, grantors, persons having power over an estate or trust, decedents, donees and successors-in-interest. Income tax implications are discussed, with the balance of the course being devoted to the federal estate tax, the federal gift tax, and the federal tax on certain generation-skipping transfers.
Prerequisite: Federal Income Taxation.
Federal Income Taxation
LAW 812 – 4 Credits
The main objectives of this course are to help students learn, first, how to use the Internal Revenue Code and the Regulations to solve tax problems, and, second, how to use the tax laws for business and individual tax planning. This is a basic tax course requiring little business, accounting or mathematical background. The substantive content includes the basic principles of federal income taxation as they relate to the determination of income and deductions and when they are reported. Special emphasis is placed upon transactions that most individuals engage in and tax avoidance techniques. The underlying elements of tax policy are discussed. Students who do not have a business background should consider taking Legal Accounting prior to or concurrently with this course.
Federal Indian Law
LAW TBD – 3 Credits
This course explores the relationships between the United States Federal Government, the several State governments, and the governments of Indigenous nations. Federal Indian Law therefore explores constitutional law, civil and criminal procedure, property, torts, contracts, decedents estates, tax, gaming, administrative law, natural resources, and water law. Students do not need to have an in-depth knowledge of each of these areas, but this course provides some understanding of these fields by highlighting the ways in which the law differs when it involves Indigenous peoples, lands, and governments.
First Amendment Law
LAW 828 – 3 Credits
An examination of the First Amendment guarantees concerning expression and religion. In particular, the course focuses upon theories of values underlying freedom of speech and of the press, processes and consequences of speech classification, special considerations regarding modern media, regulatory methodologies that are constitutionally consonant, and freedom of association. The Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause are also covered. Attention is given to historical and contemporary context as it relates to the First Amendment’s general meaning and the guarantee’s specific clauses.
Florida Civil Practice
LAW 881 – 3 Credits
A study of the unique aspects of Florida Law, including the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, the preparation of pleadings and materials for trial, the court system, legislative procedures, and the significance of Florida’s integrated Bar with an emphasis on professional responsibility. The course examines jurisdiction, venue, and process. The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, with specific emphasis on pleadings, the discovery process and sanctions are reviewed in depth. Students are required to prepare pleadings, discovery motions, orders and judgments.
Florida Condominium Law
LAW 764A – 2 Credits
The goal of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the issues impacting condominium owners, tenants and real estate investors, among others. It provides an in-depth look at how condominium and homeowner associations operate, and covers the condominium board’s responsibility for enforcement of the community’s covenants and restrictions. It also examines statutory rules, administrative regulations and case law, in addition to how governing documents are drafted and disputes are resolved. Students will be exposed to the contractual aspects of this area of law, including the interpretative and litigation issues affecting members of the community. Further, students will be given a primer on how the recent foreclosure crisis has impacted this area of the law.
Florida Constitutional Law
LAW 880 – 3 Credits
An examination of the Florida Constitution, recognized as a model for state constitutions throughout the United States. Special emphasis is given to the role of state constitutions in the United States federal framework. Students are asked to weigh the values underlying state constitutions. The course also focuses on Florida Constitutional provisions involving court jurisdiction, legislation, prohibited statutes, administrative penalties, access to the courts, homestead, privacy, contract impairment, due process, equal protection, amending the constitution, counties, municipalities, and taxation.
Florida Construction Law
LAW 764 – 2 or 3 Credits
This course covers construction contract law, industry forms and contracting techniques. Students will review the various types of Florida construction lien laws, explore construction insurance issues, and surety and bond claims. Students with have the opportunity to follow a construction litigation claim from filing the complaint through trial.
Florida Criminal Procedure
LAW 884 – 2 or 3 Credits
Analysis of the Florida Statutes, Flo¬rida Rules of Criminal Procedure, and leading case law regu¬lating the trial of criminal cases. The course explores all aspects of Florida criminal procedures including: arrest, filing of charges and arraignment, bail, pretrial release and pretrial detention, discovery, pretrial motion practice, speedy trial, jury selection, proof and argument at trial, jury instructions and deliberation, verdict and judgment.
Florida Family Law Focus for the Bar
LAW 884C – 1 Credit
This course covers family law topics that may be frequently tested on the Florida Section of the Bar Exam, including formation of marriage, parentage, dissolution of marriage, equitable distribution, alimony, child custody, child support, and related jurisdictional issues. The course reviews major topics in Florida family law while helping students develop and hone their essay writing skills. It will include multiple formative assessments drawn from past Florida Bar Exams and a final essay exam. This course is only open to students in their final year of law school and is graded pass/no pass. This course counts towards the final four credits for the Bar course requirement.
Government Benefits
LAW 735A – 3 Credits
This course will explore the history, substantive law, and procedures in the practice of Social Security law. Topics to be discussed in the course will include classes of qualified recipients of government benefits, basic coverage of benefits, with detailed discussions on procedures applied in implementing the eligibility determination process. The weighting of the various topics will depend on the needs of the class and the avoidance of duplicate coverage with other courses that may touch on one or more of the subjects. Efforts will be made to familiarize the students with an overview of government benefits available to eligible individuals through the Social Security Administration, qualification criteria, disability determination, calculation and payment of benefits and introduction to the Social Security practice and procedures.
Guardianship Law
LAW 851A1 – 3 Credits
Guardianship Law entails many areas of the law including: public and private assistance, advance directives, property and constitutional rights. This class is intended to teach students about how to plan for disability beyond personal and financial maintenance should the client become mentally or physically disabled. Traditional methods such as selecting beneficiaries on death and taking efforts to save income should be considered and the tools used to accomplish these objectives include guardianship, trusts, POD accounts, jointly held property, TOD accounts, convenience accounts, health care surrogate designations, POA and living wills. The weighting of the various topics will depend on the needs of the class and the avoidance of duplicate coverage with other courses that may touch on one or more of the subjects. Efforts will be made to familiarize the students will the medical considerations and financial concerns of an aging population and the relevant tests of competency as well as the legal process of determining incapacity. The course may include visits to the Probate Court of Miami-Dade, Broward County and to the Jackson Memorial Hospital Baker Act Court
Health Care Compliance
LAW 689B – 3 Credits
Proactive regulatory compliance programs are, or soon will be, mandatory throughout the health care industry in the U.S. as a result of federal mandates. Effective compliance programs also are mandated by prudent business practices. This course is designed to introduce law students to health care compliance. Students will learn the background and general theory of compliance, what health care compliance programs are, how they are developed, how they operate and the consequences of inadequate and ineffective compliance programs. Special attention will be paid to the role and operation of compliance programs – with respect to both routine compliance matters and those that are complaint-based. The roles and responsibilities of government enforcement agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and state Medicaid agencies in defining, directing and overseeing compliance and corporate integrity programs will also be considered. The future of compliance programs, including the potential for collateral liabilities as a result of compliance activities, will be addressed.
Health Law and Policy
LAW 689A – 2 or 3 Credits
This course acquaints students with some of the important health law and policy issues facing us today. Special attention is given to understanding some of the major provisions of the Affordable Care Act and its regulatory impact. Other focal issues include physician and hospital liability for substandard care or refusal to treat; distinctions between health, disease, and what is covered as treatment; confidentiality and disclosure of medical information; Medicare and Medicaid; public health and health as a human right.
Hip Hop and International Law
LAW 702A – 3 Credits
This course is an exploration of hip-hop culture as it takes shape in different locations around the world in relation to international human rights law; more specifically the freedom to express, associate, assemble, and openly practice political thought. It will draw upon hip-hop culture’s tremendous ability to be leveraged in multiple localities while always referencing larger global issues. In each international context, we will analyze how voices from the margins, be they immigrant communities in Europe, indigenous communities in Australia, or political movements in Africa and Latin America, are using hip-hop not only to express themselves and their feelings but also to change their societies, and establish transnational networks. Particular attention will be paid to the transnational, geopolitical, and popular cultural vibrancy of the networks that hip-hop wields; and hip hop’s connection to international human rights law around the globe.
How Lawyers Get Paid {S}
LAW 837A – 2 Credits
This course examines how lawyers get paid. Topics covered may include methods of attorney compensation in law firms, referrals, the billable hour and its alternatives, contingency fees, settlements, and aggregate litigation (e.g. mass torts, class actions). The course explores these topics from the perspective of economic theory, public policy, legal ethics, and practical considerations. This is a skills course.
Human Trafficking Law and Policy
LAW 752 (LLM 752) – 3 Credits
This course analyzes human trafficking as a transnational organized crime, as a crime under U.S. federal law, and under Florida law. It explores the doctrinal issues related to human trafficking and slavery, the smuggling of people, involuntary servitude, as well as the case law related to each issue. It focuses on the main forms of human trafficking: forced labor, domestic servitude, and commercial sexual exploitation. It looks at the intersection of human trafficking law with other areas of law such as immigration law and foreign sovereign immunities act, and it examines questions related to jurisdiction. On a more practical level, it teaches tools of prosecuting successfully a trafficking case and brings in the perspectives of prosecutors, victim’s attorneys, law enforcement and service providers. Finally, it assesses human trafficking as an egregious violation of human rights and evaluates international cooperation in criminal matters as well as the challenges of prosecuting transnationally.
Immigration Law {S}
LAW 830 – 3 Credits
An overview of the laws, theory, practice, and procedures that enable aliens to enter, to reside in, and ultimately to become citizens of the United States. Legal and social aspects of this process, including visas, detention, exclusion, deportation, judicial review, and citizenship by birth and naturalization are examined.
Innovations and Inventions through Patents and Trade Secrets {S}
LAW 942 – 3 Credits
New Course Title: Innovations & Patent Management Old Course Title: Innovations & Inventions – Petents & Trade Secrets Innovation Policy is so important to this country that the Founders addressed patents in the Consitution and made patent protection one of the first laws passed by the new Republic. Since then, patent law-along with its cousin, trade secret law-has become even more important to the development of the economy, with many business being built on a foundation of patents and trade secrets. Ironically, patents and trae secrets are mirror opposites of one another: patents hinge on disclosure, whereas trade secrets require secrecy. Yet any substantial business plan involving technology may require both. Regardless of their benefits, both patents and trade secrets are being increslingly criticized by those who lament these laws, ctiricizing “patent trolls,” pharmaceutical price-gauging, and a lack of tranparency in porprietary computer code. With both the practical and policy issues in mind, this course addresses innovation law with a heavy emphasis on placing legal doctrine in a real-world context. The course will emphasize practical aspects of these doctrines as well, spending class time learning the basics of reading patents, construing claims, and considering NDA and employment issues. Relevant state and federal laws to be studied include the Patent Act of 1952, the America Invents Act of 2012, the Uniform Trade Secrets Act and the Defend Trade Secrets act. This course may be used to satisfy requirements for the IPIT at STU Certificate Program (Intellectual Property, Information, and Technology Law).
Insurance Law
LAW 841 – 3 Credits
This course focuses on the legal and practical issues involved in the field of insurance. Specific areas covered include basic principles of insurance (risk, underwriting, claims), the nature and extent of state regulation under the McCarran-Ferguson Act; the rights, duties, and liabilities associated with property/casualty, liability, and life/health insurance and with reinsurance; the defenses available to insurers in general and for each broad area of insurance; and problems associated with the claims process (“bad faith”).
Intellectual Property Overview
LAW 871A –1 Credits
Intellectual property, or “IP,” is at the center of some of today’s most important legal disputes. Accordingly, any well-studied lawyer ought to have knowledge of the topic. This course serves as an overview of major areas of intellectual property law, namely, copyright, trademark, patent, trade secrets, and right of publicity. The class serves three purposes. First, it is aimed at students who want to learn the basics of IP law so that they become better able to identify IP issues that may arise in practice. Second, this course serves as a foundation for students wishing to explore the IPL @ STU certificate program, which offers specialized IP courses. Third, it serves as a way for students to integrate concepts found in other 1L and foundational courses, because IP law often reflects concepts arising from the law of torts, contracts, property, procedure, and even criminal law.
Intercultural Human Rights Law Review
LAW 602 – 1-6 Credits
The Intercultural Human Rights Law Review is a scholarly journal publishing original articles stimulating global intercultural dialogue about issues in the field of human rights. It is operated jointly by J.D. and LL.M. students and provides students with extensive writing, editing and managing experience. Membership is determined on the basis of academic excellence and/or demonstrated writing ability. A publishable article, comment or note must be completed to qualify for membership. J.D. members of the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review receive one academic credit per semester, starting in the spring semester of their second year, up to a maximum of three credits overall. The J.D. members of the Executive Board, which is composed of third-year students, earn an additional academic credit in each of the two semesters of the third year, up to a maximum of five credits overall. The Editor-in-Chief earns two credits in their first semester in that position and two credits in their second semester and may register for one additional credit. The faculty advisor is responsible for determining whether Intercultural Human Rights Law Review participants have completed their responsibilities and are thus entitled to credit. No student can earn more than a total of 6 credits from participating in the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review.
Prerequisite: International Law.
International Business Transactions
LAW 832 – 3 Credits
An examination of the legal problems arising under American, international, and foreign law which affect businesses whose affairs cross national boundaries. Topics include aliens and economic activities, foreign investments, foreign corporations, choice of law, sovereign immunity, and economic regulations. Special attention is given to various forms of enterprise and financing of foreign investment, as well as to forms of international dispute resolution, such as arbitration.
International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition
LAW 710I1 – 1 (Spring) and 2 Credits (Fall)
This course is designed to prepare students to compete in Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition. The course consists of two semesters: Fall (students will attend lectures and research issues presented in the Problem and prepare and submit Claimant’s and Respondent’s Memoranda); and Spring (students compete in Pre-Moots in preparation for the Oral Argument rounds, which will be held during the Spring semester). By the end of the competition, which will be help in the spring at the Law Faculty of the University of Vienna, students will have learned how to write a memorandum focusing on question of a transnational contract – flowing from a transaction relating to the sale or purchase of good under the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods and other uniform international commercial law- in the context of an arbitration of a dispute under specified Arbitration Rules. Students will also have practiced and improved their oral advocacy skills.
International Law
LAW 700 (LLM 700) – 3 Credits
This is a general course in public international law. It focuses on the process of making and implementing lawful international decisions. The emphasis is on the sources of international law – treaties, customary international law and general principles of law — and the many roles of the nation-state, its establishment, transformation and termination, as well as the regulation of protection and control of resources and persons, via the mechanisms of nationality and human rights. The subject-matter of this course will be delivered through lectures ex cathedra and applications of the Socratic style, power point presentations and practice exercises. International law is too vast a field to cover comprehensively in one course, but this class will familiarize you with the basic concepts of international law and will serve as springboard for those who, later, will need or might wish to explore in greater depth areas such as international criminal law, international environmental law, international corporate practice, the law of the sea, etc. It is a dynamic field that intersects ever more with other fields of law. Living in an increasingly inter-connected world, whether your career goals include working for the government, inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, or being a local prosecutor, a corporate attorney or a civil rights activist, you must have a thorough grounding in international law. This course will help you identify the concepts and acquire the skills necessary for influencing future decisions in the range of arenas in which international lawyers must operate–parliamentary, diplomatic, business, criminal and civil litigation, judicial and arbitral practice — nationally and internationally.
International Legal Research Boot Camp
LAW 846A – 1 Credit
This course will emphasize legal research strategies and the practical use of research materials in foreign and international law. Print and online resources will be discussed. Students will evaluate sources, basic terms and research techniques. Students will be expected to discuss their research ideas and objectives. The course is pass-fail and the grade will be based on class attendance, four homework assignments, and a final take-home exercise.
International Human Rights and Religion
LAW 966B – 3 Credit
This course will explore the protections afforded by international human rights instruments modeled on and derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the practice of the major world religions. Students will explore the major tenants, practices, and beliefs of the worlds’ religions and the conflicts that arise when such tenants, practices, and beliefs interact with the civil authorities and with other religions. Case studies will explore the response of various religious traditions to the human rights standards and demonstrate ways such standards have protected vital interests such as liberty of conscience, religious pluralism and equality, free exercise of religion, nondiscrimination on religious grounds, and autonomy for religious groups. The course will seek to understand the importance of an appropriate balance for the interaction between law and religion in a thriving twenty-first century global society.
International Moot Court Classroom Component {S}
LAW 732 – 1 Credit
The purpose of the international moot court classroom component is to strengthen the forensic skills of all international moot court members, with special focus on training them to be competitors and coaches in future international moot court competitions. International moot court problems from past and current competitions will be used within the confines of the rules of the respective competitions, focusing on problem analysis, research, brief writing and oral argument. The maximum credit allowed for any combination of competition team(s) (Mock Trial, Moot Court, and International Moot court) and their classroom components is four (4). The course is graded pass/no pass.
Prerequisite or Co-Requisite: International Law
International Moot Court Team – Space Law {S}
LAW 732A/B – 1 or 2 Credits
Students who are selected to participate in an interschool competition are eligible for up to two credits in the semester in which this competition occurs. This course provides advanced training in international litigation practice, including both the briefing and argument of cases, through participation in international court proceedings. The maximum credit allowed per semester is two. The maximum credit allowed for any combination of competition team(s) (Mock Trial, Moot Court, and International Moot court) and their classroom components is four (4). The course is graded pass/no pass.
Prerequisites or Co-Requisites: International Law; International Moot Court Classroom Component
International Moot Court Team – Jessup {S}
LAW 732A1/B1 – 1 or 2 Credits
Students who are selected to participate in an interschool competition are eligible for up to two credits in the semester in which this competition occurs. This course provides advanced training in international litigation practice, including both the briefing and argument of cases, through participation in international court proceedings. The maximum credit allowed per semester is two. The maximum credit allowed for any combination of competition team(s) (Mock Trial, Moot Court, and International Moot court) and their classroom components is four (4). The course is graded.
Prerequisites or Co-Requisites: International Law; International Moot Court Classroom Component
International Organizations
LAW 893 – 3 Credits
This course studies the development of the law of International Organizations with reference to its parameters and constitutionality. The course will refer to the limits of the mandates, to express powers and limitations thereof, implied powers and the effect of dismemberment on the corpus of law. Reference will be made to the democratic structure (one state-one vote), the variations on that theme (weighted voting, etc.), and the question of recognition, representation, and relations between the host state and representative government. The operations of the Organizations will be discussed, inter alia, Secretariat staffing and structure, national affinities therein, privileges and immunities, external relations, and budgetary matters. Universal and regional organizations will be analyzed with special reference to peacekeeping, individual and collective self-defense, human rights, international adjudication, women’s rights, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
Interviewing, Counseling and Negotiation {S}
LAW 817 – 2 Credits
A study of the basic theories and techniques needed to develop competent lawyering skills for interviewing clients and witnesses, counseling clients, and negotiating with opposing parties. Skills are developed through simulated exercises, discussions, live demonstrations and may include videotaping student presentations. Emphasis is on student performance.
Journal of Complex Litigation
LAW 603 – 1-5 Credits
The St. Thomas Journal of Complex Litigation is a scholarly journal publishing original articles submitted by faculty, students, and members of the bar and bench about issues in the field of complex litigation. It is operated by J.D. students and provides students with extensive writing, editing, and managing experience. Member candidacy is determined on the basis of academic excellence and/or demonstrated writing and editing ability. Full membership is contingent upon the member candidate’s completion of a publishable comment, note, or similar work.
Each member of the Editorial Board, which is composed of third-year students, receives two credits in the fall and two more credits in the spring. Second-year and third-year members receive one credit for each semester they are members. An additional credit may be available to the second- and third-year students, at the discretion of the faculty advisor, for service as an Articles Editor. A maximum of five credits may be earned overall. The faculty advisor is responsible for determining whether Journal participants have completed their responsibilities and are thus entitled to credit. No student can earn more than a total of 5 credits from participating in the Journal of Complex Litigation.
Judicial Decision-Making: How Judges Think
LAW 837C – 1 or 2 Credits
In this course students will explore the different modalities used by judges in interpreting constitutional and statutory texts, as well as how others through various works of scholarship have tried to gauge the various factors that are perceived as being part of the decision-making process. Students will review the case law to see how judges have utilized the differing modalities to render opinions. In this course, students will approach the following questions: Why we should care about how judges make decisions? Isn’t it enough that judges make the “right” decision? Students will explore how judges make decision can be as important as the resulting decision.
Juvenile Law
LAW 886 – 2 Credits
An examination of the law and legal process relating to juveniles. Emphasis will be placed on juveniles who commit unlawful acts, but coverage will also include juveniles who are neglected or abused. The recurring tensions in Juvenile Law between punishment and treatment, immaturity and accountability, judicial discretion and consistency, and the rhetoric and reality of the juvenile system will also be explored. Juvenile Law is a Florida bar-exam subject.
Labor Law
LAW 816 – 3 Credits
The federal law of labor relations, including the relevant Constitutional provisions, the National Labor Relations Act, the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the Norris and LaGuardia Act are examined. Selected topics include unfair labor practices, picketing, strikes, organization and representation of employees, federal preemption, collective bargaining, antitrust, and labor arbitration.
Land Use Planning
LAW 853 – 3 Credits
Land use law deals with whether and how the development of land shall occur. Grounded in government’s police power, land use controls are properly designed and implemented to advance the public’s interest-including environmental, aesthetic, health, safety and economic interests, among others. Often pitched against the exercise of such governmental power are the interests of the private property owner, interests shielded by the full force of Constitutional protections and, in recent years, a growing body of private property-oriented legislation. Land use law provides the legal and political framework for resolving these conflicts and achieving the best allocation of limited land resources.
Law and Bioethics
LAW 889 – 3 Credits
Technology has changed the practice of health care and has given rise to ethical quandaries in determining when, whether, and how to integrate these technologies into patient care. Ethical principles are applied along with legal reasoning in dealing with the issues. Some of the areas explored include genetic engineering; surrogate decision-making; reproductive technology; human and animal organ transplantation; euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide; stem cell research; and regulation of care when patients are also the human subjects of medical research.
Law and Economics
LAW 814A – 3 Credits
Economics for Lawyers will provide you with an overview of basic tools involved in microeconomic analysis (including game theory, and some basic financial and statistical concepts), and an application of these tools to various areas of the law, including property, contracts, tort, and antitrust. This course will prepare you to think critically about the economic implications of legal rules. The ability to draw on economic arguments to shape legal arguments will make you more effective advocates.
Law and Literature
LAW 776 (LLM 776) – 2 or 3 Credits
The use of critical theory and works of literature to help students gain new perspectives on their chosen profession and to improve student skills in interpretation and composition. The course may include the study of: (1) critical theory from the Law and Literature movement; (2) law as literature; and (3) legal themes in literature.
Law Office Management {S}
LAW 831 – 2 Credits
This course is designed to help you develop the skills and learn what you will need to succeed in the practice of law. The class will be both substantive and practical. The course was developed for law school students who plan to start their own practice, whether after law school or at a future time. Topics covered include professional responsibility and responsiveness, time management, calendar and other monitoring systems, malpractice avoidance, client satisfaction, office location, office library and equipment, personnel management, marketing, fees and billing, specialization, trust accounting and formulating a business plan.
Law Review, St. Thomas Law Review
LAW 601 – 1-6 Credits
The St. Thomas Law Review is a student-operated scholarly journal publishing articles submitted by faculty and members of the bench and bar nationwide. Membership is determined on the basis of academic excellence and/or demonstrated writing ability. A publishable comment or note must be completed for membership. The Law Review provides students with extensive writing, editing and managing experience. The Editor-in-Chief earns two credits in her or his first semester in that position and two credits in her or his second semester and may register for an additional credit. Members of the Board, which is composed of third-year students, receive two credits in the fall and two more in the spring. Second-year staff members receive no credits in the fall and one in the spring. Third-year staff members receive one credit in the fall semester, one in the spring semester, and an additional credit, at the discretion of the faculty advisor, for service as an Articles Editor. The faculty advisor is responsible for determining whether Law Review participants have completed their responsibilities and are thus entitled to credit. No student can earn more than a total of 6 credits from participating in the St. Thomas Law Review.
Lawyer Professionalism
LAW 807B – 1 Credit
This limited-enrollment, practical skills course, often taught by a current or retired judge, uses role plays, reading and presentations to explore professionalism’s ideals and the Florida’s bar exam tested mandates. Students will appreciate how character, competence, commitment and civility define a lawyer’s reputation, while considering the relationship between professionalism, ethics, morality and zealous legal advocacy.
Legal Accounting
LAW 910 – 3 Credits
A basic introduction, for students with little or no business background, to the approaches and methodology used in reporting and analyzing business or investment activity. No special mathematical skill is required. The business background, fundamental skill, and familiarity with financial statements developed in this course will be helpful in other law school courses such as Business Associations, Bankruptcy, Securities Regulation and Taxation. Course material emphasizes the underlying meaning, legal as well as financial, to be extracted from financial statements whenever there is a need for reporting the results of business or investment endeavors.
Legal Issues for Startups, Entrepreneurs, and Small Businesses
LAW 831A – 2 Credits
This course will provide an overview of the legal issues that arise for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Specific topics will include entity formation, angel financing and venture capital, intellectual property, acquisition of talent and employment law issues that arise at the early stage of a business, initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, business torts, social entrepreneurship, and liquidation. The course will also cover business ethics and potential conflicts of interests that may arise when attorneys take an equity stake as payment for their services. Students will study real cases and will address concrete legal issues through simulations and drafting exercises for a startup. The course will feature guest speakers including entrepreneurs and business lawyers to provide context for the assignments.
Prerequisite or Co-Requisite: Business Associations is preferred but not required prior to taking the course but students who have not taken BA are strongly encouraged to take it during the same semester as this course.
Legal Research Boot Camp – Federal Law
LAW 846B – 1 Credit Pass/No Pass
An intensive legal research course covering advanced techniques which will allow students to become proficient in performing legal research to be used in internship programs and employment opportunities which specifically involve federal law. The course will cover topics such as federal legislative history, federal regulations, federal court operating procedures and rules, and filing procedures in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Legal Research Boot Camp – International Law
LAW 846A – 1 Credit Pass/No Pass
This course will emphasize legal research strategies and the practical use of research materials in foreign and international law. Print and online resources will be discussed. Students will evaluate sources, basic terms and research techniques. Students will be expected to discuss their research ideas and objectives.
Legal Research Boot Camp – State Law
LAW 846C – 1 Credit Pass/No Pass
An intensive course designed to build on existing legal research skills, with its focus specifically on the research of Florida law. This course will cover techniques for researching state decisional law, state legislation and legislative materials, state administrative resources, and state court rules, including the rules governing filing procedures in the state court system. The course will also include advance training in online research techniques of state law databases.
Legislation and Regulation
LAW 888A – 1 Credit Pass/No Pass
This short course introduces students to the world of legislation, regulation, and administration that creates and defines much of our legal order. At the same time, it teaches students to think about processes and structures of government and how they influence and affect legal outcomes. The course may include materials on most or all of the following topics: the structure of American Government (especially federalism), the separation of powers; the legislative process, statutory interpretation; delegation and administrative agency practice; and regulatory tools and strategies.
Marine Insurance
LAW 749 – 2 or 3 Credits
Marine Insurance is the most pervasive discipline in the field of Admiralty and Maritime Law. There is virtually no legal and business issue that is not subject or related to Marine Insurance. Marine Insurance even extends to cover risks for events “on land”, which have a legal or logistic connection with maritime transportation or business at large. This course will explain and describe the rules that govern insurance “markets” and will also look at insurance of building and repair operations, the so-called “Builders’ Risk. The course will then shift to the fundamental principles of “insurable interest” and “no-wagering”, which pervade the whole discipline, with vital twists of international and comparative law, as these principles find heavy trans-border application.
The course will then shift to the fundamental principles of “insurable interest” and “no-wagering”, which pervade the whole discipline, with vital twists of international and comparative law, as these principles find heavy trans-border application.
Media Law
LAW 822B – 2 Credits
This course is designed to introduce students to Media Law and the First Amendment’s protections and limitations. Students will learn about and discuss relevant topics, such as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and the role social media plays in today’s press. The course is interactive and requires student participation for class discussions. Students should ultimately gain an understanding of how the First Amendment and intellectual property, advertising, libel, and privacy laws intersect to protect and balance competing interests in an era of constant news consumption.
Mental Health Law
LAW 689C – 2 Credits
Government and private agencies enact laws and regulations in an effort to steer the behavior of society; providing penalties for any breach of the safety and welfare of its population. However, mental illness poses a challenge for the law given that the disorder affects self-perception, behavior, and appreciation; compromising individuals? ability to understand their circumstances, reality, and the consequences of their actions. This course, grounded in constitutional principles, will provide the factual and legal framework for resolving conflicts in civil and criminal proceedings including representation, hospitalization, competence and insanity, confidentiality, and competing interests of due process.
Military Justice
LAW 738 – 2 or 3 credits
This course will provide a survey of the U.S. military justice system as it applies to the military establishment. The primary text will be the Manual for Courts Martial (MCM). The U.S. system will be contrasted with a national Model Code of Military Justice developed by the Military Law Committee of the Americas. Human rights critiques of the system will also be covered.
Mock Trial Classroom Component {S}
LAW 734 – 1 Credit
The purpose of the mock trial classroom component is to strengthen the trial practice skills of all mock trial members, with special focus on training mock trial members to be competitors and coaches in future mock trial competitions. The course provides advanced training in all aspects of trial practice, including problem analysis, research, and presentation of cases. The skills that participants develop in the classroom will make them better competitors and coaches in the actual competitions in which the team participates, and better lawyers when participants pass the Bar. The maximum credit allowed for any combination of competition team(s) (Mock Trial, Moot Court, and International Moot court) and their classroom components is four (4).The course is graded pass/no pass.
Mock Trial Team {S}
LAW 734A – 1 or 2 Credits
Students who are selected to participate in an interschool competition are eligible for up to two credits in the semester in which the interschool competition occurs. This course provides advanced training in trial practice, including the presentation of cases in the context of a mock trial competition. In all other circumstances, credit will be limited to one (1) credit per semester. Maximum credit allowed per semester is two. The maximum credit allowed for any combination of competition team(s) (Mock Trial, Moot Court, and International Moot court) and their classroom components is four (4).
Prerequisite or Co-Requisite: Mock Trial Classroom Component