LE 101. Introduction to the American Legal System.3 Credits.
Students are introduced to the American system of law and legal structure and gain an overview of several areas of law. Topics include basic legal concepts, the structure of the American court system, as well as legal theory and procedure.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, All
UC: Humanities
LE 101H. Honors Introduction to the American Legal System.3 Credits.
Students are introduced to the American system of law and legal structure, and gain an overview of several areas of law. Topics include basic legal concepts, the structure of the American court system, as well as legal theory and procedure.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
UC: Humanities
LE 115. Criminal Law.3 Credits.
This overview of the American system of criminal justice includes study of its various institutions, such as the criminal courts, police, prosecutors and defense attorneys, and jails and prisons. The Fourth Amendment (Search and Seizure) and the Fifth Amendment (Privilege Against Self-Incrimination) are studied. Also explored are schools of thought underlying criminal prosecution and correctional philosophy.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
LE 150. Introduction to Mock Trial.1 Credit.
This experiential learning course introduces students to the legal skills associated with bringing a case to trial. Students develop skills in trial advocacy through a progressive development of techniques related to the trial of a case using an established fact pattern throughout the semester. Skills in trial procedure, legal analysis, evidentiary argument and oral advocacy are developed throughout the course, which culminates in the presentation of a trial based upon the established fact pattern.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring
LE 159. Legal Studies Elective.3 Credits.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
LE 160. Competitive Mock Trial.1 Credit.
This course is designed for students who intend to compete in mock trial competitions throughout the fall semester. Students develop and enhance skills related to trial procedure, legal analysis and oral advocacy through preparation for competition at mock trial tournaments during the fall semester through the preparation of direct and cross examinations, opening and closing arguments and the portrayal of witness roles. They attend one or more mock trial tournaments during the fall semester in preparation for the American Mock Trial Association Regional Tournament in February. Students are permitted to repeat this course, for 3 credits total.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall
LE 200. Special Topics.3 Credits.
Prerequisites: Take LE 101.
Offered: As needed
LE 211. Legal Reasoning, Research and Writing I.3 Credits.
This course introduces students to legal research, both in print and online sources, and provides a foundation in legal reasoning, writing and citation in the context of objective, predictive legal documents. Students learn how to move from a fact pattern, through researching and analyzing the controlling law, to presenting the student's legal analysis in the form of formal legal memoranda.
Prerequisites: Take LE 101, EN 102 or Take LE 101, EN 103H
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
LE 212. Legal Reasoning, Research and Writing II.3 Credits.
Building on the skills learned in LE 211, students in this course refine and further develop their analytical, research and writing skills and learn to present their findings in a wider variety of legal documents. Students also are introduced to persuasive legal writing and advocacy.
Prerequisites: Take LE 211.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
LE 224. Sports Law.3 Credits.
Students explore the legal concepts surrounding sports, including contracts, torts, crimes and Title IX. Legal issues involve all sports and level of athletics, include professional, amateur, student and fans.
Prerequisites: Take LE 101.
Offered: Every year, Spring
LE 225. Alternative Dispute Resolution.3 Credits.
Students explore the various methods of dispute resolution that are available in the private sector, as alternatives to traditional litigation. Students learn to distinguish the various forms of dispute resolution, determine who participates in each form, how they participate and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Students role play in the various methods to more fully understand the mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution.
Prerequisites: Take LE 101.
Offered: Every Third Year, Fall
LE 233. Law for Everyday Life.3 Credits.
This course introduces students to the practical legal implications of everyday adult living and helps students understand the legal aspects of different issues which they may be involved with as they live their adult lives. Topics such as renting or buying a home, employment, insurance, marriage, credit and many others are covered.
Prerequisites: Take LE 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Humanities
LE 250. Gender and the Law.3 Credits.
This course focuses on legal issues regarding gender, including the differential treatment of women, men and transgender people in the legal system, and contemporary responses to gender issues in society. (Alternative Perspective)
Prerequisites: Take LE 101 or WGS 101.
Offered: Every Third Year, Fall
LE 300. Special Topics.3 Credits.
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: As needed
LE 305. Civil Procedures.3 Credits.
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the procedure of civil litigation from the beginning of a conflict to its final resolution, from both a theoretical and practical approach. The course covers the beginning of the litigation process, from when a client first contacts an attorney, through motions and pleadings, by following a torts case. Jurisdiction, torts, client interviewing, fact investigation, pleadings, motion practice, discovery and settlement are covered. The role of the attorneys, paralegals and other non-lawyer professionals, is discussed.
Prerequisites: Take LE 212 and junior status.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
LE 312. Family Law.3 Credits.
This course presents a study of how law relates to the family as a functioning entity, examination of family law practice, current issues in family law and equal protection, and preparation of documents for dissolution of marriage. (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
LE 315. Wills, Probate and Estate Administration.3 Credits.
Legal concepts and statutes pertaining to wills and probate are examined, with special emphasis on preparation of forms necessary in administration of an estate. (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
LE 317. International Law.3 Credits.
Students are introduced to the nature and development of international law as part of the global political system. They explore sources of international law from treaties, custom, general principles, judicial decision and scholarly writing. Other topics include the connection between international and national law, dispute resolution using arbitration and national and international court cases, use of law to manage international conflict, negotiation, and legal issues concerning shared resources. (Alternative Perspective)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
LE 318. Human Rights Law and Global Justice.3 Credits.
What is a human right? How do particular political and historical contexts influence our understanding of rights and the construction of legal rules? This course focuses on the legal statutes and cases that constitute human rights jurisprudence, and also on the human interest stories that inform and shape those rights from a cross-cultural context. Students work with a local organization to gain a better understanding of what an abstract notion of "human rights" means to individuals. (Alternative Perspective)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Fall and Spring
LE 319. International Law and the Individual.3 Credits.
This course considers the complex legal issues surrounding private interactions between individuals from different nations. Students explore the sources of law that may apply when a citizen of one country lives and works in another country or simply has dealings on a business or personal level with persons from other countries. Topics include immigration, customs, taxation, banking, family law, traveling, health care, voting and criminal justice. (Alternative Perspective)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every Third Year, Fall
LE 320. Land Transfer and Closing Procedures.3 Credits.
This course presents background for the sources of real estate law; land and its elements, the nature of property, the concept of ownership, and land titles and interest in land; procedures for conveying interest in land recording statutes; and searching titles. Emphasis is given to the preparation, coordination and completion of real estate closings. (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
LE 322. Health Care Law.3 Credits.
This course provides an overview of the legal issues faced by health care providers and patients. Students explore various topics arising from the organization and financing of health care, provider liability, bioethics and public health. The course focuses on the way in which law impacts the delivery of health care in the United States.
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies; or Take LE 101 and HSC 220 or GT 263.
Offered: Every year, Summer
LE 328. Employment Law.3 Credits.
This course provides an overview of the legal relationship between employer and employee and a basic understanding of employment-related law and its impact on the employer/employee relationship. Students study both federal and state laws applicable to the employer/employee relationship. Areas covered include the basis for the employer/employee relationship, pre-employment concerns, diversity and discrimination issues, discrimination actions, termination of the employer/employee relationship, ethical issues in employment law and current issues. (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
LE 329. European Union Law.3 Credits.
This course focuses on the European Union and its relationship with the United States. It covers the origin and development of the European Union, the institutions of the EU and the law-making process in the EU. Certain specific legal regimes in the EU, including "the four freedoms," EU business and anti-trust law, and the EU's common security and foreign policy are discussed. The course includes a travel abroad option, spending spring break in Brussels, the primary seat of the EU regional "government." Day trips to the medieval city of Bruges, Belgium and to Aachen, Germany round out the experience. (Alternative Perspective)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every Third Year, Spring
LE 330. Law of Business Entities.3 Credits.
In this study of the different types of business entities, including corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies/partnerships, emphasis is given to researching and drafting documents involved in the formation, maintenance and dissolution of business entities. (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
LE 336. Immigration Law.3 Credits.
The course introduces students to the basic legal principles relating to immigration to the United States. Students learn how to analyze immigration options for potential non-immigrants and immigrants. Students gain an understanding of the different avenues of immigrating to the U.S. on a temporary or permanent basis, as well as how to become a U.S. citizen and immigration law compliance. Refugee issues and status are also discussed. (Alternative Perspective)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every Third Year, Spring
LE 340. American Constitutional Law.3 Credits.
The United States Constitution and how it has been interpreted by the Supreme Court are studied in this course. The class examines Supreme Court decisions with a focus on analysis and legal reasoning.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or 6 credits from subject LE.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
LE 342. Comparative Constitutional Law.3 Credits.
Students compare the legal structures and fundamental principles typically found in constitutions by studying the constitutions of several different countries. The course explores the structure of government; the distinction between legislative, executive and judicial authority; the incorporation of fundamental human rights; the relationship between church and state; free speech and the press, and social welfare rights. Participants analyze the distinction between constitutional law and domestic law and assess the role of various constitutional frameworks in a global society. (Alternative Perspective)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses or take PO 131 or PO 101.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
LE 345. Intellectual Property.3 Credits.
This course introduces students to the different areas of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyright law. Intellectual property protects products created by writers, artists and inventors. Preparation of necessary documents is covered. (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
LE 350. Federal Indian Law.3 Credits.
The relationship between the federal government and Native Americans and tribes is considered from a historical and practical perspective, along with current topics in Indian law. Practice applications before the two Connecticut tribal courts are covered as well. (Alternative Perspective) (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every Third Year, Spring
LE 355. Environmental Law.3 Credits.
This course provides an overview of federal environmental law, the way law protects the natural environment and government policies created to protect or exploit the environment. In this class, we explore issues impacting the environment, and how the law can both benefit and disadvantage the environment. (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
LE 356. International Environmental Law.3 Credits.
This course gives students an overview of the legal and political framework that constitutes international environmental law. We examine the characteristics of international law and distinguish it from domestic law, looking at the various actors and their roles in the system. Students become familiar with the key principles of international environmental law such as the precautionary principle, sovereignty and sustainable development. Issues examined include climate change, the oceans, and the relationship between trade and the environment. (Alternative Perspective)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
LE 360. Mediation.3 Credits.
This course approaches mediation from the mediator's perspective. Students develop a sophisticated understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of mediation and learn to mediate disputes between parties in the context of civil, criminal and family disputes. Students also learn how to use mediation techniques to resolve disputes in non-legal settings. The course employs mediation exercises, role plays, simulations, self-critique and group discussions to demonstrate and evaluate effective communication skills, bargaining strategies, mediation styles and intervention techniques. (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
LE 370. Negotiation.3 Credits.
This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the theory, strategy and practice of negotiation, both transactional and as a dispute resolution method. Students learn to negotiate to resolve problems and communicate effectively, within an ethical framework. The course uses negotiation strategy, exercises, role plays, group discussions and reflective writing to demonstrate and evaluate negotiation techniques and styles. (Practice)
Prerequisites: Take 6 credits from legal studies courses.
Offered: Every year, Fall
LE 399. Independent Study.1-15 Credits.
Prerequisites: None
LE 485. Legal Internship Seminar.3 Credits.
Students are placed in a supervised legal internship in a law office, government office, nonprofit organization or other legal setting for 10 hours per week. During the weekly seminar, students discuss legal ethics, professional responsibility and career development. They also complete a legal memo on a complex topic incorporating principles from the core legal studies courses, as well as participate in a mock appellate oral argument. Students also produce a journal focused on their guiding question in completion of the Capstone requirement. For majors and students completing the Minor/Certificate in Legal Studies only.
Prerequisites: Take LE 305 and senior status required.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
LE 490. Senior Seminar in Law in Society.3 Credits.
In this seminar, students must research a legal issue of their choosing; critically examine how our legal system addresses, or fails to address, the issue; and recommend a change in our approach, suggest an alternative interpretation, or highlight a particularly effective response to the issue. Students ultimately produce legal scholarship with a focused thesis developed through substantial research and analysis. The course culminates in each student completing a publishable quality thesis and presenting that work to the class orally. For majors only.
Prerequisites: Take LE 305 and senior status required.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
LE 499. Independent Study in Legal Studies.1-4 Credits.
Prerequisites: None