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Law Center
Courses: Law (LAW)
5100: Legal Research Cr. 1. (1-0). Introduction to use of the law
library
including statutory compilations, case reports, periodicals, texts; use of
research aids including computerized techniques.
5101: Mexican-U.S. Business Planning Cr. 1. (1-0). A Study of
strategies and methods involved in planning investments between Mexico and the
U.S.
5110:5210: Law Review Cr. 1-2 per semester, or 3 by concurrent
enrollment. Prerequisite: membership on Law Review staff. Advancement from
candidacy to staff requires publication of two case notes or one comment.
Credit is given for satisfactory staff service.
5111: Moot Court Cr. 1. (1-0). May be repeated for a maximum of
four semester hours.
5112: Mock Trial Cr. 1. (1-0). May be repeated for a maximum of
four semester hours.
5113: Advocates Cr. 1. (1-0). May be repeated for a maximum of
four semester hours. Counts as credit for advocates board membership or
competitive team membership.
5114: Court Observation Cr. 1. Prerequisites: credit for or
registration in LAW 5220 and 5320 or consent of instructor. Observation of the
civil and criminal courts.
5115: Health Law Masters Course Cr. 1 (1-0). Provides LL.M.
students with an opportunity to develop and present their own research projects
as well as to survey selected topics. The class is open to graduate students in
health law. This course is pass/fail.
5131:5208: International Environmental Law Cr. 1 or 2 (1-0; 2-0).
The practical aspects of the various systems as they compare to the United
States environmental law system. Also, the various environmental aspects of
environmental treaties, conventions, etc. Other topics: international
convention and agreements on the environment; environmental issues in the
United States and foreign transactions; the European Economic Community and the
environment; Latin America and the environment; free trade.
5133: Mexican Law II Cr. 1. (1-0). Mexican law and policy
affecting foreign investment in Mexico including corporation law, licensing
regulation of investment, transfer of technology, and related matters.
5134: LL.M. Intellectual Property Topics - Series I Cr. 1 (1-0).
Discussion of five topics of current Intellectual Property interest. Course is
limited to Intellectual Property LL.M. students. Can be taken even if student
has already taken LL.M. Intellectual Property Topics-Series II (LAW 5135) since
topics will changed in each offering.
5135: LL.M. Intellectual Property Topics - Series II Cr. 1 (1-0).
Discussion of five topics of current Intellectual Property interest. Course is
limited to Intellectual Property LL.M. students. Can be taken even if student
has already taken LL.M. Intellectual Property Topics-Series I (LAW 5134) since
topics will changed in each offering.
5147:5247: Houston Journal of International Law Cr. 1 or 2. (1-0;
2-0). A course for students who serve as staff members of the Houston Journal
of International Law, a scholarly journal written in part and edited by law
students.
5151: Tax Research Cr. 1. (1-0). A specialized course in tax
research open only
to master's degree students specializing in taxation.
5164: Mexican Law Forum Cr. 1. (1-0). A survey of contemporary
issues in Mexican law.
5165: Mexican Law I Cr. 1. (1-0). A general survey of the law of
Mexico
including constitutional law, labor law, agrarian law, criminal law, and
various aspects of private law.
5168: Mexican Judicial Process Cr. 1. (1-0). Discusses the
structure and
constitutional background of the Mexican judicial system, includes the
consideration of Mexican criminal and civil procedure and concepts of conflicts
of law.
5181: Health Law Masters Seminar I Cr. 1. (1-0). Provides LL.M.
students with
an opportunity to develop and present their own research projects as well as to
survey selected topics. The seminar is open only to graduate students in health
law.
5182: Health Law Masters Seminar II Cr. 1. (1-0). Provides LL.M.
students with
an opportunity to develop and present their own research projects as well as to
survey selected topics. The seminar is open only to graduate students in health
law. Builds on Health Law Masters Seminar I.
5197:5297:5397:5497: Selected Topics Cr. 1-4. per semester. (1-0;
2-0; 3-0;
4-0). May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours.
5198:5298:5398: Special Research and Writing Cr. 1-3 per semester.
(1-0; 2-0;
3-0). Prerequisites: second- or third-year standing and consent of instructor.
5199:5299:5399: Special Problems Cr. 1-3 per semester.
Prerequisite: approval
of the dean. May be repeated for a maximum of four semester hours. For law
students who wish to pursue special studies for which a course is not
organized.
5201: Intellectual Property Survey Cr. 2. (2-0). Study of the main
principles
and doctrines of trade secret, copyright, trademark, and patent law.
5202:6344: Property I Cr. 3. (3-0). Introduction to basic principles of
property law; acquisition of property; types of property interests; transfer of
ownership; recording systems; conveyancing; landlord and tenant; regulation of
land use.
5203: Health Care Law and Aging Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5315
or consent
of instructor. Problems of law and aging including access to health care,
long-term care, age discrimination, Medicare, death and dying, and other
issues.
5204: Genetics and the Law Cr. 2. (2-0). Explores the many legal
issues in
genetics including reproduction, access to health care, discrimination,
forensics and gene therapy.
5205: Torts II Cr. 2. (2-0). A continuation of Torts I.
5206: Agency & Unincorporated Associations Cr. 2. (2-0). Explores
business
organizations such as limited liability partnerships and limited liability
companies as well as considering in some detail advanced issues in partnership
law. In addition, the course deals with agency and discusses when a person may
act for another person (or entity) and when a person (or entity) is liable for
the tortious acts of another.
5207: Clean Air Act Cr. 2. (2-0). Legal requirements for air
pollution control
under the federal Clean Air Act, with emphasis on the 1990 amendments and state
and local approaches including an examination of the Texas Clean Air Act.
5208: International Environmental Law Cr. 2. (2-0). The practical
aspects of
the various environmental systems as they compare to the United States
environmental law system.
5209: Current Policies - U.S. Customs Laws Cr. 2. (2-0). General but
practical
examination of laws and regulations enforced by the United States Customs
Service.
5211: Environmental Dispute Resolution Cr. 2. (2-0). Use of ADR in
environmental law.
5212: Administrative Law Research Cr. 2. (2-0). Provides a working
knowledge of
the primary sources of law and other documentation produced by U.S. government
agencies.
5213: Taxation of Charitable Giving Cr. 2. (2-0). Current and
deferred
charitable giving techniques, with the tax consequences for both donors and
donees.
5214: U.S.-Mexico Trade After NAFTA Cr. 2. (2-0). Introduction to
the legal
aspects of international trade between the United States and Mexico with
emphasis on the North American Free Trade Agreement.
5215: Biotechnology and the Law Cr. 2. (2-0). Explores the impact
that
biotechnology has had on specific areas of law and business. Topics covered
include intellectual property and its exploitation, regulatory affairs, privacy
concerns, and public policy issues.
5216: Health Care Organizations Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisites:
Health Law (LAW 5315)
or consent of instructor; prior completion of Corporations recommended.
Business planning, corporations, mergers and acquisitions, antitrust,
partnership, securities, and legal and tax issues as they relate to the health
care industry.
5217: Communication Law Cr. 2. (2-0). Examines the federal
regulation of the
electronic mass media with particular focus on regulatory models for
legislative and judicial oversight of broadcasting, cable, and new
communications technologies. Classroom discussion and student papers will focus
on laws governing the broadcast and cable industries and the policy-making
process by which those laws are formed.
5218: Fraud & Abuse Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: prior completion
of Health Law
or permission of instructor. Examines federal and Texas law which impose
criminal and civil penalties on health care providers for a variety of
activities ranging from payment for referrals to the submission of false
claims. Focus will be on federal and Texas illegal remuneration statutes, the
federal civil monetary penalty and exclusion laws, the federal antireferral
(Stark) law, and the federal false claims laws.
5219: Governmental Issues in Environmental Law Cr. 2. (2-0).
Review of the
federal government's role in environmental law (with emphasis on the
regulatory, as opposed to resource management aspects) vis-a-vis the states,
accomplishments versus expectations, issues which have arisen in implementation
of the joint regulatory program. Material will include statutory and regulatory
sources, scholarly writings and cases, and from EPA policy and instructional
materials.
5220: Procedure III Cr. 2. (2-0). Procedure in the trial of a
civil case from
voir dire examination of the jury to the actual trial, at the trial and appeals
court levels.
5221:5362: Employment Discrimination Cr. 2. or 3. (2-0; 3-0).
Examines the
substantive law of employment discrimination and the policy conflicts
underlying the legal and social issues raised by the cases. Basic doctrines
designed to protect individuals from unfair unemployment decisions: Title VII;
Americans with Disabilities Act; and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
5222: Professional Responsibility Cr. 2. (2-0). A study of the
legal and
ethical responsibilities of members of the legal profession.
5223: Post-Mortem Estate Planning Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisites:
Federal Income
Tax (LAW 5359/5459) and Trusts and Wills (LAW 5339/5440). Issues associated
with estate administration; estate tax compliance and audit procedures;
examination of the use of trusts as estate surrogates.
5224: State Creditor's Remedies Cr. 2. (2-0). Examines the
remedies available
to both commercial and consumer creditors to collect a debt through the legal
system.
5225: Hazardous Waste Law Cr. 2. (2-0). This course will focus on
the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act.
5226: Patent Remedies and Defenses Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5332
or
consent of instructor. Statutory and rules provisions governing U.S. patent
litigation; commonly sought remedies and defenses; recent Federal Circuit
decisions; jurisdictional and venue issues.
5227: Criminal Environmental Law Cr. 2. (2-0). Provides students
an opportunity
to conduct extensive research into the area of criminal enforcement of
environmental laws. Examines concepts basic to criminal and environmental law.
Corporate defendants, mens rea and sentencing are treated in detail.
5228: Construction Law Cr. 2. (2-0). A study of the law pertaining
to
architects, engineers and contractors, their interrelation, rights and
obligations, in the construction process.
5229: Water Pollution Law Cr. 2. (2-0). The course will examine
the federal
control of water pollution under the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water
Act and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (ocean dumping
law). Common law remedies to water pollution will also be considered.
Groundwater, inland, coastal and ocean waters will be included.
5230: Mergers & Acquisitions Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: Business
Organizations
(LAW 5421). An examination of the law and finance of corporate acquisitions;
evaluation of capital markets and the efficient markets hypothesis; analysis of
the motives underlying acquisitions; legal duties and liabilities of directors
facing takeover bids.
5231: Health Care Finance & Policy Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite:
prior completion
of LAW 5315 (Health Law) or permission of instructor. Presents a broad overview
of development and implementation of health care finance and policy. Focuses on
the impact of policy initiatives on structure, operations and financing of
health care systems. Topics include the Medicare and Medicaid programs, health
care finance reforms, evolution and operation of integrative delivery systems,
and business transactions employed by health care entities.
5232: Trade Secrets Cr.2. (2-0). Study of characteristics,
protection and
enforcement of trade secrets as tangible property rights. Emphasis on
litigation tactics, including specialized injunctive relief, proof, evidence,
remedies and calculation of damages.
5233: Legal Communications I Cr. 2. (2-0). Teaches the basic
skills needed by a
practicing attorney in order to perform legal research and prepare legal
documents. It is a required course, open to part-time first-year law students
only.
5234: Legal Communications II Cr. 2 (2-0). Prerequisite: passing
LAW 5233
(Legal Communications I). Teaches the basic skills needed by a practicing
attorney in order to perform legal research and prepare legal documents. It
also teaches the basic oral argument skills needed by a practicing attorney. It
is a required course, open to part-time first-year law students only.
5235: Legal Research Cr. 2. (2-0). Teaches the basic skills needed
by a
practicing attorney in order to perform legal research and prepare legal
documents. It is a required course, open to full-time first year law students
only.
5236: Legal Writing Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: passing LAW 5235
(Legal
Research). Teaches the basic skills needed by a practicing attorney in order to
perform legal research and prepare legal documents. It is a required course,
open to full-time first year law students only.
5237: Mass Tort Litigation Cr. 2. (2-0). Addresses a comparison of
class action
and other streamlining techniques; basic requirements for class certification;
mechanics of class actions and other techniques; and day-to-day challenges in
managing complex mass tort litigation. Examines the intellectual and ethical
debate regarding certain features of mass tort case resolution. Notable
practitioners and judges currently involved in handling this type of litigation
will appear as guest lecturers.
5238:6338: North American Free Trade Agreement Cr. 2. or 3. (2-0;
3-0).
Examines the provisions of NAFTA that affect business transactions between the
United States and Mexico. To the extent feasible, class discussions will center
on problems that cover the agreement as well as domestic law.
5239: Oil and Gas Tax Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: Federal Income
Tax (LAW 5359
or 5459). Focuses on federal taxation of domestic oil and gas exploration and
production operations. Taxation of foreign oil and gas exploration and
production operations will also be included in the course, although in summary
fashion addressing tax models foreign jurisdictions can adopt and the resulting
U.S. tax overlay.
5240: Professional Malpractice Cr. 2. (2-0). Covers the legal
theories,
standards of liability, and defenses applicable to professional malpractice
litigation involving attorneys, accountants, appraisers, brokers, consultants,
and expert witnesses, among others. Students will study current cases and
trends in this area of law. The course will emphasize litigation strategies and
issues.
5241: Legal Interviewing and Counseling Cr. 2. (2-0). A course in
the conduct of the lawyer in interviewing and counseling clients, including the
professional regulations and law governing the lawyer's conduct in this role.
5242: Medical Malpractice Litigation Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite:
LAW 5315 or consent of instructor. Malpractice law and policy including the
effect of malpractice on health care access, quality, and cost; impact of
legislative reforms on malpractice legal doctrine. 5243:5314
Legislation Cr. 2. or 3. (2-0; 3-0). Examines the lawyering involved
through the making and applying of statutory laws. Advocacy in the legislative
arena is analyzed and compared to advocacy in the courtroom forum. 5244:
Property II Cr. 2. (2-0). Continuation of Property I. 5245:6345
Jewish Law Cr. 3. (3-0). The development of the Jewish legal system over
the past 3,000 years. 5246: Public Health Law Cr. 2. (2-0).
Prerequisite: Prior completion of Health Law (LAW 5315) or permission of
instructor. Provides an overview of basic public health law principles and will
include discussion of current controversies in public health policies.
5248:6348 Texas Criminal Procedure Cr. 2. or 3. (2-0; 3-0). An
in-depth analysis of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and case law
interpreting the same. Where appropriate, the Texas Rules of Criminal Evidence
and Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure will be addressed and discussed. There
will be a comparative analysis of the mentioned rules and statutes with their
federal counterparts.
5249:5348: Texas Consumer Law Cr. 2. (2-0). An advanced course in
sales and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act designed to supplement
courses in contract and commercial law.
5250: Law Office Management Cr. 2. (2-0). A course in the problems
facing the lawyer as entrepreneur or law firm manager.
5251: Accounting in Law Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: consent of
instructor. Study of legal problems in accounting situations. Previous
accounting training is not required.
5252: Securities Transactions Cr. 2. (2-0). Drafting of principal
documents required in such transactions as public offerings and private
placements of equity and debt securities, mergers and acquisitions, limited
partnership offerings and similar transactions.
5253: Trusts and Wills Cr. 2. (2-0). Express, resulting and
constructive trusts, substantive and remedial aspects. Intestacy; execution,
revocation, and construction of wills; contracts to devise.
5254: Tax Fraud & Money Laundering Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite:
Federal Income Tax (LAW 5359 or 5459). Processes by which the IRS and Justice
Departments uncover and prosecute tax crimes and money laundering cases,
mandatory sentencing, improper investigative techniques, related nontax crimes
and related matters.
5255: Criminal Trial Practice Cr. 2. (2-0). Advocacy techniques
for the preparation and trial of criminal cases.
5256: Electric Industry Law & Policy Cr. 2. (2-0). The history and
regulatory development of the electric industry. Particular emphasis on the
relationship between law and economics as applied to the utility industry.
Current trends in deregulation and restructuring are also considered.
5257: International Intellectual Property Cr. 2. (2-0).
Prerequisite: IP Survey (LAW 5201) or Patent Law (LAW 5332) or permission of
instructors based on background. The principal treaty provisions governing the
granting and enforcement of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret
rights in member countries of the World Trade Organization and other
international organizations; study of selected implementing in major U.S.
trading countries.
5258: Food and Drug Law Cr. 2. (2-0). Study of government's
attempts to protect the public health and individual welfare in the development
and marketing of foods, drugs, and cosmetics. Covers the federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act with particular emphasis on the regulation of drugs,
nutritional supplements, and medical devices.
5259: State and Local Tax Cr. 2. (2-0). An examination of the
various laws concerning state taxes, including income, franchise, property,
excise, and severance taxes. State taxation of interstate businesses.
5260: Advanced Corporate Tax Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisites: LAW 5359
and 5352. Advanced study of the law governing the taxation of corporate
entities.
5261: Real Estate Tax Cr. 2. (2-0). Analysis of state and federal
tax considerations pertaining to the ownership, rental, and sale of interests
in real estate.
5263: Taxation of Compensation Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5359.
Taxation of qualified and nonqualified deferred compensation
arrangements, nonqualified and incentive stock options, restricted property
arrangements, part-in-interest transactions, executive compensation and
severance arrangements and welfare benefit arrangements.
5265: Income Taxation of Estates and Trusts Cr. 2. (2-0).
Prerequisite: LAW 5359. An in-depth examination of Subchapter J Taxation of
estates and trusts, including their grantors and beneficiaries.
5266: Taxation of Exempt Organizations Cr. 2. (2-0). Study of
federal and state law concerning organizations exempt from federal income
taxation including contributions deductibility, standards for granting
exemption, private foundations, fiduciary duties and limits on political
activities.
5267: Tax Accounting Cr. 2. (2-0). Study of methods in context of
federal tax laws including cash, accrual installment methods, inventory
taxation, changes of accounting methods, and time value of money concepts.
5268: Taxation of Sales Cr. 2. (2-0). Tax treatment of capital
gains on the sale or exchange of property, as well as similarity treated
transactions.
5272: Psychology of Communication Cr. 2. (2-0). Theoretical and
practical approaches to the way lawyers communicate effectively with clients,
judges, and juries.
5273: Regulation of Health Care Professionals Cr. 2. (2-0).
Prerequisite: LAW 5315 or consent of instructor. Introduction to the regulatory
environment affecting the health care professional.
5274: Admiralty Personal Injuries Cr. 2. (2-0). In-depth analysis
of maritime law relating to personal injuries.
5278:5378: European Union Law Cr. 2 or 3. (2-0; 3-0). Study of the
transnational law of the European Union (formerly European Community) which
touches all aspects of trade, investment, labor relations, and human rights in
those countries who are members of the European Union.
5281: Research in Foreign and International Law Cr. 2. (2-0).
Techniques in specialized research in international and foreign legal sources.
5282: Advanced Legal Research Cr. 2. (2-0). Study of advanced
techniques of legal research using advanced computer technology as well as
accessing rarely used sources and materials for specialized legal research
efforts.
5283: Forensic Medicine Cr. 2. (2-0). Medical topics including
blood banking, paternity disputes, alcohol testing, post-mortem examinations,
DNA forensics, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, child abuse, forensic psychiatry
and forensic dentistry.
5285: Practice of Environmental Law Cr. 2. (2-0). A course in the
application of environmental law issues as they apply to business law practice
areas.
5286: Environmental Liability Management Cr. 2. (2-0). Enforcement
and avoidance of liability resulting from manufacture, use and disposal of
chemical, hazardous and toxic products under federal and state laws in both
public and private sectors.
5287:6307: Sports Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Analysis of topics such as
representation of the professional athlete in contract negotiations and
endorsements, the player-club contractual relationship, anti-trust and
collective bargaining issues in amateur and professional sports, sports tort
liability, and representation of the recreational amateur and professional in
sports injury litigation.
5291: Partnership Tax Cr. 2. (2-0). Analysis of federal tax
considerations pertaining to partnership entities.
5292: Tax Procedure Cr. 2. (2-0). Study of procedural requirements
pertaining to proceedings in federal tax disputes.
5300: Legal Writing Cr. 3. (3-0). Further development of research
skills; intensive training in legal writing and oral advocacy.
5301: Contracts I Cr. 3. (3-0). Basic contract law including the
concepts of offer, acceptance, consideration, contractual remedies, etc. The
law of sales under the Uniform Commercial Code is also covered.
5303: Criminal Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Substantive criminal law; basic
concepts; elements of crime; theories of punishment.
5304: Criminal Procedure Cr. 3. (3-0). Criminal procedure;
constitutional and statutory limitations on search and seizure,
self-incrimination; right to counsel; right-to-jury trial; requirements of due
process.
5305: Torts I Cr. 3. (3-0). Basic tort law; intentional torts,
negligence, strict liability; causation; damages and compensation plans;
vicarious liability; special kinds of torts.
5306: Law and Economics Cr. 3. (3-0). Introduction to the use of
economic tools and their application to legal principles.
5307: Contracts II Cr. 3. (3-0). A continuation of Contracts I.
5308: Occupational Health Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Explores the federal
regulation of workplace safety, focusing on the developing case law under the
Occupational Health and Administration Act.
5309: Criminal Environmental Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Extensive research
into the area of criminal enforcement of environmental laws. Concepts basic to
criminal environmental law, corporate defendants, mens rea and sentencing are
treated in detail.
5310: White Collar Crime Cr. 3. (3-0). This course focuses on the
criminal statutes affecting business people, as well as the defenses available
to those charged under those statutes.
5311: Product Liability Cr. 3. (3-0). An in-depth study of the
circumstances under which a manufacturer is or may be held responsible for
damages to third parties caused by its products. Consideration of strict
liability, negligence and contract theories.
5312: First Amendment Cr. 3. (3-0). Advanced study of individual
rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution including the
rights of free speech and religion.
5313: Due Process Cr. 3. (3-0). An in-depth analysis of
constitutional guarantees of equal protection and due process including their
relationship to civil rights and related movements.
5315: Health Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Survey of health law including
regulation of quality, access to health care, cost containment, and topics in
bioethics.
5316: Local and State Government Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Examination of
the organization and powers of local government units and the relationships
between local, state, and federal governments. Emphasis on government's
obligations as an employer and local and state liability. Other subjects
include home rule, annexation, and extraterritorial jurisdiction;
reapportionment and voting rights; local-state conflict and preemption; federal
preemption and the application of antitrust law to local government; legal
limits on local government's police powers.
5317: Trademark and Unfair Competition Cr. 3. (3-0). Development
and protection of trademarks under state and federal law. Various phases of
trademark and related unfair competition litigation. Intellectual Property
Survey course recommended but not required.
5318: Landlord and Tenant Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of the legal
rights of parties to commercial and residential leasing agreements.
5319: Introduction to American Law Cr. 3. (3-0). A course in
American legal method for foreign lawyers.
5320: Procedure II Cr. 3. (3-0). Modern problems of pleading,
parties, depositions, and discovery in both state and federal systems.
5321: Federal Jurisdiction Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of the
jurisdiction of federal courts under the constitution and applicable statutes.
5322: Pretrial Litigation Cr. 3. (3-0). Intensive individualized
training and instruction in case analysis and the art of drafting and oral
advocacy relating to pretrial discovery, motion practice and pleadings,
including instruction in the law of pre-trial procedure.
5323: Conflict of Laws Cr. 3. (3-0). The application of the
conflicting laws of two different sovereigns, including conflicts between
federal and state, conflicts between state and state, and conflicts between
foreign countries.
5324: International Trade Cr. 3. (3-0). A course in the problems
businesses encounter in transnational dealings in goods and services, including
import controls, export controls, tariffs, and sales conventions.
5325: Advanced Oil & Gas Law Contracts Cr. 3. (3-0). An advanced
study of oil and gas transactions after the creation of the mineral leasehold,
including farmouts, operating agreements, gas sales and transportation
contracts, division orders and contracts for the sale of producing properties.
5326: Business Enterprise Tax Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: Federal
Income Tax (LAW 5359 or 5459). The basics and certain areas of significance for
people planning business formation and transactions involving ongoing
enterprises. A comparative study of the laws of corporate taxation and
partnership taxation.
5327: Trial Advocacy (Criminal) Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5420.
Refining knowledge of criminal evidence and procedure; formulating case
theory, theme and strategy; communication skills for designing and orally
presenting opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross of fact and
expert witnesses, voir dire, evidentiary objections and responses, and other
aspects of criminal trials before court and jury. Full trial required.
5328: Judicial Internship Clinic I Cr. 3. (3-0). A clinic where
students can work in a judge's office.
5329: Judicial Internship Clinic II Cr. 3. (3-0). An advanced
clinic where students can work in a judge's office.
5330: Antitrust Law Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of federal regulations
aimed at restraint of trade and monopoly.
5331: English Legal History Cr. 3. (3-0). Development of English
law from the twelfth to the eighteenth century with emphasis on the nature of
legal change, the relationship between legal and social change, and the
development of individual rights.
5332: Patent Law Cr. 3. (3-0). The substantive U.S. law of patents
including eligible subject matter, novelty and nonobviousness requirements,
scope of claims, and modern infringement law.
5333: Introduction to Jurisprudence Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of the
nature of the legal system; what law is; what law does; what makes law
obligatory; what justice is; law's relationship to morality, power, and
societal values.
5334: Health Law Clinic I Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5315 or
consent of instructor. An externship in a health law office. Includes a
classroom component.
5335: Space Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Course provides a broad background
in the economic, political and legal issues arising from the exploration and
development of outer space.
5336: American Indians and Indian Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Survey of
constitutional issues unique to American Indian rights.
5337: Constitutional Theory Cr. 3. (3-0). Examines the question of
whether the Constitution authorizes judicial review and the issue of which
method of review, if any, is preferable. It considers originalism and
non-originalism, as well as feminist arguments and critical legal studies
approaches, and studies the application of these various modes by examining
several areas of constitutional law, such as separation of powers doctrine and
the first amendment.
5338:5441: Land Use and Finance Cr. 3-4. (3-0; 4-0). Law
pertaining to land use and finance, as reflected in governmental regulations,
zoning and other municipal ordinances, and land-financing practices.
5253:5339:5440: Trusts and Wills Cr. 2-3-4. (2-0; 3-0; 4-0).
Express, resulting, and constructive trusts, substantive and remedial aspects.
Intestacy; execution, revocation, and construction of wills; contracts to
devise.
5340: Marital Property Rights Cr. 3. (3-0). Marriage, divorce, and
annulment; rights of children and the community property law of Texas.
5341: Disabilities and the Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Comprehensive
overview of major laws relating to individuals with disabilities; issues of
rights and nondiscrimination in employment, governmental programs and services,
public accommodations (by private providers), higher education, education,
housing, and health care.
5342: Health Law Clinic II Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5315 or
consent of instructor. Advanced externship in a health law office. Includes
classroom component.
5343: Employment Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Focuses on the expanding body
of statutes and common law dealing with the legal rights of nonunion employees.
The course examines the legal aspects of hiring practices, conditions of
employment, and termination of employment and the legal regulation of employers
and employees.
5344: Appellate Advocacy I Cr. 3. (3-0). Intensive, individualized
training in the art of persuasive brief writing and effective oral argument, as
well as the law of appellate advocacy.
5345: Civil Rights Cr. 3. (3-0). Subjects to be covered will
include issues that arise under the United States Constitution (5th and 14th
Amendments), as well as Congressional enactments that seek to protect the
rights of individuals.
5346: Current Topics in Health Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Legal
implications of HIV infection for education, employment, insurance, health
care, public health policy, and criminal law.
5347: Corporate Finance Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Study of state corporate
laws and federal securities laws regulating the financing of corporations;
various financing methods, including common stock, preferred stock, and
convertible and straight debt; will also consider mergers and acquisitions.
5349: International Financial Transactions Cr. 3. (3-0). An
examination of international commercial financing and international banking.
5350: Corporations Cr. 3. (3-0). Examines legal issues that arise
with respect to the formation, capitalization, allocations of profits,
management and control, and dissolution of American business corporations with
special attention to the duties of officers and directors. Primary focus will
be statutory provisions of the model acts and case law. Representative state
statutes, requirements of the federal and state securities laws, and common tax
problems encountered by small corporations will be mentioned.
5351: Juvenile Law Cr. 3. (3-0). A survey of the statutes and case
law governing the rights of children alleged to be delinquent, incorrigible, or
neglected.
5352: Corporate Taxation Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5359.
Taxation of corporate entities; corporate formations, distributions,
liquidations, and reorganizations.
5353: Business Planning Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisites: Federal
Income Tax (LAW 5260, 7322, 5352) required; Corporate Tax (LAW 5352) and either
Business Organizations (LAW 5421) or Corporations (LAW 5350) strongly
recommended. An advanced course in the legal problems encountered in the
organization of a corporation. Problems of taxation are a major topic of this
course.
5354: Public Land and Resource Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Covers the laws
and policies that govern the use and management of federal land comprising
one-third of the U.S., and the resources (minerals, timber, rangeland,
wildlife, recreation, and wilderness) on these lands.
5355: Oil and Gas Cr. 3. (3-0). Property concepts applied to
minerals in place and after severance from the land, including the rights and
obligations of the parties to a mineral lease.
5356: Remedies Cr. 3. (3-0). Legal and equitable remedies
available in state and federal courts, including restitution, rescission,
specific performance, and award of damages.
5357: Fair Employment Cr. 3. (3-0). An examination of federal and
state law pertaining to discrimination in employment relationships.
5358: Natural Resources Taxation Cr. 3. (3-0). An analysis of tax
problems presented in common mineral conveyances and transactions: financing of
development, production, and operations.
5359: Federal Income Tax Cr. 3. (3-0). Introduction to federal
income taxation. Identification and characterization of income subject to
taxation and deductions therefrom.
5360: Licensing and Technology Transfer Cr. 3. (3-0).
Prerequisite: LAW 5201, 5332, or 5379. Introduction to the transfer of
technology by licensing agreements where underlying rights are patent,
trademark, copyright, or trade secret (know-how). Agreement structures and
legal limitations via antitrust laws. U.S. law emphasis; some foreign laws
considered.
5361: Women and the Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Explores the ways in which
women have been treated as a special legal category.
5363: Securities Regulation Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of state and
federal statutes regulating the issuance, transfer, and trading of securities.
5364: Environmental Liability Management Cr. 3. (3-0). A general
survey of environmental liabilities and risk management techniques with
emphasis on hazardous waste and asbestos, and including a review of federal and
state legislation, administrative agencies, causation damages, defenses,
procedure, insurance, bankruptcy, real estate transfers, and acquisitions.
5365:5465: Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights Cr. 3 or 4
respectively. (3-0; 4-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5480. A study of federal and state
laws relating to the remedies of debtors and creditors, including bankruptcy.
5366: Comparative Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Examination of the major legal
systems in the world today (civilian, common law, religious, and socialist).
Comparison of selected features of foreign laws, legal institutions, and legal
culture with their American counterparts. Topics include procedure, civil law,
legal profession, sources of law, court structure and others. Countries sampled
include Germany, France, Mexico, Japan, China, Soviet Union and others.
5367: Poverty Law Clinic I Cr. 3. (0-12). Prerequisite: consent of
instructor. Clinical opportunity in the field of poverty law. Requires 60 hours
of work per credit hour. Students will be placed with the Gulf Coast Legal
Foundation.
5368: Estate Planning Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5357.
Planning of estates from the standpoint of tax savings and ease of
administration.
5369: Insurance Law Cr. 3. (3-0). The regulation of the insurance
industry, dealing with solvency and licensing, the meaning of "insurance" as a
prohibited transaction for nonlicensed persons or entities and the spreading
scheme of insurers that allows profitable operations.
5370: International Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Basic public international
law; legal organization of the international community; the relation of
individuals within a state to the rules of international law.
5371: International Energy Transactions Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of
various aspects of overseas petroleum transactions including negotiation with
host countries, operating aspects of production, and product distribution and
transportation.
5372: Basic Mexican Law Cr. 3. (3-0). An examination of Mexican
law, particularly as it affects United States individuals or corporations doing
business in Mexico.
5373: Admiralty Cr. 3. (3-0). Basic admiralty law; jurisdiction of
the federal courts; maritime liens; maritime torts; limitation of liability;
general admiralty doctrines; special procedures; relationship of shipper and
owner; rights of seamen.
5374: Legal History Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of the development of
the Anglo-American legal system with emphasis on the creation of the English
systems of common law and equity.
5375: International Litigation and Arbitration Cr. 3. (3-0). A
course in the methods available for resolving private law commercial disputes
in the international area.
5376:5480: Commercial Transactions Cr. 3-4. (3-0; 4-0).
Prerequisite for all other commercial law courses. A study of commercial law
with an emphasis on transactions involving the extension of credit; negotiable
instruments law; secured transactions; consumer credit transactions; developing
methods of credit payment.
5377: Poverty Law Clinic II Cr. 3. (0-12). Prerequisite: consent
of instructor. Clinical opportunity in the field of poverty law. Requires 60
hours of work per credit hour. Students will be placed with the Gulf Coast
Legal Foundation.
5379: Copyright Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Study of protection for
literary, artistic, musical, computer, and other works of human intellect under
the Copyright Act of 1976. Prerequisites and formalities for protection;
nature, scope, and limitations of rights with special emphasis on fair use;
infringement actions, remedies and federal preemption of state law.
5380: Labor Law Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of the National Labor
Relations Act and other federal legislation relating to the labor-management
relationship.
5381: Legal Negotiations Cr. 3. (3-0). An introduction to legal
negotiation as a method of reaching agreement on different matters.
5382: Administrative Law Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of the
administrative process at the federal and state level; agency powers; agency
jurisdiction; agency procedures; limitations on agency power; enforcement of
agency decisions; judicial review.
5383: Family Law Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of the law of marriage,
divorce, and child custody; legal aspects of illegitimacy, family desertion,
nonsupport, and abandonment of children.
5384: Environmental Clinic I Cr. 3 (3-0). A clinic which places
students in governmental or public service organizations involved in the field
of environmental law.
5385: Negotiation/Mediation Clinic Cr. 3. (0-12). Prerequisite:
consent of instructor. Students have an opportunity to serve as third party
neutrals as well as assist clients with negotiating pre-litigation matters.
Video taping and individual feedback is given to students. Requires 60 hours of
work per credit hour.
5386: Trial Advocacy (Civil) Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5420
or consent of instructor. Refining knowledge of civil evidence and procedure;
formulating case theory, theme and strategy; communication skills for designing
and orally presenting opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross
of fact and expert witnesses, voir dire, evidentiary objections and responses,
and other aspects of civil trials before court and jury. Full trial required.
5387: International Tax Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of issues in U.S.
and foreign taxation including analyses of tax consequences relating to
multinational business operations.
5388: Water Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Study of state and federal laws
concerning the ownership and control of water resources as well as
environmental protections relating to water quality.
5389: Immigration Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Study of United States laws
relating to the permanent and temporary entry of foreign nationals into the
U.S.
5390: Environmental Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Environmental law, with
emphasis on legal regulation and control of activities affecting the land, sea,
and air environment.
5391: Mediation Cr. 3. (3-0). Explores alternatives to litigation
as means of resolving disputes, focusing on mediation. Opportunity to
participate as mediator at Houston Neighborhood Justice Center.
5392: International Business Transactions Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of
various international business transaction formats and their legal
consequences.
5393: International Criminal Law Cr. 3. (3-0). The laws affecting
international crimes, including sources of law, jurisdiction, extradition, and
types of defenses and claims of immunity.
5394: Environmental Regulation of O&G Exploration Production Cr.
3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5390. Environmental regulation problems of oil and
gas industry from exploration and production through refining and marketing.
Primary emphasis on federal regulations. Helpful to have knowledge of RCRA,
CERCLA, and Clean Air Act.
5395: Genetics & the Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Study of new developments
in genetics which are taking place at a tremendous rate and are likely to
accelerate because of Human Genome Project. Explores the many legal issues in
genetics, including reproduction, access to health care, discrimination,
forensics and gene therapy.
5396: Environmental Clinic II Cr. 3. (3-0). A clinic which places
students in governmental or public service organizations involved in the field
of environmental law.
5400: Clinic Externship Cr. 4. (4-0). Prerequisites: 44 credit
hours in Law, LAW 5222, and consent of instructor. Externship in a public
interest law firm with responsibility for representing a client. Students must
work throughout the semester for at least 60 hours per credit hour in the
program. Includes a weekly seminar.
5406: Procedure I Cr. 4. (4-0). Introduction to civil procedure;
jurisdiction of courts; pleading, discovery; trial; effect of judgments;
appeals. Emphasis is on the federal rules of civil procedure.
5420: Evidence Cr. 4. (4-0). The rules evidence and reasons
supporting them, state and federal, including relevancy, impeachment
presumptions, judicial notice, competency of witnesses, privilege, and the
hearsay rule and its exceptions.
5421: Business Organizations Cr. 4. (4-0). A survey of materials
relating to the legal consequences of various forms of business structures
including agency, partnership, and incorporation.
5422: Trial Advocacy (Advanced Civil) Cr. 4. (4-0). Prerequisites:
LAW 5420, 5386, and/or consent of program director. Intensive skills training
in all aspects of civil trial ligation based on the National Institute for
Trial Advocacy teaching model. Full trial required. Open to licensed attorneys.
5486: Trial Advocacy (Advanced Criminal) Cr. 4. (4-0).
Prerequisites: LAW 5420, 5327, 5304, 5344, 5322, and/or consent of program
director. Intensive skills training in all aspects of a criminal trial based on
the National Institute for Trial Advocacy teaching model. Open to licensed
attorneys. Full trial required.
5488: Constitutional Law Cr. 4. (4-0). Judicial review: powers of
government; federalism; requirements of due process and equal protection;
individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
5500: Clinic Externship Cr. 5. (5-0). Prerequisites: 44 credit
hours in Law, LAW 5222, and consent of instructor. Externship in a public
interest law firm with responsibility for representing a client. Students must
work throughout the semester for at least 60 hours per credit hour in the
program. Includes a weekly seminar.
5510: Legal Clinical Studies I Cr. 5. (5-0). Prerequisites: 44
credit hours in Law, LAW 5222, and consent of instructor; LAW 5420 recommended.
Faculty supervised law practice with clients of legal clinic in areas including
family law, consumer law, business law, landlord/tenant, community development,
and probate. Includes both field work and class work. Students must work
throughout the semester for at least 60 hours per credit hour in the program.
Pre-semester orientation required.
5511: Legal Clinical Studies II Cr. 5. (5-0). Prerequisites: 44
credit hours in Law, LAW 5510, and consent of instructor. Faculty supervised
law practice with clients of the legal clinic in areas including family law,
consumer law, business law, landlord/tenant, community development, and
probate. Supervision of students in LAW 5510. Students must work throughout the
semester for at least 60 hours per credit hour in the program. Includes both
field work and class work.
5512: Criminal Clinic (Defense) Cr. 5. (5-0). Prerequisites: 44
hours in law, LAW 5222, 5304, 5303, 5420, and permission of the instructor.
Student work in the preparation and trial of criminal cases in the office of
the Federal Public Defender or of a prominent criminal defense attorney.
5513: Criminal Clinic (Prosecution) Cr. 5. (5-0). Prerequisites:
44 credit hours in Law, LAW 5222, 5303, 5304, 5420, and consent of instructor.
Assist in the presentation of criminal cases in a district attorney's office.
Student bar card required. Students must work throughout the semester for at
least 60 hours per credit hour in the program. Includes a weekly classroom
component and required pre semester orientation.
5514: Judicial Internship Clinic I Cr. 5. (5-0). Prerequisites:
LAW 5222 and permission of instructor. Students serve judicial internships in
federal and state trial and appellate courts.
5515: Judicial Internship Clinic II Cr. 5. (5-0). Prerequisites:
LAW 5514 and permission of instructor. Continuation of activities begun in LAW 5514
with students assuming the additional responsibilities of supervising
Clinic I students.
5516: Health Law Clinic I Cr. 5. (5-0). Prerequisites: LAW 5315,
5222, and consent of instructor. Health law internship in a hospital setting.
Includes a classroom component.
5517: Health Law Clinic II Cr. 5. (5-0). Prerequisites: LAW 5516
and consent of instructor. Continuation of LAW 5516. Includes a classroom
component.
5518: Environmental Clinic I Cr. 5. (5-0). A clinic which places
students in governmental or public service organization involved in the field
of environmental law.
5519: Environmental Clinic II Cr. 5. (5-0). A clinic which places
students in governmental or public service organization involved in the field
of environmental law.
5567: Poverty Law Clinic I Cr. 5. (0-20). Prerequisite: consent of
instructor. Clinical opportunity in the field of poverty law. Requires 60 hours
of work per credit hour. Students will be placed with the Gulf Coast Legal
Foundation.
5577: Poverty Law Clinic II Cr. 5. (0-20). Prerequisite: consent
of instructor. Clinical opportunity in the field of poverty law. Requires 60
hours of work per credit hour. Students will be placed with the Gulf Coast
Legal Foundation.
6300: Clinic Externship Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisites: 44 credit
hours in Law, LAW 5222, and consent of instructor. Externship in public
interest law firm with responsibility for representing a client. Students must
work throughout the semester for at least 60 hours per credit hour in the
program. Includes a weekly seminar.
6301: International Commercial Arbitration Cr. 3. (3-0). A
comprehensive study of international commercial arbitration which includes
examination and analysis of international arbitration procedure, arbitration
agreements, institutional rules and international conventions.
6302: International Contracting Cr. 3. (3-0). A transactional
course dealing with various aspects of doing business across national
boundaries. There are at least three major assignments in which teams of
student negotiate and draft agreements invoking such topics as international
service contracts, joint venture agreements and construction contracts.
6303: Equal Protection Cr. 3 (3-0). Deals with constitutional and
statutory attempts to ensure equality, particularly with respect to color but
also with respect to gender. Looks briefly at slavery, the adoption of the
13th, 14th and 15th Amendments and Supreme Court decisions, including
affirmative action and school desegregation cases.
6304: Legal Aspects of Bioethics Cr. 3. (3-0). Examines legal,
ethical, and policy aspects of current controversies in bioethics. The topics
covered include privacy and confidentiality, terminal care decisions,
euthanasia, patients' right to refuse treatment, organ donation and
transplantation, and human subjects experimentation.
6305: Medical Malpractice Litigation Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite:
LAW 5315 (Health Law) or consent of instructor. A broad-based study of
malpractice law and policy, including the effect of malpractice on health care
access, quality, and cost; malpractice legal doctrine; and legislative reforms.
6306: Personal & Professional Ethics Cr. 3. (3-0). Study of
factors that impact attorneys called upon to make ethical decisions. Designed
to allow students to explore such matters in small groups under the guidance of
the instructor and guest lecturers. Focuses less on stated norms of the legal
profession and more on personal determinants, such as the students' family of
origin, learning style, communication skills, susceptibility to stress, and
other similar factors. Does not satisfy the Professional Responsibility
requirement.
5287:6307: Sports Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Analysis of topics such as
representation of the professional athlete in contract negotiations and
endorsements, the player-club contractual relationship, anti-trust and
collective bargaining issues in amateur and professional sports, sports tort
liability, and representation of the recreational amateur and professional in
sports injury litigation.
6308: Supreme Court's Term Cr. 3. (3-0). Examines major decisions
from the most recent term of the Supreme Court. The course will not focus on
any single subject matter area. Reading will consist primarily of unedited
decisions, and class sessions will be a combination of lecture and discussion.
Exam or paper option.
6310: Federal Criminal Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Introduces students to
the practice of criminal law in federal court, with an emphasis on the drug
trafficking, money laundering and organized crime. The subjects of the Federal
Sentencing Guidelines and asset forfeiture will also be addressed.
7201: SEM: Comparative Patent Law Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5226
or 7328.
Patent laws of other countries and international patent treaties.
7202: SEM: Advanced Topics in Patent Law Cr. 2. (2-0).
Prerequisite: LAW 5332. Advanced topics of current interest in the patent
field. Open to J.D. and LL.M. students.
7231: SEM: Criminal Law Cr. 2. (2-0). Study of advanced problems
in the criminal law field.
7237: SEM: Arbitration Cr. 2. (2-0). A study of the arbitration
process in labor, commercial, and other contexts.
7238: SEM: Law and Psychiatry Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5315
or consent of instructor. Topics in law and psychiatry including civil
commitment, right to treatment, right to refuse treatment, competency to stand
trial, the insanity defense, and the role of the psychiatrist in the sentencing
process.
7253: SEM: Election Law Cr. 2. (2-0). A survey of state and
federal regulation of elections.
7255: SEM: Health Care Law and Policy Cr. 2. (2-0). Prerequisite:
LAW 5315 or consent of instructor. Topics include organizational structure of
hospitals, national health legislation and regulation, access to health care,
reimbursement issues including Medicare and Medicaid, and cost containment
regulations.
7260: SEM: Regulation of Foreign Investment in the U.S. Cr. 2.
(2-0). This seminar will focus on the application of general federal and state
regulations (such as antitrust, securities, environment and taxation) and
specific legal restrictions and limitations in certain industries, including
reporting and requirements (e.g., communications, defense contracts, land
ownership) on the foreign investor.
7301: SEM: International Trade Cr. 3. (3-0). Concentrates on the
private law of international trade in goods and on national and international
regulation of trade across national borders. International trade in services
may also be included as well as related subjects such as financing.
7302: SEM: Reproductive Health Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5315
or consent of instructor. Legal and ethical issues in human reproduction
including contraception, abortion, in vitro fertilization, and surrogate
motherhood.
7303: SEM: Legal Aspects of Bioethics Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite:
LAW 5315 or consent of instructor. Topics include privacy and confidentiality,
terminal care decisions, euthanasia, patient control of treatment, and organ
donation and transplantation.
7304: SEM: Problems in International Trade & Investment Cr. 3.
(3-0). J.D. students require consent of instructor. Issues relating to
international trade (multi-lateral and regional) and investment and their
relationship to environmental concerns are explored through selected readings
and student papers.
7305: SEM: Consumer Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: consent of
instructor. Focus on the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
7306: SEM: Criminal Justice Cr. 3. (3-0). In-depth overview of the
criminal justice system with specific attention to both federal and Texas law
and procedure. Analysis of the system with consideration of each of the
participants: victim, police, prosecutor, defense bar, jury, judiciary, and
corrections. Responsibilities, practice, and ethics of each agency.
7307: SEM: Disabilities and the Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite:
Disabilities and the Law (LAW 5341). Focuses on some of the more complex issues
of disability rights law. Class discussion will be based on readings on mental
illness, drug and alcohol use and abuse, genetics, and HIV infection as a
disability.
7308: SEM: Scientific Evidence and the Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Explores
scientific issues surrounding several substances and products (such as
asbestos, Bendectin, Electro-magnetic fields, passive tobacco smoke, and breast
implants) which have generated mass tort litigation in the past or are
candidates for future litigation. Others have had their greatest impact in
other areas; for example, DNA evidence and alcohol testing have primarily been
an issue in criminal cases, while drug testing has been an important issue in
employment law.
7309: SEM: Occupational Health Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite:
Health Law (LAW 5315) or consent of instructor. Explores the federal regulation
of work-place safety and health with special emphasis on the Occupational
Safety and Health Act. Also includes such contemporary issues as drug testing
and cigarette smoking policies.
7310: SEM: Logic of Law Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of legal argument
using formal syllogism, method of analogy, hypothesis, generalization, and
evaluation. Special emphasis is given to proof of facts in trial by the test of
probability.
7311: SEM: Business/Family Immigration Cr. 2. (2-0). This seminar
focuses on the laws regulating immigration of business people, as well as those
regulating the immigration of family members of U.S. citizens and residents.
7312: SEM: Eighth Amendment Cr. 3. (3-0). This seminar examines
the death penalty and the constitutionality of its administration.
7313: SEM: Wrongful Discharge Cr. 3. (3-0). This seminar will
examine the legal doctrines governing employment relations outside the
collective bargaining area. The seminar also explores the strategic and
tactical decisions surrounding wrongful discharge litigation, the availability
and utility of alternative dispute mechanisms, and the adaptability of
"traditional" labor and discrimination law to wrongful discharge litigation.
7324: SEM: Criminal Procedure Cr. 3. (3-0). A study of the
criminal system and the constitutional guarantees stemming from the Bill of
Rights and the 14th amendment.
7325: SEM: Civil Rights/Section 1983 Cr. 3. (3-0). Substantive and
procedural problems in litigating a civil rights course of action under 42
U.S.C. 164 ¤ 1983.
7326: SEM: Employment Discrimination Cr. 3. (3-0). An examination
of federal and state law pertaining to discrimination in employment
relationships.
7328: SEM: Intellectual Property Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite:
LAW 5332, 5379, or 5201. Currently controversial topics in the intellectual
property law field. Open to J.D. and LL.M. students.
7329: SEM: Human Rights Cr. 3. (3-0). Seminar addressing several
human rights problems, including the sources and content of human rights law
and the types of remedies that are available for the protection of human rights
at the international, regional, and domestic (U.S.) levels.
7330: SEM: Law and Economics Cr. 3. (3-0). Study and analysis of
the ways in which legal and economic interests, policies and processes interact
in the creation and construction of laws and regulations and in sharing court
decisions. Provides theoretical economic principles with which to analyze
processes and institutions.
7333: SEM: Dispute Resolution Cr. 3. (3-0). The various methods of
alternative dispute resolution in the commercial field, including arbitration,
negotiation, mediation and mini-trial.
7335: SEM: Tax Policy Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5359.
Consideration of problems in the field of federal tax policy.
7340: SEM: Higher Education Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Advanced study,
research and writing concerning legal issues in post-secondary education,
including governance, faculty, students, and regulation by state and federal
governments.
7341: SEM: Maritime Cargo and Collision Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Study of
liability, insurance, underwriting and personal injury issues arising out of
maritime collisions both within and without national territorial waters.
7342: SEM: International Energy Transactions Cr. 3. (3-0). Study
of contracts dealing with international petroleum exploration and production
between private industry and foreign governments and also laws affecting
sovereign immunity, pollution and international dispute resolution.
7343: SEM: Legal History Cr. 3. (3-0). Seminar on the development
of law, legal institutions and the legal profession.
7344: SEM: Jurisprudence Cr. 3. (3-0). Advanced research and study
of the nature of law, what it is, how it operates as an obligatory control in
society and is shaped by societal values. Coverage includes concepts of
justice, relationship of law and morality and scope of judicial and legislative
authority.
7346: SEM: Marital Property Rights Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5340.
Advanced study of marital property rights, including rights of creditors
of spouses, powers of spouses to manage property and tax considerations at
divorce.
7347: SEM: Bankruptcy Code Cr. 3. (3-0). A seminar emphasizing the
drafting of the key documents in a chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
7349: SEM: Constitutional Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Selected topics in
constitutional law. Varies from year to year.
7352: SEM: International Environmental Law Cr. 3. (3-0). The
foundations for legal response to current global environmental challenges and
the exploration of the leading issues. Issues of current (or historical)
interest and an analysis of how international laws and institutions may help
resolve them.
7357: SEM: Information Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Legal issues concerning
collection, storage, access, disclosure and concealment of information
concerning private citizens, commercial entities and public agencies;
proprietary rights and rights of privacy are covered.
7359: SEM: Foreign Affairs and the Constitution Cr. 3. (3-0). A
seminar in the powers of the President and Congress and the role of the
judiciary concerning constitutional matters involving foreign affairs.
7360: SEM: Law and Literature Cr. 3. (3-0). A seminar in the
treatment of selected problems both by law and in literature.
7361: SEM: Law and Society Cr. 3. (3-0). Study of relationships
between social science research and theory and the administration of law,
including the use of expert witnesses and reliance on survey or other
statistical data as evidence for legal decisions.
7362: SEM: Taxation of Failing Business Cr. 3. (3-0). A seminar in
the tax problems faced by both debtors and creditors where corporations,
partnerships, and proprietorships are in financial difficulty, whether in or
out of bankruptcy proceedings.
7363: SEM: Computer Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Selective aspects of the
legal problems faced by businesses selling, buying and using computer hardware
and software.
7377: SEM: Family Law Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisites: LAW 5383 and
5340, or permission of instructor. In-depth analysis of selected issues
relating to family law, marital property rights and divorce.
7382: SEM: Lender Liability Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: LAW 5376
or LAW 5480. An exploration of the techniques that secured creditors should
utilize in enforcing rights in order to avoid liability to debtors.
7384: SEM: Criminal Sentencing Cr. 3. (3-0). Seminar examining the
traditional goals of the criminal justice system including the Federal
Sentencing Guidelines, the use, viability, and appropriateness of alternatives
to incarceration and the considerations regarding the sentence of death.
7385: SEM: Environmental Law and Policy Cr. 3. (3-0). Emerging
issues in the field of environmental law, including biotechnology, racism,
commercial lender liability, environmental ethics, and environmental activism.
7386: SEM: Products Liability Cr. 3. (3-0). Liability of
manufacturers, processors, suppliers and retailers for loss resulting from
unreasonably dangerous products.
7387: SEM: Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions Cr. 3. (3-0).
Examination of the law and finance of corporate acquisitions; evaluation of the
nature of capital markets and the efficient markets hypothesis; analysis of the
motives underlying acquisitions; study of the legal duties and liabilities of
directors facing takeover bids.
7388: SEM: Prisoner's Rights Cr. 3. (3-0). Explores the
historical, sociological and legal issues surrounding the incarceration of
individuals in the United States, including health care, overcrowding, parole
and probation, Eighth Amendment, and federal court intervention.
7391: SEM: Extraterritorial Application of U.S. Laws Cr. 3. (3-0).
Principles applied by United States courts and relied upon by Federal
legislation and Executive Orders to assert jurisdiction over persons involved
in international activities.
Last updated:
Friday, August 10, 2012 - 06:12 AM
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