Credit Hours
In order to receive an LL.M. degree in U.S. Legal Studies at
St. John’s Law School, students must complete Twenty-Four (24)
credit hours comprised of:
6 Credits
(Offered Fall Only)
Introduction to U.S. Law (3)
During the fall semester, LL.M. candidates will gain an overview of
U.S. law, focusing on the ways in which it differs from that of
other nations, and especially how the common-law system is distinct
from the civil-law system. Topics covered include the U.S.
federal-state relationship, jury trials, punitive damages,
constitutional protection for free speech and the free exercise of
religion, constitutional measures safeguarding the rights of those
accused of crime, and similar subjects. The course will give
students an intellectual roadmap so they will be able to choose
appropriate elective courses while focusing on their scholarly or
professional interests.
U.S. Legal Research and Writing (3)
During the fall semester, LL.M. candidates will learn how to
efficiently research complex questions of U.S. law and write
memoranda that explain the results of their research. Students will
be introduced both to core research materials, such as case reports
and annotated codes, and to more sophisticated techniques, such as
using federal and state administrative materials, legislative
histories, on-line research, law review articles, and legal
databases. Students will also gain familiarity with materials
unique to particular practice areas such as tax, securities,
banking and international law. Besides researching questions of
law, the LL.M. candidates will also learn how to explain the
results of their research in the idioms and forms of U.S. legal
writing, including memoranda of law and court briefs. An emphasis
will be placed on the characteristics of effective and persuasive
writing. Grades will be based upon periodic assignments and a
research paper.
10 Credits
Among the core J.D. courses:
- Contracts
- Property
- Torts
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
- Civil Procedure
- New York Practice
- Professional Responsibility
- Federal Practice
8 Credits
Among the elective JD courses and subject to availability – For
complete list of courses refer to the Student
Handbook.
We encourage LL.M. candidates to study topics such as Contracts,
Torts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law or
Corporations in order to augment their knowledge and understanding
of U.S. Law.
It is required that a B- average be maintained throughout the
program in order to graduate. Due to the intensity and rigor of the
LL.M. program, full-time students are not permitted to work and
have to enroll in a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 per semester.
Part-time students must comply with proper immigration and
employment regulations.