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ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 1020)
2 credits
This course is designed to give both the theoretical and practical approaches to the various forms of the dispute resolution process. The student will be introduced to such techniques as mediation, conciliation, fact-finding, court-annexed arbitration and hybrid combinations of these processes. Throughout, the course will be concerned with an exploration of factors underlying these methods of arriving at agreement as well as the ethical issues that arise in the ADR context. Students will engage in simulated situations of dispute resolution which will be videotaped and critiqued. Grades are based upon a research paper and course participation.
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CIVIL PROCEDURE (CIVIL PROCEDURE - 1000)
4 credits
This first year course is concerned with the statutory and judicially established procedures governing the conduct of civil litigation in the courts, with an emphasis on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The course examines in depth principles of jurisdiction, conflict of laws, pleadings, joinder of parties (including class actions), motions, summary judgment, discovery and the doctrine of preclusion. Grades are based upon a final examination.
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EVIDENCE (STATE AND FEDERAL PRACTICE - 2090)
4 credits
This course studies the rules of evidence that govern judicial proceedings in federal and state courts. Subjects covered include relevance, real and demonstrative evidence, judicial notice, burdens of proof, presumptions, competency of witnesses, examination of witnesses, character evidence and related problems, the hearsay rule and its exceptions, opinion evidence, expert witnesses, foundation and authentication, the best evidence rule, and privileges. Grades are based upon a final examination.
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INTRODUCTION TO LAW (LEGAL METHOD - 1000)
2 credits
This course introduces methods and ideas that are fundamental components of the American legal system, with an emphasis on case law analysis and statutory interpretation. A passing grade requires regular attendance and satisfactory completion of several writing assignments.
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NEGOTIATION (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 7030)
2 credits
This course examines the skills, constraints, and dynamics of the negotiation process. Students will explore the theoretical framework for understanding negotiation practice in a variety of contexts, including both the settlement of disputes and the creation of value through bargaining. Students will apply the concepts learned by participating in simulated exercises involving realistic negotiation situations. Legal and ethical constraints on lawyers in negotiation will be considered. Grades are based on classroom participation, demonstration of the skills taught, and the submission of written work. A student may take only one of the following: Negotiation, Negotiation (Intensive), or Negotiation (Comprehensive).
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NEGOTIATION (COMPREHENSIVE) (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 9030)
3 credits
The Negotiation (Comprehensive) course examines the skills, constraints, and dynamics of the negotiation process in an expanded format emphasizing experiential learning and skill development. Students will explore the theoretical framework for understanding negotiation practice in a variety of contexts, including both the settlement of disputes and the creation of value through bargaining. Legal and ethical constraints on lawyers in negotiation will be considered. Students will apply the concepts learned by participating in simulated exercises involving realistic negotiation situations, with extensive analysis and feedback. Grades are based on classroom participation, the submission of written work, and performance on the simulations and exercises. A student may take only one of the following: Negotiation, Negotiation (Intensive), or Negotiation (Comprehensive).
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NEGOTIATION (INTENSIVE) (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 8020)
2 credits
The Intensive Negotiation course is a compressed, inter- active course examining the skills, constraints, and dynamics of the negotiation process. Students will explore the theoretical framework for understanding negotiation practice in a variety of contexts, including both the settlement of disputes and the creation of value through bargaining. Legal and ethical constraints on lawyers in negotiation will be considered. Students will apply the concepts learned by participating in simulated exercises involving realistic negotiation situations. Grades are based on a final examination, along with classroom participation, the submission of written work, and performance on the simulations and exercises. A student may take only one of the following: Negotiation, Negotiation (Intensive), or Negotiation (Comprehensive).
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NEW YORK PRACTICE (STATE AND FEDERAL PRACTICE - 2000)
4 credits
This course is a study of civil litigation in New York from initiation of the action to filing of the case for trial. The course will familiarize students with the nature, purpose, and content of the Civil Practice Law and Rules and, through statutory and case law analysis, develop the requisite foundation for effective civil practice. The treatment is essentially in chronological order, beginning with selection of the appropriate court and covering commencement of the action, personal jurisdiction, statutes of limitation, joinder of parties, pleadings, motion practice and pre-trial discovery. Appellate considerations and issues of res judicata pervade the material. The unique characteristics of Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules, a form of judicial review of administrative action, are also covered. Any student who contemplates practicing in New York is strongly urged to take the course. Students who plan to practice in other states can also profit from their knowledge of New York Practice inasmuch as the procedural issues covered in the course are universal. Grades are based upon a final examination.