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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW (ADMINISTRATIVE LAW & GOV'T REG - 1000)
3 credits
This course explores the administrative process in executive and independent regulatory agencies with emphasis on judicial review. Consideration is given to the powers vested in administrative bodies and to the constitutional, statutory and other legal limitations on agency decision making. 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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LEGISLATION STATUTORY INTEPRET (ADMINISTRATIVE LAW & GOV'T REG - 1060)
3 credits
Statutory law has replaced common law as the principal source of legal rights and obligations in the United States. Most of the "law" that lawyers work with is statutory and almost every field of legal practice involves the construction of statutes. This course will provide students with a fundamental grounding in the legislative process and a systematic understanding of the rules, canons, and presumptions that judges use to interpret statutes. Topics covered will include the relationship between the common law and statutes, the linguistic and substantive canons of statutory construction, the implementation of statutes by administrative agencies, and the role of legislative history in statutory interpretation (how legislators produce it, how lawyers research it, and how courts use it). This course aims to provide practical training in the nuts and bolts of statutory interpretation as well as an understanding of the various theoretical approaches that courts may follow in applying the canons of construction. Students will participate in an ungraded group legislative drafting exercise and complete a few ungraded practical problems at the end of the semester. Grades will be based on a final examination.
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TRUSTS AND ESTATES (TRUSTS AND ESTATES - 1040)
4 credits
This course treats intestate succession, wills, trusts, and future interests as integrated elements in the planning of family property settlements. Income, estate and gift tax implications of various arrangements are discussed, to the extent necessary to illuminate the nontax material. Fiduciary and investment aspects of the law of trusts are analyzed, as are the traditional construction, class gift and perpetuity problem areas. Grades are based upon a final examination.