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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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CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT & LAW
(THEORY,HIST.& STRUCTURE OF LAW - 1060)
(2 credits)
This course is designed to offer students an exposure to theories of law and justice based on Catholic social thought as it has developed over the last century. The course will offer students the opportunity to discuss and examine the basic principles of Catholic Social Thought and their justifications in the context of various substantive law areas and will enable students to compare those arguments with the theories traditionally used to defend and critique the American legal system. In exposing students to Catholic Social Thought as it applies to a variety of substantive areas, the course allows students a different way of thinking about legal issues that they address in other courses and equips them to think critically about the liberal state's vision of legal theory. A significant part of the readings for the course will consist of papal encyclicals, Council documents and pastoral letters issued by the American bishops. In addition, for each topic discussed in class, students will read some combination of cases, legislation (and proposed legislation), and secondary source material. Grading in the course will be based on a research paper, weekly reflections pieces on the topic for discussion in that class and on class discussion.
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EMPLOYMENT LAW
(LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW - 1010)
(3 credits)
This course concentrates on employment-related rights and benefits not covered in the basic and advanced labor law courses. Areas of analysis include state and federal statutory schemes for disabling injuries and diseases (Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability Benefits), workers safety and heath (OSHA), and pensions (ERISA and Social Security Retirement Benefits). Employment-at-will is also explored. The coordinating themes throughout the course are the historical and the theoretical bases for employment-related social legislation and an ongoing inquiry into the fundamental nature of employment itself. 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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PENSION & EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
(LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW - 1000)
(3 credits)
This course will study the laws regulating pensions and other benefits provided to employees by private employers, with a primary but not exclusive emphasis on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Topics covered will include rules designed to prevent forfeiture of pension benefits, fiduciary duties under ERISA regulation of tax-qualified pension plans, the termination insurance program for pension plans, preemption of state law and a variety of issues relating to non-pension welfare benefits plans, such as those providing medical insurance. Grades are based upon short written assignments, class participation, and a final examination.