Seminars involving in-depth analyses of many legal issues and topics are offered every semester. The content of these seminars varies from year to year as matters of current interest shift in the fields of law from which the topics are drawn. Faculty offering seminars usually post detailed descriptions well in advance of registration for the semester in which the seminar will occur. Most seminars require a substantial research paper that will satisfy the Advanced Research and Writing Requirement. Students should check with the faculty member teaching the seminar for specific information. Some seminars are offered only occasionally. The course descriptions below are for regularly offered seminars (those expected to be offered at least once in every two year period).
Seminar Courses
Energy, Economics, and the Environment (2 cr.) D/N 700 The course will introduce the structure of US electric power and natural gas industries and the statutory and regulatory frameworks that govern them. The course then explores national economic regulatory policy goals, the historic evolution of energy markets, and the key enabling statutes for utility regulatory agencies (federal and state). Special focus is paid to regulatory orders from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the judicial review of agency actions, and current issues in international energy law.
In-House Counsel Seminar (2 cr.) D/N 700 Unlike most law school classes, this class focuses on lawyers practicing as employees of public and private for-profit corporations and nonprofit organizations. In-house lawyers face a combination of business and legal issues that differ from law firm practice. In-house lawyers must balance their duties as a lawyer with their business and leadership responsibilities within the organization. In-house lawyers play several roles including legal technician, trusted counselor, and business leader. In addition, the general counsel serves as a lawyer-statesman, setting the moral compass for the organization. This course addresses both what is legal and what is right for the organization. It also seeks to provide an understanding of the practical skills for in-house practice, building a foundation for the student to address complex problems and be an effective contributor to the organization. A substantial research paper may satisfy the Advanced Research and Writing Requirement if approved by the instructor.
Seminar in American Legal History (2 cr.) D/N 850 At the option of the instructor, this class will provide a survey of American legal history, or as an alternative, will explore a selected American legal history period or subject. Topics might include, but are not limited to, criminal justice, family law, Indiana legal history, legal profession, and legal theory.
Seminar in Business and Estate Planning (2 cr.) D/N 854 This seminar provides an analysis of individuals' methods for disposing of wealth, using the laws of trusts, estates, future interests, and taxes. Topics include marital deductions, life insurance, powers of appointment, arrangements for minor or other incapacitated children, charitable gifts and devises, qualified retirement plans, non-qualified retirement plans, passive activities, disposing of stock in closely held corporations, estate freezes, and generation-skipping tax transfers. Generally, each student will be required to prepare an estate plan based on statements of facts distributed by the instructor. P: Income Taxation (DN648); Trusts and Estates (DN722); Estate Planning (DN725); or permission of instructor.
Seminar in Health Policy, Law and Bioethics (2 cr.) D/N 655 This is an advanced seminar designed to help students develop their ability to understand major issues facing the American health care system from an interdisciplinary perspective. Faculty and students will consider a wide-range of critical health law policy questions using both inter- and multi-disciplinary perspectives.
Seminar in Judicial Selection (2 cr.) D/N 744 This seminar explores the various methods for selecting judges throughout the United States, including lifetime appointments in the federal system, partisan and non-partisan elections in state courts, and the various iterations of merit selection. The course also addresses the interplay of selection and retention methods on judicial independence.
Seminar in Law and Religion (2 or 3 cr.) D/N 890 This seminar analyzes current issues at the intersection of law and religion, including topics such as civil disobedience, conscientious objection, Sunday Blue Laws, religion and education, tax exemption of church property, religion and family law, censorship, and religion and public morality.
Seminar in Law and Technology (2 or 3 cr.) D/N 778 This course explores many aspects of the complex interrelationships between law and technology. In addition to examining the law specifically applicable to computers and other technological developments, the seminar may focus on themes and trends, such as the causal relationship between technological evolution and change in the law. This seminar can focus on a wide variety of possible themes and topics depending upon the interest and background of the instructor and students.
Seminar in Public Utilities Regulation (2 cr.) D/N 858 Concepts of state and federal utility regulation are addressed in this seminar. It also considers current regulatory problems, such as restriction of entry, market requirements, mergers and market structures, and rate making practices and procedures.
Seminar in Selected Topics in Constitutional Law (2 cr.) D/N 840 Provides in-depth consideration of selected aspects of constitutional powers, structure, processes, or individual liberties.
