Simulation Courses
Advanced Legal Research (2 or 3 cr.) D/N 664 builds on the basic research skills and techniques covered in the basic course, Legal Research, this course offers students an opportunity to gain in-depth working knowledge of legal research resources and methods. This course is intended to develop a mastery of legal research beyond the level of the standard first year curriculum. The course will cover several major areas of legal research, including, but not limited to, extensive coverage of primary and secondary sources, practice and specialized topical resources, international law, cost-effective legal research, legal resources on the Internet and advanced training on LEXIS and WESTLAW. Depending on the semester specialized topics may vary. Course objectives are: 1) to expand students’ skills in primary and secondary US legal sources, in all formats; 2) to teach students how to evaluate resources and use them effectively, with particular emphasis on cost-effective research; 3) to help students develop efficient online research skills; 4) to introduce students to some non-legal information resources. Students are required to complete weekly research assignments and a comprehensive research assignment. P: Legal Research.
Advanced Persuasive Writing and Oral Advocacy (2 cr.) D/N 522 explores advanced techniques in persuasive writing and oral advocacy. The course assignments will cover civil and criminal matters in a trial court setting. P: Legal Analysis, Research, and Communication I and II (D/N 520 and D/N 521).
Alternative Dispute Resolution (2 or 3 cr.) D/N 844 explores the theories and processes of dispute resolution outside the traditional framework of state or federal court litigation. Particular emphasis will be placed on negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Additional topics may include "mixed-alternative" processes (e.g., court-annexed arbitration, mini-trials, and private judging).
Appellate Practice (2 cr.) D/N 810 covers appellate practice, from the preservation of error at trial through review by the court of last resort. Both civil and criminal appeals processes will be discussed. The focus will be on the technical aspects of perfecting an appeal and practicing before an appellate court, but the course will also cover techniques for effective appellate advocacy.
Contract Drafting (2 cr.) D/N 538 This simulation course provides introductory training in the basic techniques of contract drafting. Through classroom discussion, reading assignments, in-class exercises, and drafting assignments, students will learn about different contract concepts; how to translate agreed terms into enforceable provisions that concisely and precisely reflect the contracting parties' intent; and how to draft a logically organized contract in plain English. P: Completion of Contracts and Sales and LCA I & II.
Criminal Procedure Advocacy Skills (2 or 3 cr.) D/N 777 is designed to show students how basic concepts of criminal procedure are tested in the courtroom. By participating in a series of oral advocacy assignments, students will hone their oral and written trial advocacy skills. Over the course of a semester, each student will participate in the following advocacy exercises: bail/bond hearings, pre-trial motions, motions to suppress evidence, miscellaneous issues during trial, and sentencing hearings. In addition each student will submit at least one significant writing project, such as a Motion to Suppress Evidence. In addition to placing the theoretical course material in a courtroom context, the advocacy exercises give students interested in pursuing a career in criminal law additional practice and feedback on a critical pre-trial skill. This simulation structure will allow students to get "on their feet," learn courtroom lawyering skills, and receive substantial feedback throughout the semester. Co-requisite or P: Criminal Procedure: Investigation or permission of instructor.
Data Security and Privacy Law (2 cr.) D/N 909 This simulation course provides a fundamental understanding of the various different laws and practices related to data privacy and the essential factors to consider when implementing preventative procedures. Privacy is an area of law that has recently developed as a response to the growing challenges for the protection of privacy. Data privacy law applies to a vast range of everyday activities and can be extremely complex. As new technologies continue to emerge, data privacy law will continue to grow and more innovative prevention methods will be needed to avoid privacy intrusions. Tort law, federal and state constitutional law, federal and state statutory law, evidentiary privileges, property law, contract law, and criminal law all form the expansive boundaries encompassed in data privacy law.
Intellectual Property Licensing: Drafting Skills (2 or 3 cr.) D/N 905 course will provide fundamental understanding of licensing intellectual property laws and practices. It is a "skills" course with intensive weekly drafting assignments of various licensing provisions. P: Intellectual Property Law (D/N 862).
Interviewing and Counseling (2 cr.) D/N 606 covers interviewing and counseling in the context of legal representation. This simulation course addresses theories and techniques used in interviewing and counseling.
Litigation Drafting (2 cr.) D/N 539 This simulation course focuses on drafting complaints, answers, motions, interrogatories, and other documents required to prepare a case for trial. Trial and post-trial motions may be included. Students will conduct legal research and fact investigation in simulated cases or scenarios. Strategic decisions in case development and the ethics of advocacy will be considered. Students who enroll at any time in this course may not enroll in Lawyering Practice. P: Completion of Civil Procedure and LCA I & II.
Mediation Practice (2 cr.) D/N 700 This course examines processes, procedures and practices for mediating two- and multi-party disputes in various legal and professional contexts. This simulation course includes many opportunities to engage in role-plays and other experiential learning activities and to develop communication, relationship building, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills and techniques in mediated settings. Students will also learn ethical considerations for mediating disputes and about future opportunities to develop as mediators in their chosen legal and professional fields. While students may enroll in this course or in Mediation (DN876), they may not receive credit for more than one of these courses. This course may be taught as a pass/fail course.
Negotiations (2 or 3 cr.) D/N 863 This course explores the negotiation process in the context of legal problem-solving. The course may include negotiation exercises in which students participate.
Space Law (2 cr.) D/N 700 The course will introduce the students to the history and theory of International Space Law, including the five international treaties and the theoretical underpinnings of the agreements, as well as the politics behind who has and has not joined each. Students will also participate in a practical regulatory simulation where students will “retain” and “counsel” a fictional space startup. During this simulation, students will take proper legal action throughout the life cycle of a typical space company, including fundraising under CFIUS, export controls under ITAR, launch/payload licensing under the FAA, remote sensing licensing under the NOAA, and spectrum licensing under the FCC.
Trial Advocacy Competition (1) D/N 745 A spring semester Trial Advocacy Competition course is open to eight students selected by audition held during the fall semester. Members of the course represent the law school at regional and national trial competitions. Auditions are open to students who have completed Evidence (DN632) and Trial Practice (DN718). Course participation requires a minimum of 60 hours of trial preparation and related activity. The course is graded. Prerequisite: Evidence (DN632).
Trial Practice (3 cr.) D/N 718 This simulation course covers trial procedures from selection of jury through opening statements, presentation of evidence, preservation of error, cross-examination, closing argument, and instructions. Students participate in simulated cases. Limited enrollment.
