Course Descriptions

LAW 9520 Accounting for Lawyers

1 Credit

Designed to equip the law student who has not previously taken an accounting course with the basic principles necessary to properly understand the materials taught in Corporations, Tax I, and other courses in which accounting and finance are relevant. The course includes reading and interpreting financial reports, generally accepted accounting principles, terminology and basic methods of bookkeeping, commonly used valuation techniques based upon both assets and income, investment analysis, evaluation of equity and debt as capitalization methods, and the basic principles and terminology of securities including stocks, bonds, futures, options and other debt instruments.

Recommended, but not required prerequisites: Tax I and Corporations

Offered fall or spring every year, typically as a 7 week class

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9301 Administrative Law

3 Credits

Examines the powers and procedures of administrative agencies in investigation, rulemaking, adjudication, and informal actions; as well as the interrelation of administrative agencies with the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government in the development of public policy.

Offered every year

LAW 9580 Admiralty

3 Credits

Introduces maritime law, including admiralty jurisdiction and selected topics of maritime law such as maritime liens, injuries to seamen, general average, carriage of goods, salvage, collision, and limitation of liability.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9502 Advanced Legal Research

3 Credits

Provides in depth training in efficient, cost effective research methods covering a wide range of on line and manual formats. Includes a review of basic research materials and techniques, focusing on primary and secondary sources, and requires written exercises and a substantial research project.

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9621 Advanced Litigation Practice

3 Credits

Provides advanced in depth training in advocacy skills for each stage of litigation through lecture, discussion, demonstration, simulation and critique. Considers both civil and criminal trials. Students complete a simulated bench trial and jury trial.

Prerequisites: Criminal Procedure I, and Litigation Practice or Trial Advocacy

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9566 Agricultural Law

2 Credits

This offering presents an overview of the legal issues surrounding agricultural law with a special focus on government regulation. The course will analyze the purposes underlying government regulation and whether those goals are well served. The class will also discuss issues that attorneys face on a day to day basis. Topics will include production contracts, food safety, organics, business structures, pesticides, and marketing programs.

Offered every other year

LAW 9905 American Legal System

3 Credits

This class is for LL.M. and foreign exchange students only and is specifically designed to acquaint these students with the American legal system. The course includes a significant legal research and writing component.

Offered every year

LAW 9541 Antitrust

3 Credits

Examines legal protection of the competitive system under the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, and related legislation, including monopoly power, horizontal and vertical restraints on competition, and related problems.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9334 The Arbitral Trial and National Legal Systems

1 Credit

This course examines the various ways in which an arbitration can be organized from the perspective of the role of legal counsel, the role of the decision maker, and the role of the parties. In conducting this examination, the course describes and assesses various prominent laws of arbitration, including French, English, Japanese, and Chilean national law, as well as the UNCITRAL model rules.

Offered in the London Study Abroad program

LAW 9562 Arbitration

2 Credits

Examines statutes, rules and treaties related to international, federal, and state arbitration. Topics may include commercial, insurance, sports, medical, and labor arbitration with role plays and simulations throughout the course. Taught as a skills course with limited enrollment. Students may not enroll in this class if they have previously completed the Arbitration Certificate Program.

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9324 Arbitration Advocacy

1 Credit

In this hands on course, advocacy is explored in the context of the cross cultural environment of international arbitration. Using an interactive workshop format, the course leads students through the critical advocacy challenges and opportunities that inhere in the arbitral process. After an initial module on developing a winning theory of the case, the course will focus upon advocacy in the arbitral proceeding, including the art of opening statement, effective presentation of documentary evidence, the use of experts, cross examination, and overall interaction with the tribunal and opposing counsel.

Offered in the London Study Abroad program

LAW 9595 Arts and Entertainment Law

2 Credits

The course emphasizes an understanding of copyright, publicity rights, trademarks, finance, labor law, and First Amendment through an exploration of the industry structure and practice for music, film, theatre, arts, online and related industries. The course emphasizes deal making in the entertainment industry and helps students develop client counseling and problem solving skills using issues related to typical industry transactions and business planning.

Strongly recommended prerequisite: Intellectual Property or Copyright Law

Offered every other year

LAW 9503 Banking Law

3 Credits

Examines the role of banks in a credit economy. Topics include bank charters, regulation of bank investments and deposits, bank holding companies, branch banking restrictions, the role of government in monitoring banks, and bank failures. Statutory material includes selected portions of the National Bank Act,the Federal Reserve Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank Holding Company Act, and selected statutes and regulations.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9504 Bankruptcy

3 Credits

Studies state collection remedies, such as executions, garnishment and attachment, and bankruptcy liquidation under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Prerequisite: Secured Transactions

Offered every other year

LAW 9505 Business Planning

3 Credits

Integrates corporation, securities and tax law through a series of basic problems that commonly face business lawyers in the formation, financing, and restructuring of corporations.

Recommended Prerequisites: Tax II and Securities Regulation

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9586 Children and the Law

2 Credits

Considers issues faced by children in the legal system, particularly in custody, support, paternity, adoption, child neglect and abuse, and criminal proceedings, with attention to the role of lawyers and other professionals in the system.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9111 Civil Procedure I

3 Credits

Focuses on the civil judicial process and dispute resolution. It includes a study of the constitutional and legislative grants of authority to the state and federal judicial systems, including questions of personal jurisdiction, subject matter jurisdiction, and venue. Studies each stage of the civil lawsuit including pleadings, motions, discovery, trial, post trial motions, appeals, and finality of judgments. In addition, examines alternatives to the litigation process including mediation and arbitration and the role of negotiation in resolving clients' problems.

First year required course

LAW 9111B Civil Procedure II

3 Credits

Continuation of Civil Procedure I. The allocation of subject matter between Civil Procedure I and II may vary from year to year.

First year required course

LAW 9543 Civil Rights

3 Credits

Examines statutory and constitutional doctrine on discrimination, primarily that based on race, sex, and disability. Focuses on major areas of concern, such as housing, government contracts and benefits, transportation, public accommodations, education, and others (excluding employment).

Recommended Prerequisites: Constitutional Law I and II

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9610A Clinic: Child Advocacy

3 Credits

This clinic offers students many opportunities to appear in juvenile court and administrative hearings concerning children. Students advocate directly for children who are involved in minor juvenile cases, cases for Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS), truancies, school expulsions, adoptions, and minors seeking to live independently. Law students may work on guardian ad litem cases or juvenile delinquency cases as available. Students are required to complete 130 hours, including 60 hours of class work and 70 hours of case work.

Prerequisite or concurrent: Professional Responsibility

Recommended Prerequisites: Children & the Law, Law of Juvenile Delinquency, Lawyering Skills, Litigation Practice, and/or Evidence

Offered every year

LAW 9610I Clinic: Education Law

3 Credits

This clinic offers students the opportunity to both study education law and represent clients at the Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services office in Saint Paul under the supervision of an experienced education law attorney. The particular substantive focus of the course and case work will involve laws related to equal educational opportunities for children from low income families, educational rights of limited English proficient children, educational rights of children with disabilities, school expulsion, tracking, racial discrimination, and bias in schools. Students will be expected to spend some time at the legal services office working on their cases. Students also conduct community education and outreach. Students are required to complete 130 hours, including 60 hours class preparation and classroom work and 70 hours of case work.

Prerequisite or concurrent: Professional Responsibility

Recommended Prerequisite: Lawyering Skills

Offered every year

LAW 9610E Clinic: Employment Discrimination Mediation Representation

3 Credits

This clinic offering takes advantage of a collaboration between Hamline and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Students represent victims of alleged employment discrimination in cases where the EEOC has offered early intervention mediation. The clinic complements theorizing in the classroom about redefining "winning" and "zealousness" by allowing students the opportunity to apply new visions of lawyering to clients' real problems. Students are required to complete 130 hours, including 60 hours of class work and 70 hours of case work.

Prerequisite or concurrent: Professional Responsibility

Recommended Prerequisites: Dispute Resolution Practices or Mediation Skills; Employment Law and/or Employment Discrimination; Lawyering Skills

Offered every year

LAW 9610N Clinic: Immigration

3 Credits

This clinic provides students with the opportunity to represent clients with immigration cases under the supervision of an experienced immigration practitioner at a local public service immigration office. Students will work with several clients with immigration cases. Case types may include family based petitions, fiancée applications, naturalization, adjustment of status to permanent residence, visa processing, Violence Against Women Act or removal proceedings. Students will also have the opportunity to observer immigration hearings.Students are required to complete 130 hours, consisting of 60 hours of class work and class preparation and 70 hours of case work.

Prerequisite or concurrent: Professional Responsibility

Recommended Prerequisite: Immigration

Offered every year

LAW 9610P Clinic: Innocence

3 Credits

In this clinic, students will have the opportunity to investigate inmate claims of actual innocence. Students will obtain primary source material police reports, forensic reports, court pleadings, transcripts, appellate briefs, and opinions. Students will be expected to prepare written summaries of these materials and to present and discuss these materials during class. Students will conduct interviews with inmates and potential witnesses. Students will have the opportunity to assist Innocence Project volunteers private investigators, forensic experts, and attorneys in preparing claims of actual innocence. The course will include lecture, discussion, and guest speakers about eyewitness identification, post conviction remedies, and false confessions. Class time will be divided among class work, discussion of cases, and periodic guest speakers. Speakers will be selected both for the general subject matter and for the specific cases under review. Students are required to complete 130 hours consisting of 30 hours of class work, 30 hours of class preparation, and 70 hours of casework.

Prerequisite or concurrent requirements: Criminal Law; Professional Responsibility

Recommended Prerequisites: Wrongful Convictions, Criminal Procedure I

Offered every year

LAW 9610L Clinic: Mediation

3 Credits

This clinic is a collaboration between Hamline and regional providers of mediation services. Students mediate cases referred by small claims or housing courts; those students with prior family mediation training may also co mediate family law cases, including divorce and post decree disputes. Students are required to complete 130 hours, including 60 hours of class work and simulation practice, and 70 hours of case work (actual mediation time and completion of required post mediation reports).

Prerequisites: Professional Responsibility (may be taken concurrently) and one of the following: Mediation Skills, Family Mediation, completion of a state certified 30 hour civil mediation or 40 hour family mediation training

Offered every year

LAW 9610K Clinic: Small Bus/Non Profit

3 Credits

Students will have the opportunity to provide legal advice to entrepreneurs in developing start up businesses and to individuals working with tax exempt non profits. The legal issues involved typically include choice of form of ownership, compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements, contract drafting and reformation, lease requirements, scope of insurance coverage, credit record adjustments, tax exemption procedures, and real and personal property transaction documentation. This clinic does not undertake litigation. Students are required to complete 130 hours, including 60 hours class preparation and classroom work and 70 hours of case work.

Prerequisite or concurrent: Professional Responsibility

Recommended prerequisites: Corporations and Tax I

Offered every year

LAW 9610D Clinic: State Public Defender

2-3 Credits

This clinic offers students the opportunity to provide criminal legal representation to low income persons. Each student represents approximately four to six clients in a wide variety of criminal law cases, handling them from start to finish under the supervision of an experienced attorney at the Minnesota State Public Defender's Office. Students participate in many phases of practice, from client interviewing through any scheduled court hearing, and are exposed to a law firm setting where they do their work. Typical cases include post conviction motions on issues such as sentencing, restitution, conditional release, guilty plea withdrawal, parole and probation revocation, and end of confinement community notification. There may be the opportunity for appellate advocacy, as well as challenges to underlying convictions for persons facing deportation. Along with hands on experience, classroom instruction on various aspects of practice is provided. Students work on cases at the office of the State Public Defender. Students are required to complete 130 hours consisting of 30 hours of class work, 30 hours of class prep and 70 hours of casework.

Prerequisite or concurrent: Professional Responsibility

Offered every year

LAW 9610F Clinic: Student Director

0-3 Credits

Student directors will work in one of the Hamline Clinics and handle their own client caseload, as well as provide supervision to and collaboration with new clinic enrollees. Student directors will not attend regular weekly clinic classes, but are instead expected to devote a minimum of 45 hours per credit to client representation and supervision/collaboration with other clinic students as assigned by the clinic supervisor. Only students who have successfully completed one of the clinics are eligible to enroll as a student director; enrollment is by invitation of the instructor upon advance application. Preference will ordinarily go to students who have not yet been a clinic director. With permission of the supervisor this course can be repeated once for credit. Students may enroll for 1, 2, or 3 credits with faculty approval.

Prerequisites: Professional Responsibility and one of Hamline's clinics.

Recommended Prerequisite: Lawyering Skills, Litigation Practice and/or Evidence, Administrative Law, Dispute Resolution Practices, Children and the Law, Juvenile Law or Mediation Skills (depending on clinic focus).

Offered fall and spring every year

LAW 9610M Clinic: Trial Practice

3 Credits

This clinic offers students the opportunity to represent individuals involved in unemployment compensation administrative trials. Students gain skills in interviewing, counseling, research, investigation and case management. They also prepare for and conduct one or more trials, gaining experience developing a theory of the case and preparing direct examinations, cross examinations, closing argument, trial brief, and trial notebook. This course provides an excellent litigation experience in the employment law area.Students are required to complete 130 hours, including 60 hours of class preparation and attendance and 70 hours of case work.

Prerequisite or concurrent: Professional Responsibility

Recommended Prerequisite: Administrative Law, Lawyering Skills and Litigation Practice

Offered every year

LAW 9544 Collective Bargaining and Labor Arbitration

2 Credits

Examines the law of collective bargaining and labor arbitration, and, through theory and practice, focuses on the aspects of negotiating labor agreements and arbitrating grievances arising thereunder.

Prerequisite: Labor Law or written permission of the instructor

Offered fall or spring alternate years

This is a skills course

Enrollment is limited

LAW 9313 Commercial Law: Payment Systems

3 Credits

Studies the rights and liabilities of the parties in the various payment systems of negotiable instruments, letters of credit, wire transfers, and credit/debit cards, focusing on the normal course of business and the allocation of losses. Covers Articles 3, 4, 4A, and 5 of the Uniform Commercial Code, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, and the applicable federal regulations.

Offered fall or spring every other year

LAW 9315 Commercial Law: Sales and Leases of Goods

3 Credits

Studies advanced issues involving the formation and interpretation of sale and lease contracts for goods. The course focuses primarily on Articles 2 and 2A of the UCC, but may also involve consideration of international sales of goods under the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods ("CISG") and consideration of certain special federal statutes related to sales and leases of goods, such as the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9314 Commercial Law: Secured Transactions

3 Credits

Studies secured financing using personal property as collateral. The course explores the various types of creditors and purchasers who may establish claims to personal property and the law governing the priorities of their claims. The primary focus of the course is on Article 9 of the UCC and selected federal bankruptcy provisions.

Offered fall or spring, every year

LAW 9545 Commercial Real Estate Transactions

2 Credits

Focuses upon complex, commercial real estate transactions. Various transaction types such as land purchase and development, wrap around contracts, shopping center development, and sale and leaseback are examined through the discussion and analysis of hypothetical situations including the drafting of documents required in such cases.

Prerequisites: Property I and Modern Real Estate Transactions (may be taken concurrently)

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9581 Comparative Law

3 Credits

Comparative study of the origins, development, and characteristics of the world's major legal systems, with emphasis on civil law systems.

Offered every other year

LAW 9736 Competitions

0-2 Credits

Law school competition participation offers students the opportunity to develop and refine writing and speaking skills for up to two academic credits with the assistance of faculty members as well as members of the bench and bar. The law school competitions at Hamline consist of a series of inter mural competitions throughout the year, in which teams of Hamline students compete against students from other law schools. The appellate type competitions require presentation of written appellate briefs and oral appellate arguments at a meet at which each team is scored and critiqued on briefs and oral presentations by judges and lawyers from the community. The client counseling, mediation, negotiation, mock trial, and similar competitions require a demonstration of conversational and advocacy skills directed towards achievement of client interests; no brief is submitted for these events.

Offered fall and spring every year

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9737 Competitions Tutorial

0 Credits

This is a zero credit required lab for all students enrolled in a competition team.

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9547 Computer and Internet Law

2 Credits

This course examines a wide range of legal issues related to the protection and use of computer technology. It begins with an exploration of the various methods of protecting computer hardware and software and the means of distributing and using such technology. Next, it examines issues such as privacy, personal jurisdiction, liability (civil and criminal) and free speech that have arisen because of the Internet.

Recommended Prerequisite: Commercial Transactions or Intellectual Property Law

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9901 Conflict Resolution from Religious Traditions

2-3 Credits

As a religiously, politically, and culturally diverse society, the people of Israel are searching for both traditional and new methods for resolving disputes that arise among individuals and communities. This course will explore traditional dispute resolution methods such as the Beth Din, Christian and Muslim courts, and Palestinian silha; the ways in which the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious traditions have shaped dispute resolution values; some of the major conflicts which face Israeli society today and the ways in which modern dispute resolution methods have been adapted to the cultures within Israel to resolve these conflicts.

Optional additional independent study credit.

Offered in the Israel Study Abroad program

LAW 9507 Conflict of Laws

3 Credits

The rules applied by courts in resolving cases involving transactions or occurrences with relationship to more than one jurisdiction. Emphasis on selection of appropriate rules where the laws of the jurisdictions differ. Also studied is recognition of judgments of other states; limitations imposed on state courts by federal law.

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 91000 Consortium

0-20 Credits

The three Minnesota law schools have entered into a consortium arrangement that allows students at each school to enroll in classes at the other two schools if they are not offered at the home school in that academic year. Registration for consortium courses takes place at Hamline, and tuition charges are included in the Hamline tuition. Students register at their home school and will be notified by the registrar's office if they may attend the consortium class. This cooperative effort among the three law schools presents an exciting opportunity for students to take advantage of courses in each school's area of expertise. Grades earned in consortium classes will be treated as transfer grades and will not be computed into the law school grade point average. Students are allowed to earn no more than six consortium course credits during their law school career. Only grades of 2.0 on a 4.0 point scale, or its equivalent, or above, will receive credit into Hamline.

LAW 9101 Constitutional Law I

3 Credits

Introduces constitutional interpretation, including doctrines and competing philosophies, and the framework of state and federal government under the Constitution. It includes the historical background of the drafting and interpretation of the Constitution, the development of the Supreme Court as an institution, the powers of the three branches of the federal government and of the states, and the structure of the Constitution, all as interpreted by the Supreme Court.

First year required course

LAW 9304 Constitutional Law II

3 Credits

Examines constitutional interpretation of the speech clause of the first amendment, the free exercise and establishment clauses of the first amendment, and the equal protection clause of the fourteenth amendment.

Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I

Offered fall and spring every year

LAW 9316 Consumer Transactions

2 Credits

Studies the regulation of consumer transactions, including the Federal Trade Commission Act, Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, Truth in Lending, Uniform Consumer Credit Code, Uniform Consumer Sales Practices Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FTC Credit Practice Rules, usury, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, as well as common law doctrines that protect consumers, such as deceit and unconscionable. This course is recommended in addition to Secured Transactions and Commercial Transactions for those students interested in a full treatment of both consumer and commercial transactions.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9121 Contracts I

3 Credits

Studies the enforceability of promises. Focuses on the common law of contracts including creation, performance and breach of contractual obligations, remedies available for breach of contract, and the impact of contract on the legal status of non parties. Modern statutory regulation of contract (the Uniform Commercial Code, Article 2) is also examined in detail.

First year required course

LAW 9121B Contracts II

3 Credits

Continuation of Contracts I. The allocation of subject matter between Contracts I and II may vary from year to year.

First year required course

LAW 9600 Copyright Law and Related Rights

3 Credits

Advanced investigation of the federal law of copyright, covering subject matter, ownership, infringement, remedies, and defenses; and related rights areas such as the Visual Art Rights Act of 1990, Audio Home Recording Act of 1992, and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998.

Recommended Prerequisite: Intellectual Property

Offered every other year

LAW 9522 Corporate Finance

2 Credits

Examines advanced issues in corporate structure. Coverage includes characteristics and rights of senior securities (equity and debt), valuation problems, divided policy and related corporate accounting problems, effect of trust indentures, and organic changes in the corporation.

Prerequisite: Corporations

Offered every other year

LAW 9311 Corporations

3 Credits

Introduces the legal and business issues pertaining to corporations, both closely held and publicly traded. Topics include corporate formation, structure and governance, as well as the rights and liabilities of management and shareholders.

Offered fall and spring every year

LAW 9131 Criminal Law

3 Credits

Examines the functions of the criminal law as a means of social control, focusing on the process of crime creation and the elements of criminal liability the criminal act, the criminal state of mind, and the absence of a defense of justification or excuse. Legislative definition and grading of offenses, and policy considerations relevant to those processes are studied in the context of the Model Penal Code and other penal statutes.

First year required course

LAW 9306 Criminal Procedure I

3 Credits

Studies the constitutional issues that arise in the administration of criminal justice, focusing specifically on problems connected with police investigation and other pretrial processes, as governed by the fourth, fifth, sixth, and eighth amendments.

Offered at least three semesters every two years

LAW 9552 Criminal Procedure II

2 Credits

Studies constitutional and other issues relating to the criminal trial, appeals, and collateral attacks on conviction.

Prerequisite: Criminal Procedure I

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9622 Dispute Resolution Practices

2 Credits

This is a survey course in dispute resolution processes designed to improve lawyers' abilities to advise and represent clients. It explores the full range of traditional and emerging alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, both court annexed and extra judicial. It examines negotiation theory and strategy, mediation,arbitration, and various hybrid processes that utilize third party intervention (such as early neutral evaluation, non binding arbitration, summary jury trial and mini trial). The course concludes with a review of emerging practice trends such as collaborative law, unbundled legal services, and online dispute resolution. Enrollment in this course is limited to those who have not taken or are not currently taking two of the following three courses: Arbitration, Mediation, or Negotiation; and to student who have not taken Dispute Resolution Practices: ADR and Technology.

Offered every year

LAW 9598 Dispute Resolution Practices: ADR and Technology

2 Credits

Global E Commerce retail sales now are growing at an astronomical rate. As the amount of E commerce continues to skyrocket, the number of disputes addressed online and the number of providers offering online dispute resolution services are growing at an explosive rate. This course will analyze ADR platforms such as Win2, Cybersettle, and iCourthouse, and will compare and contrast those services with the services provided by traditional neutrals. We also will discuss how online communication differs from face to face communication. The benefits and drawbacks of using video and audio technology both on and offline also will be explored. Finally, students will attempt to resolve disputes using one or more of the existing online dispute resolution platforms.Students who have taken Dispute Resolution Practices may not take this course for credit.

Offered every year

LAW 9126 Elder Law

2 Credits

This course examines the legal issues raised by our nation's growing elder population. Special attention is given to the housing and health care needs of the elderly; liability and advocacy issues; financing of elder care; life and estate planning; guardianship; conservatorship, advance directives and end of life decisions; and elder abuse and neglect.

Offered every other year.

LAW 9553 Employment Discrimination

3 Credits

Provides an in depth examination of federal and state fair employment laws, particularly Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The focus of the course is discrimination on account of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and age. Considers jurisdiction, administrative and judicial claims, proof and other litigation problems and the impact of the law on employment practices.

Offered every other year

LAW 9560 Employment Law

3 Credits

Surveys the common law and selected state and federal statutory schemes that regulate the employment relationship in the United States. This course does not focus on the anti discrimination statutes such as Title VII or labor management relations statutes such as the National Labor Relations Act. The course explores how state court decisions have eroded the employment at will doctrine; employee hiring and discharge; federal and state fair labor standards acts; employee privacy rights; occupational safety and health acts; worker's compensation; and a variety of fringe benefit regulations.

Offered every year.

LAW 9509 Environmental Law and Ecology

3 Credits

Introduces the law pertaining to environmental issues. Environmental problems are defined and alternative legal approaches for dealing with them are examined. Existing statutory efforts such as the National Environmental Policy Act are analyzed, as are regulatory schemes relating to environmental quality. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the scientific principles of ecology as they relate to environmental regulation.

Recommended Prerequisites: Administrative and Constitutional Law

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9510 Estate Planning and Tax

3 Credits

Deals with the federal and state tax consequences of gratuitous wealth transfers. In particular, it provides basic coverage of the taxes on gift, estate and generation skipping transfers and of the fundamentals of estate planning with emphasis on estates involving small business or farm assets.

Prerequisite: Wills & Trusts (may be taken concurrently)

Recommended Prerequisite: Tax I

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9307 Evidence

3 Credits

Examines common law rules and modern rule systems for admission and exclusion of real evidence and testimonial evidence. Emphasis is on relevancy, competence, opinions, impeachment, the hearsay rule with exceptions, privileges, judicial notice, and presumptions.

Offered fall and spring every year

LAW 9651 Extended Practicum

6-12 Credits

The extended practicum provides a more extensive externship experience, allowing for 6 12 credits, depending on the nature of the placement. Registration requires advance approval by the full time faculty supervisor for the extended practicum program, and the supervisor makes the final decision regarding the appropriate placement and corresponding credits. Enrollment is very limited and highly selective, and placements may not be available every academic year.The extended practicum may include single semester or year long placements. Each extended practicum includes a two credit classroom component and field work equal to at least 50 hours for every credit awarded (beyond the classroom component).

Professional Responsibility is a prerequisite or concurrent requirement; specific academic and operational requirements for Practicums are presented in informational memoranda maintained by the program supervisors.

Students cannot take more than one extended practicum, although a pre-arranged year long practicum counts as one. Students cannot take both a practicum and an extended practicum. Participants must be eligible for SUPREME COURT CERTIFICATION FOR STUDENT PRACTICE.

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9511 Family Law

3 Credits

Considers state regulation of family relationships. Focuses on non marital relationships, marriage, divorce, custody, child support, parents' rights, and procreative rights.

Offered fall and spring every year

LAW 9326 Family Mediation

2 Credits

This course is a challenging high energy 40 hour seminar in basic divorce mediation skills and practice development. Along with the basic content areas of divorce settlement property division, parenting, child and spousal support, divorce tax issues the course also addresses: the role of consultants and lawyers; conflict theory; psychological issues; power balancing; domestic abuse; drafting agreements; and mediation ethics. Although designed with the law student and family lawyer in mind, the course also is ideal training and specialization for therapists and other social service professionals. The instructor combines therapy techniques and family law practice that offers all students refined skills and new consumer oriented service products in the era of managed care. Experiential learning is emphasized with the opportunity for individual feedback from experienced coaches.

Offered Summer

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9512 Federal Courts

3 Credits

Examines jurisdiction of the federal courts over federal questions and a diversity of citizenship cases; distribution of powers between state and federal courts; use of state law in federal courts; civil procedure in federal district courts; and appellate review of federal and state court decisions.

Recommended Prerequisite: Constitutional Law

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9425 Food and Drug Law

2 Credits

This course will focus on the regulation of food, drugs and medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Students will learn about the statutory framework involved with particular emphasis on the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Students will learn the FDA’s interpretation and enforcement of its status and regulations and will gain insight into the FDA’s decision making processes and policies.

Offered every other year

LAW 9701 Hamline Journal of Public Law and Policy:Associate Editors

1 Credit

The Journal publishes significant public law articles. This experience provides an opportunity for law students to refine their writing and research skills while responding to the needs of the community. Requirements of membership/ criteria for credit: members must participate in 60 hours of research, drafting or production each semester. The faculty advisor authorizes credit based on his/her observations, evidence of specific work product, and recommendations of the board of editors. Staff members may receive up to two credits per semester, but in no event more than seven credits may be awarded to any staff member. All staff members, with the exception of third year students who graduate in January, must complete sufficient work to qualify for credit in both academic semesters in order to receive credit for either semester. Exceptions may be made for students on leave of absence. Students may register for only one publication course in the same academic year. Members of the board of editors receive two credits per semester, and associate editors receive two credits per year.

Offered fall, spring and summer every year

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9702 Hamline Journal of Public Law and Policy: Board of Editors

2 Credits

The Journal publishes significant public law articles. This experience provides an opportunity for law students to refine their writing and research skills while responding to the needs of the community. Requirements of membership/ criteria for credit: members must participate in 60 hours of research, drafting or production each semester. The faculty advisor authorizes credit based on his/her observations, evidence of specific work product, and recommendations of the board of editors. Staff members may receive up to two credits per semester, but in no event more than seven credits may be awarded to any staff member. All staff members, with the exception of third year students who graduate in January, must complete sufficient work to qualify for credit in both academic semesters in order to receive credit for either semester. Exceptions may be made for students on leave of absence. Students may register for only one publication course in the same academic year. Members of the board of editors receive two credits per semester, and associate editors receive two credits per year.

Offered fall, spring and summer every year

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9323 Health Law Organization and Finance

3 Credits

This course addresses the regulation, structure, and financing of the American health care system. It will focus on the cost and access issues which permeate health care. The class will examine how health care is funded through both private and public insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. The obligations of hospitals and professionals to treat the uninsured will be reviewed, as well as the policy questions about addressing access to the large uninsured population. The course will also review the forms and structure of health care enterprises, with a focus on the creation and regulation of tax exempt organizations. The fraud and abuse laws, including the False Claims Act, the Anti Kickback law and STARK, will be reviewed both from the perspective of the compliance department and of the lawyer who must structure health care entities with these laws in mind. Finally, the course will review how the antitrust laws impact the structure and conduct of health care providers.

Offered every year

LAW 9322 Health Law: Quality of Care and Liability

3 Credits

This is an introductory course examining how the regulatory and legal systems approach quality of care. The focus will be on mechanisms for assuring quality of care including self regulation, credentialing, the doctor patient relationship, professional licensure, government regulation, and the tort system. Examination of the tort system will focus on confidentiality obligations (including HIPAA), informed consent,and hospital and managed care liability. The course will review the role of ERISA in both managed care liability and health plan regulation. Finally, the course will provide an overview of how the public health system operates to protect both our health care and our civil rights. At the end of the course, students will have examined both the law and policy issues such as the problems arising from medical errors and the struggle to balance the need for quality against rising costs and lack of health care access. The curriculum focuses on cases applying administrative and common law, as well as a variety of statutory schemes.

Offered every year

LAW 9599 Immigration

3 Credits

Provides a survey of the cases, statutes, and procedures in immigration and nationality law. It is designed both for students who wish to practice immigration law, as well as those who wish to study the intersection of immigration law with criminal, employment, public benefits, and family law. The course will cover visa processing, family and employment based immigration, exclusion, deportation, asylum, refugee status, employer sanctions, administrative appeals, and judicial review.

Recommended Prerequisite: Constitutional Law II and Administrative Law

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9720 Independent Study

1-3 Credits

The Independent Study offers students the opportunity to explore a specific legal topic under the supervision of a full time faculty member and with the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.The work will involve the production of a significant research paper or comparable project.

A student may take only one independent study

LAW 9609 Information Privacy Law

2 Credits

The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the development of the United States information privacy laws and the impact of privacy law on society. Privacy law is intertwined with many other areas of law, including constitutional law, tort law, federal and state law, as well as contract law. Topics in this course will include: medical privacy, financial privacy, and consumer privacy.

Offered every other year

LAW 9513 Insurance

3 Credits

Considers principles governing the making, interpretation and regulation of various types of insurance contracts, and methods of resolution of insurance disputes.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9592 Intellectual Property

3 Credits

This course provides an overview of intellectual property and unfair competition law by examining relevant common law principles and state and federal statutes. The substantive provisions of the laws governing trademark, copyrights, trade secrets and patents are explored in detail.

Offered every year

LAW 9555 International Business Transactions

3 Credits

Examines international business issues involving the export sale of goods; letters of credit in financing export sales; and resolution of international commercial disputes, including alternative forms and enforcement of judgments, tariffs on the importation of goods, customs classification and valuation, antidumping and countervailing duties, national restrictions on the export of goods and technology, and international transfer of technology. Also covers franchising and agreements for the transfer of "know-how", foreign direct investment in developed and developing countries, doing business in the European Economic Community, and with non-market economics.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9593 International Civil Litigation

3 Credits

Concentrates on the special problems created when disputes with transnational implications arise. Focuses primarily on jurisdiction, service of process abroad, taking evidence abroad, foreign sovereign immunity, the act of state doctrine, recognition of foreign judgments, and arbitration.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9327 International Commercial Arbitration

1 Credit

This course explores international commercial arbitration and dispute resolution as they have evolved within the context of the principal multilateral United Nations treaty governing international arbitration (the 1958 New York Arbitration Convention), to which 140 nations have acceded. The course discusses factors affecting site selection for international arbitration, choice of law issues in international dispute resolution, the concept of arbitrability and the arbitration of regulatory law claims, the relationships between national courts and national laws and international arbitration, and the challenge and enforcement of arbitral awards. The course also examines unique procedural, substantive, and tactical issues pertaining to arbitrations involving parties from both Western and non-Western legal systems. The course will compare a variety of national arbitration laws and institutional rules of arbitration (UNCITRAL, ICC, AAA, LCIA, HKIAC, and others) with respect to all of these issues.

Offered in the London Study Abroad program

LAW 9597 International Human Rights Law

3 Credits

This course studies the policy, principles, and enforcement mechanisms for protection of human rights under contemporary international human rights law within the framework of the United Nations and the regional systems of Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Topics include the way international human rights law functions within the domestic law of the United States. Current problems in human rights protection provide the context for study.

Recommended Prerequisites: Constitutional Law I, International Law

Offered every other year

LAW 9518 International Law

3 Credits

Examines basic principles of international law, including the jurisdiction of states, making and the effect of treaties, recognition of governments, nationality of persons and corporations, extradition, expropriations, international legal forums, the law of war and the United Nations. A survey of international economic law is also included.

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9328 International Trade and Investment Dispute Settlement

1 Credit

The legal environment for international trade and foreign investment has changed dramatically since the end of the Cold War. As a direct result, international trade and investment dispute resolution, in particular through international arbitration and other non judicial dispute settlement mechanisms, has become increasingly common. This course introduces students to the various investment dispute resolution options available to a foreign investor. After first providing an overview of the regulatory and institutional framework for international trade, the course reviews basic principles of dispute settlement, with specific focus on ICSID, Bilateral Investment Treaties, World Trade Organization, and NAFTA settlement procedures. The use of ad hoc arbitration, ICJ, and other tribunals also is addressed. The course closes with an examination of the challenges in enforcing trade investment decisions and awards.

Offered in the London Study Abroad program

LAW 9329 Introduction to Arbitration Law and Practice: Domestic and International Aspects

2 Credits

The foundation course covers the salient aspects of U.S. arbitration law as it relates to domestic and international disputes. It also includes a workshop component which focuses upon the writing of arbitration agreements and the conduct of arbitral proceedings. The course begins with an introduction to the basic legal concepts that make up arbitration law and to the institutions that are central to arbitration practice. Consideration of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) follows, along with a systematic treatment of the role of contract in arbitration and the function of subject matter inarbitrability. Problems relating to the enforcement of arbitral awards and other practical issues are also examined. The basic facets of international commercial arbitration are introduced. The course concludes with a workshop on writing arbitration agreements and the viewing of videos on the conduct of arbitral proceedings.

Offered in the London Study Abroad program

LAW 9721 Journal of Law and Religion

1 or 2 Credits

Journal of Law and Religion (JLR) student editorial assistants, and student associate editors may receive up to two credits per academic semester for participation on the staff of the JLR. Credit is awarded after review of their work by the technical editor, and approved by the associate dean for academic affairs. In order to participate on the JLR staff for credit, students must be chosen for membership through an interview process conducted by the technical editor. The number of students chosen for membership on the JLR staff will be based on the production needs of the JLR which may vary from time to time.

Students may register for only one publication course in the same academic year.

Offered fall and spring every year

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9556 Jurisprudence

3 Credits

Examines fundamental philosophical problems that arise from the creation of legal and political institutions.Application of various jurisprudential theories to current legal problems is studied.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9514 Labor Law

3 Credits

Deals with the National Labor Relations Act, and its administration by the National Labor Relations Board and by the federal courts. Examines federal regulation of labor relations in the private sector including such subjects as the organization and representation of employees, negotiation of collective agreements, and the regulation of strikes, boycotts, and picketing.

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9557 Labor Relations in the Public Sector

2 Credits

Includes origins and perspectives on public employment bargaining, the right to form and join unions, establishment of the collective bargaining relationship representation cases, the obligation to bargain, the right to strike and picket, dispute resolution mechanisms: compulsory interest arbitration, and the power of the legislature to appropriate funds as limited by bargaining agreements and arbitration awards.

Offered irregularly

LAW 9515 Land Use Planning

3 Credits

Covers various private and public controls and powers utilized in the development of land. Attention is given to restrictive covenants, easements, zoning, subdivision regulations, public acquisition of land, and urban planning. Property II covered the same material, in less depth, as Land Use Planning and Modern Real Estate Transactions.

Prerequisite: Property

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9711 Law Review: Associate Editors

1 Credit

Law Review staff may receive up to one credit per academic semester for Law Review participation. Credit is awarded after review of their work by the Law Review faculty advisor. All Law Review associates, with the exception of third year students who graduate in January, must complete sufficient work to qualify for credit for both academic semesters in order to receive credit for either semester. Exceptions may be made for students on leave of absence from the law school for a semester. Students may participate for credit on only one publication per academic year. Members of the board of editors receive two credits per semester, and associate editors receive two credits per year.

Offered fall, spring, and summer every year

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9712 Law Review: Board of Editors

2 Credits

Law Review staff may receive up to one credit per academic semester for Law Review participation. Credit is awarded after review of their work by the Law Review faculty advisor. All Law Review associates, with the exception of third year students who graduate in January, must complete sufficient work to qualify for credit for both academic semesters in order to receive credit for either semester. Exceptions may be made for students on leave of absence from the law school for a semester. Students may participate for credit on only one publication per academic year. Members of the board of editors receive two credits per semester, and associate editors receive two credits per year.

Offered fall, spring, and summer every year

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9558 Law and Bioethics

2 Credits

This course covers constitutional and statutory rights of patients, as well as ethical and policy concerns in the area of medical treatment, including confidentiality, informed consent, right to treatment, and bioethical concerns involving matters such as emerging reproductive, transplant and life support technologies.

Offered every other year

LAW 9546 Law and Economics

3 Credits

Focuses on principles and theories of economics and their application to our legal system. Includes an examination of political, social and economic theories such as public choice, cost benefit analysis, and pricing mechanisms. The course also examines questions of distribution/redistribution of wealth/income.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9585 Law of Juvenile Delinquency

2 Credits

Study of the history and philosophy of the law of juvenile delinquency, and functioning of the juvenile court including jurisdiction, intake and hearing procedures, dispositions, the role of counsel and other professionals in the system, and constitutional limitations.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9624 Lawyering Skills

3 Credits

Explores the lawyer's role in relation to the client. Focus is on effective communication skills with the client as well as with all contacts the lawyer has in practice. Examines a variety of lawyering roles through demonstration, simulation, critique, and an interactive video. Lawyering Skills addresses topics of interpersonal client counseling, client relationships, case planning, negotiation, mediation, rhetoric, and persuasive presentation. It uses legislative and administrative law materials in addition to case law materials.

Offered fall and spring every year

LAW 9201 Legal Advocacy

2 Credits

Demonstrates how effective advocates use the spoken and written word. Students practice oral and written advocacy at the trial and appellate levels in a series of writing assignments and related oral argument exercises.

Prerequisite: Legal Research & Writing

Offered fall or spring every year

LAW 9567 Legal Drafting

1 or 2 Credits

This skills course involves the drafting of legal documents. Legal disputes often arise because of poorly drafted documents, and this class will focus on drafting tips and strategies that optimize planning, risk prevention, creative problem solving, and excellent writing. Because legal drafting is an important skill in many different substantive areas, this course will vary in content over time and may include topics such as contracts, wills and trusts, pleadings, and settlement agreements.

Student cannot exceed 4 total credits in Legal Drafting

Offered every year

LAW 9587 Legal History

2 Credits

Study of the Anglo-American legal system: origins of contract, property, criminal, and tort law in England; reception and continuing adaptation of the common law in the United States.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9162 Legal Research and Writing I

2 Credits

Teaches basic legal research, citation, and the drafting of legal memoranda. Weekly class meetings are supplemented by small group library research sessions and tutorial guidance in the preparation of memoranda, letters, and briefs.

First year required course

LAW 9164 Legal Research and Writing I: Weekend Program

2 Credits

Teaches basic legal research, citation, and writing skills. Class meetings are supplemented by small group research sessions.

First year required course (for weekend program students)

LAW 9162B Legal Research and Writing II

2 Credits

Continuation of Legal Research and Writing I. Students participate in an oral argument. The allocation of subject matter between Legal Research and Writing I & II may vary from year to year.

First year required course

LAW 9165 Legal Research and Writing II: Weekend Program

2 Credits

Continuation of Legal Research and Writing I (Weekend Program). Focus is on completing a closed memo.Students may also participate in at least one moot court exercise. The allocation of subject matter among Legal Research and Writing I, II, & III may vary from year to year.

First year required course (for weekend program students)

LAW 9166 Legal Research and Writing III: Weekend Program

2 Credits

Continuation of Legal Research and Writing II (Weekend Program). Focus is on written and oral appellate advocacy. The allocation of subject matter among Legal Research and Writing I, II, & III may vary from year to year.

Second year required course (for weekend program students)

LAW 9167 Legal Research and Writing Lab

0 Credits

This is the lab portion for the Legal Research and Writing courses. Please refer to the pertinent Legal Research and Writing course description for full course details.

LAW 9163 Legal Research and Writing Teaching Assistant

2 Credits

Student Legal Research and Writing Teaching Assistants will work with Legal Research and Writing sections to teach research skills to first year students. Each teaching assistant will be assigned to work under the supervision of one Legal Research and Writing Instructor. Teaching assistants will teach two fifty minute classes per week. The teaching assistant will prepare for class each week, including developing a class outline to be submitted to and reviewed with the supervising writing instructor before the first class of the week, hold office hours to assist first year students, grade the research exercises submitted by the first year students, and keep student records.Teaching assistants must also attend one fifty minute teaching assistant training session per week, which will be conducted by a member of the library staff and a member of the legal writing faculty. The training session includes a review of the research material to be taught in the following week and a review of administrative issues and concerns. Teaching assistants will also independently complete the research exercises to be assigned to first year students.Teaching assistants are expected to devote a minimum of 150 hours during the semester to this course. Over the course of one week, the hours will be distributed approximately as follows: two class hours, four office hours, two meeting hours, three class preparation hours, and four grading hours. Teaching assistants will meet with students for approximately the first ten weeks of the semester.

Enrollment is by invitation of the Director of Legal Writing upon advance application.

Graded Pass/No Pass

LAW 9516 Legislation

2 Credits

Study of statutes and legislative materials as they are used in litigation. Emphasis is on the interpretation of statutes by courts and the use of extrinsic aids in determining legislative intent.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9625 Litigation Practice

4 Credits

Explores the lawyer's role in civil and criminal litigation and develops advocacy skills through lecture, discussion, demonstration, simulation, and critique. Includes each stage in the litigation process from initial client interview through trial. Specific areas include client counseling, interviewing, investigation, negotiation, witness examination, and argument. Students may not receive credit for both Trial Advocacy and Litigation Practice.

Prerequisite or concurrent: Evidence

Offered fall and spring every year

LAW 9588 Mass Media Law

3 Credits

Examines topical issues and problems concerning the relationship of law and the mass media. Areas covered include defamation, invasion of privacy, and other common causes of action against the media, constitutional limitations on media liability, prior restraint, reporters' privilege, rights of access to governmental information and proceedings, governmental regulation of the mass media, and constitutional limitations on such regulation.

Offered fall or spring alternate years

LAW 9623 Mediation

3 Credits

Through discussion, simulations, and role play, this course focuses on the structure and goals of the mediation process and the skills and techniques mediators use to aid parties in overcoming barriers to dispute resolution. The course also examines the underlying negotiation orientations and strategies that mediators may confront and employ, the roles of attorneys and clients, dealing with difficult people and power imbalances, cultural considerations, and ethical issues for lawyers and mediators. In addition, special attention is devoted to the art of successful representation of clients in mediation. This course will meet the requirements of the Minnesota Supreme Court to be included on the Court’s Roster of Qualified Neutrals.Students may not enroll in this class if they have completed Mediation and Other Methods to Promote Democratic Dialogue (Budapest Study Abroad Program).

Offered fall or spring and every January Term and summer

LAW 9330 Mediation and Other Methods to Foster Democratic Dialogue

3 Credits

Through lecture, discussion, demonstration, and role play, students are introduced to mediation models and scenarios from both the United States and Central and Eastern Europe. The task of translating hostile and adversarial communication into building blocks of collaborative dialogue will be explored, as well as the mediator’s role in identifying, framing, and ordering the issues in dispute. Analysis will highlight the persuasive techniques for moving parties from impasse to settlement. Special attention will be directed to the ethical dilemmas faced by mediators, particularly challenges to a mediator's impartiality, and the potential for abuse of discretion and power. The course also will examine a variety of strategies to foster and support democratic and constructive dialogue, particularly focusing on "high conflict" situations involving inter ethnic tensions. Students will study efforts in Central and Eastern Europe to promote meaningful democratic dialogue in times of national and international crisis. Participants should come prepared for a highly interactive learning experience. For each of six consecutive years, students and faculty from over 20 countries have participated in the program, making it an unparalleled cross cultural learning experience. Students may not enroll in this course if they have taken Mediation.

Offered in the Budapest Study Abroad program

LAW 9559 Medical Malpractice: Theory and Practice

2 Credits

Introduces the law of medical malpractice, combining review of substantive law with simulation exercises from discovery to the trial of a malpractice case. Subject areas include tort and contract theories of liability, informed consent and right to treatment, procedural and evidentiary aspects of malpractice claims including expert testimony and scientific evidence, and defenses including indemnity and contribution and comparative fault.

Offered every other year

LAW 9517 Modern Real Estate Transactions

3 Credits

Studies the basic legal elements of real estate transfer and financing, including land contract and mortgage law, option writing requirements, rights and duties of parties, remedies, and real estate recording systems.

Prerequisite: Property

Offered every semester

LAW 9590 Native American Law

2 Credits

Studies the rights, duties and powers of Native American groups. Attention is given to history, sovereignty, jurisdiction, individual rights, and the relationships of Native Americans to their tribal groups and the groups to the local, state and federal government.

Offered every other year

LAW 9332 Negotiating International Business Transactions

4 Credits

This course will examine the skills, constraints, and dynamics of the negotiation process in the