MAY 24 - JUNE 24, 2009
This program offers students the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the American and Norwegian legal systems and allows students to study comparative law and international diplomacy in the setting of another country's legal system. The cultural setting and the contacts with legal scholars and practitioners create a unique educational opportunity for law students. While in Bergen and Oslo, students learn about the Nordic origins of law and discover a country whose people are known for their pioneering spirit and progressive attitudes toward social issues. Students visit a variety of state institutions and meet with members of the courts and parliament, practicing attorneys, police and prison officials. In 2007, students also visited with officials of the Economic Crime Investigating and Prosecution Authority, the Trade Union Movement, and the Confederation of Business and Industry. Students will be given an introduction to the European Union and also learn techniques of international negotiations, spending three days doing simulations of international negotiations.
In 2009, the program again will begin in Bergen, where students get an overview of the Norwegian legal system from faculty at the University of Bergen Law School and use the research facilities available there. Students will also participate in the International Diplomacy course which includes students from Norway and other European countries. From Bergen, the students will travel together by train to Oslo, where a significant portion of the classroom time is spent visiting Norwegian legal and governmental institutions, such as the Stortinget (Parliament), law firms, Oslo Police, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and the Trade Union Movement. For more information on this program, contact Anne T. Johnson, 651-523-2299 or atjohnson@hamline.edu.