American Law in a Global Context

This course prepares the foreign lawyer for American legal study.  It is required for any LL.M. student who has not previously earned a law degree in the United States.  The course introduces students to the structure and workings of the U.S. legal system, the common law method, strategies of case analysis and statutory interpretation, and introductory constitutional principles.  Students will learn what to anticipate in the law school classroom, including how to brief a case and prepare for class.

Students will also receive instruction on library research skills needed in the practice of law.  Emphasis will be placed on appropriate and effective research strategies and evaluation of sources, both print and electronic.

Most of the class sessions will be held prior to the start of regular semester course instruction, with additional sessions on research, analytic writing and exam preparation held later.