LS: Pre-Law: Course Syllabus

POS/PLA 380

Introduction to U.S. Law

 

 

 

Spring Semester MWF @11:00-11:50 in K-423

“Tell me and I may forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will understand.” -Chinese Proverb

Instructor:
Judge Richard C. Poland, Associate Professor of Law.

Office Hours:
M-F 7:30-9:00 A.M. or appointment. K-309. My door is open.

Telephone: 819-6338.

E-mail: polandrc@flagler.edu.

Text:
Introduction to Law and The Legal System, Schubert, Frank;
Eighth Edition; Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002.

Additional resources are available at www.flagler.edu/academics/prelaw/index.html

Course 0bjectives:
Students will gain an understanding of many basic areas of U.S. law. Various areas of public and private law will be presented for critical examination. This course is foundational for those intending to pursue advanced legal studies.

Course Reqs:
Read text, pass two examinations, participate in class discussions, write/present case briefs, and attend two government forums. Late briefs receive a 0. Lateness is not tolerated in law, or by me.

Course Outline:
I. Structure of the American Legal System
II. General Areas of U.S. Law
III. Specific Areas of U.S. Law

Grading:
Forty-five % for each of two exams and 10% for briefs and presentations. I reserve the right to “bump up” borderline grades of those students whose class participation reaches the level of excellence.

A= 90-100 B= 80-89 C= 70-79 D= 60-69 F= Below 60

Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to (1) identify the current structure of and the historical basis for the American legal system; (2) brief law cases in a lawyerly manner; and (3) identify the legal issues in a factual setting within the context of contract, property, tort, estate, criminal, and family law.

Attendance:
Attendance is expected and necessary to master the course materials. More than three unexcused absences will result in a grade reduction. More than five absences will result in a WP or WF, whichever is appropriate. Two tardies equal one absence.

Cheating:
Cheating will not be excused or tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will receive an “F” for the course.

Methods of The Socratic method will be employed by the instructor.
Instruction: Lecturing will be minimal. Class participation is essential.

Statement of Disabilities:
Special services and reasonable accommodations are available to students who register with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities and who request assistance before the beginning of a given academic semester. I will reasonably accommodate you.

Cell Phones:
Cell phones must be turned off during class, unless you have an emergency.

Course Schedule:
Below is a tentative list of class assignments. Because the future is
uncertain and unwritten, modification may be necessary from time
to time at the discretion of the professor.

Assignments:

Week 1- Introduction to course and explanation of course syllabus. Read Chapter 1- An Overview of U.S. Law. Brief all cases except Dupont. See hand-out for how to brief a case.

Week 2- Read Chapter 2- Ethics and Law. Brief all cases except Wasson and Pierce.

Week 3- Read Chapter 3- The Judicial System. Brief all cases except Marathon Oil.

Week 4- Read Chapter 4- Civil Procedure. Brief all cases except Anderson and Atlas Food Systems & Services.

Week 5- Read Chapter 5- Institutional Sources of U.S. Law. Brief all cases.

Week 6- Read Chapter 6- Limitations in Seeking Relief. Brief all cases except Thompson, Hurst, and Gimpel.

Week 7- Read Chapter 7- Judicial Remedies. Brief all cases, except Ronlee Inc. and Yelsen Land Company.

Week 8- Mid-Term Examination

Week 9- Read Chapter 9- Family Law. Brief all cases.

Week 10- Read Chapter 10- Contract Law. Brief all cases.

Week 11- Read Chapter 11- Tort Law. Brief all cases.

Week 12- Read Chapter 12- Property Law. Brief all cases.

Week 13- Read Chapter 13- Administrative Law & Agencies. Brief all cases. Also brief Mistretta v. U.S. and Pacific Legal Foundation v. DOT.

Week 14- Read Chapter 14- Alternative Dispute Resolution. Brief all cases. Read Chapter 8 – Criminal Law and Procedure. Brief all cases.

Week 15- Final Examination (See Registrar’s Schedule).

Remember: In law as in life, never assume to be true that which you do not know
absolutely to be true.

 

 

 

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