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2017-2018 Colleges of Law General Catalog
TCS Education System
   
 
  Mar 29, 2024
 
2017-2018 Colleges of Law General Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Colleges of Law General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Course Descriptions


 

Juris Doctor

  
  •  

    LAW 6451 - Advanced Legal Writing


    Required
    This course covers advanced research and writing techniques, particularly those needed to write persuasive documents clearly, accurately and consistently. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7440/7441 - Advanced Torts


    Elective
    This course focuses on the laws of personal relationships, including family relationships, economic relationships, intangible assets, privacy and publicity, defamation, and judicial and governmental processes. Units: (2/3 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6441 - Alternative Dispute Resolution


    Elective
    A survey course on various dispute resolution mechanisms, which serve as alternatives to traditional litigation. Topics include negotiation techniques, mediation, arbitration, and other trial substitutes. Units: (2 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6360 - Appellate Advocacy


    Required
    In this course, students participate on a team that researches and writes an appellate brief and argues it before a three-judge panel, in an intramural competition with students from another law school. Units: (2 units, P/F. Course is mandatory for all students entering as First Year students as of or after Fall 2014.)
  
  •  

    LAW 7270 - Bankruptcy Law


    Elective
    This course provides the general concepts and principles of Bankruptcy Law including, but not limited to, property of the estate, the automatic stay, claims and claim priorities, administration of bankruptcy estates (Ch. 7 and 13), bankruptcy litigation, reorganization in bankruptcy (Ch. 11), liquidation and discharge. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6351 - Bar Studies


    Required
    This course will emphasize the analytical, writing, time-management and organizational skills necessary to prepare for the California General Bar Exam. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with the subjects tested and formats presented by the exam, including essay, multiple choice and performance test sections. Study and exam-taking strategies will be examined in the context of several bar-tested subjects. Units: (3 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6230 - Business Associations


    Required
    This course provides an introduction to the modern business corporation. Among the issues covered are the formation, operation, financing, and control of closely held and public corporations. Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7470/7471 - Business Planning


    Elective
    A study of the issues raised by the formation of a new business, including choice of entity, formation of a partnership or corporation, liability concerns, and purchase and sale of a business. Units: (1/2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7370 - Civil Law and Motion Practice


    Elective
    An overview of civil law and motion practice in California state courts. Topics covered include: notice requirements, structure of points and authorities, declarations and other supporting papers, demurrers, motions for summary judgment, and discovery motions. Special emphasis is given to local rules of practice and policies in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6201 - Civil Procedure I


    Required
    This course covers the procedural rules governing civil lawsuits, primarily in federal courts. Topics include the proper court in which to file a lawsuit, joinder of parties and causes of action, discovery, pretrial motions, conduct of a trial, and conflict between state and federal judicial systems. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 6202 - Civil Procedure II


    Required
    This course covers the procedural rules governing civil lawsuits, primarily in federal courts. Topics include the proper court in which to file a lawsuit, joinder of parties and causes of action, discovery, pretrial motions, conduct of a trial, and conflict between state and federal judicial systems. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 7490 - Civil Rights and Civil Liberties


    Elective
    This class will examine the significant cases, statutes and historical context involved in the pursuit of the promises of the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution, with an emphasis on equality and religious freedom issues. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7250/7251 - Client Interviewing & Counseling


    Elective
    Effective lawyering requires the knowledge of how to elicit necessary information from clients and an understanding of how to communicate effectively with clients to ascertain and advance their interests. This course explores techniques and strategies for interviewing and counseling clients facing the conflicts inherent in the legal arena. Units: (1/2 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6220 - Community Property


    Required
    A survey of the laws relating to community property in California, the fundamentals of that property system, and how it affects virtually every other area of law. Separate and community property, liability for debts and torts, control and management of assets, fiduciary duties between spouses, and the distribution of property on dissolution or death are analyzed in this course. Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7170 - Confessions Law


    Elective
    This course provides an overview of California confessions law, addressing voluntaries, Sixth Amendment issues, topics related to Miranda (including requirements, exceptions, and issues of waiver, invocation, violation, and re-interview), interrogation of juveniles, motions to suppress, fruit of the poisoned tree, use of silence and statements, and the corpus delicti rule. Units: (1 unit)
  
  •  

    LAW 6410 - Constitutional Criminal Procedure


    Required
    An exploration of the basic constitutional issues underlying the criminal justice system and the limitations placed on government in its attempt to enforce the criminal law. Specifically covered are the exclusionary rules, arrest, search and seizure, identification of suspects, the right to counsel, and the right to a jury trial. Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7500 - Constitutional Criminal Procedure ─ Selected Topics


    Elective
    Emphasizes the practical aspects of criminal procedures prior to trial. Included are topics relating to the lawyer’s responsibility in a criminal case; arrest, booking, and bail procedures; an examination of the accusatory pleading; the grand jury; and pretrial procedures, including preliminary hearings, pretrial discovery, and tactical considerations. Also covered are the types and consequences of pleas, and sentencing considerations. Units: (1─2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6311 - Constitutional Law I


    Required
    This course is designed to help the student understand and become familiar with the substantive issues presented in the study of constitutional law so that the student is able to recognize those issues, research their status as they evolve over time, and incorporate them as required to deal with factual situations presented in the practice of law. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 6312 - Constitutional Law II


    Required
    This course is designed to help the student understand and become familiar with the substantive issues presented in the study of constitutional law so that the student is able to recognize those issues, research their status as they evolve over time, and incorporate them as required to deal with factual situations presented in the practice of law. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 7510 - Consumer Law


    Elective
    After considering the common law roots of consumer law, this course will survey obligations and remedies arising under federal and state statutes governing consumer transactions. Among the topics addressed will be consumer credit contracts and dealings; consumer sales contracts; fraud, including elder abuse and Internet fraud; false and misleading advertising; warranties; and product safety and standards. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6111 - Contracts I


    Required
    A study of the fundamental principles that govern the creation, interpretation, enforcement, and termination of agreements. Course coverage includes contract formation, the Statute of Frauds, assignment and delegation of contracts, express and implied contracts, and remedies available for breach of contract. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 6112 - Contracts II


    Required
    A study of the fundamental principles that govern the creation, interpretation, enforcement, and termination of agreements. Course coverage includes contract formation, the Statute of Frauds, assignment and delegation of contracts, express and implied contracts, and remedies available for breach of contract. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 7410 - Criminal Defenses


    Elective
    This course will address a range of defenses including immaturity, insanity, diminished responsibility, duress, cultural defenses, provocation, rotten social background, and battered person syndrome. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6130 - Criminal Law


    Required
    This course enables the student to recognize and analyze key issues in substantive criminal law, including crimes, defenses, mental states and other general principles, and to understand the context in which such issues arise in the criminal justice system. Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7520 - Criminal Law - Selected Topics


    Elective
    This course will closely examine one area of criminal law practice; potential topics include misdemeanor, felony, death penalty, and juvenile law practice. Units: (1-2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7330 - Criminal Pretrial Motions


    Elective
    This course considers selected pretrial motions in criminal cases, such as those involving efforts to squash indictments, discriminatory prosecution, speedy trial, self-representation and lost or destroyed evidence. Units: (1 unit)
  
  •  

    LAW 7240 - Depositions


    Elective
    This course covers the taking and defending of depositions. It will address various deposition issues, including creating a deposition strategy, preparing the deponent, handling the adverse attorney, using exhibits, making objections, and effectively obtaining and preventing disclosures by the deponent. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6281/6282/6283 - Directed Study


    Elective
    This course allows qualifying students to earn one unit for in-depth research and preparation of a paper on a topic of special interest to the student, under direct faculty supervision. This course will ordinarily be available only on approval of the Dean or Dean’s designate to students with unique needs for additional units to complete their graduation requirements, and requires that the student both develop a project acceptable to the Dean or Dean’s designate and obtain consent of a faculty member to supervise the required research and paper. Units: (1/2/3 unit, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6826 - Directed Study Continuation


    Elective
    This is a zero-unit continuation course that allows a student to have one additional term to complete a directed study project. Units: (0 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 7230 - Domestic Violence


    Elective
    This course examines issues related to domestic violence, primarily as they arise in criminal and family law cases. Topics will include the nature of domestic violence; restraining orders; criminal prosecutions, including pre-trial and sentencing considerations; custody issues; and the victim’s perspective. Units: (1 unit)
  
  •  

    LAW 7280/7281 - Drafting Documents


    Elective
    This course will cover legal and stylistic principles of contract law used to effectively plan, organize, and draft written agreements that will withstand scrutiny and achieve clients’ objectives. Units: (1/2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7350/7351 - Elder Law


    Elective
    This course surveys the law on issues facing the elderly, such as age discrimination, elder abuse, entitlement to government benefits, guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, and health care decisions, including end-of-life decisions. Units: (1/2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7200 - Employment Law


    Elective
    A study of the legal rules surrounding the hiring, treatment, and termination of employees. The course includes Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal and state laws concerning employment discrimination and wrongful discharge. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7260 - Entertainment Law


    Elective
    This course considers issues arising in the entertainment industries - film, television, theatre, music, literary and related businesses - and applicable legal principles, which come largely from the areas of contracts, torts, governmental regulation, remedies, and intellectual property. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7100 - Environmental Law


    Elective
    An introduction to the public policy behind the setting of environmental standards, the course focuses on a major environmental law such as the Clean Air and Water Act, the National Environmental Protection Act, or the California Planning and Zoning Law. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7530 - Environmental Law - Selected Topics


    Elective
    This course will closely examine a selected topic or topics on major current environmental issues, such as climate change. Units: (1-2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7310 - Estate Planning


    Elective
    This course covers the basic principles of estate planning, including: an overview of applicable taxation rules; inter vivos gifts; living trusts, wills, and testamentary trusts; life insurance and annuities; charitable gifts, business interests, employee benefits, and post-mortem tax planning. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6301 - Evidence I


    Required
    This class will cover most of the basic evidence topics contained in the Federal Rules of Evidence including frequent comparisons with related provisions of the California Evidence Code. Units: (2-semester course; 4 units (1 in Fall and 3 in Spring))
  
  •  

    LAW 6302 - Evidence II


    Required
    This class will cover most of the basic evidence topics contained in the Federal Rules of Evidence including frequent comparisons with related provisions of the California Evidence Code. Units: (2-semester course; 4 units (1 in Fall and 3 in Spring))
  
  •  

    LAW 7150 - Family Law


    Elective
    Family Law focuses on the dissolution proceeding, including mediation, resolution of custody and visitation disputes, child and spousal support, property division, and attorney fees. Emphasis is on local court practices and forms. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7360 - Federalism


    Elective
    The course on Federalism will examine, in depth, selected topics relating to the division of power between the federal government and the states. Specifically, the course will examine the scope of power under the Commerce Clause; preemption; the Eleventh Amendment protection for states in federal courts; judicial restraint and abstention; and justifiability (including standing, mootness and ripeness). Units: (1─2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7140 - First Amendment


    Elective
    This course surveys cases and materials on selected First Amendment topics with an emphasis on issues relating to freedom of speech and press. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7580 - Forensic Science


    Elective
    The goals for this course are to explore various types of forensic evidence used in criminal and civil cases, and to master the legal basis for admissibility and limitation of such evidence. The course will also provide a basis for interaction with forensic scientists and experts in the practice of law. Students will study applicable standards in numerous forensic subfields (e.g., DNA, documents, firearms, digital evidence, fire science/explosives, pathology/serology/toxicology, fingerprints and accident reconstruction.) Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7590 - Immigration and Crime


    Elective
    This course addresses the immigration consequences of criminal convictions and the legal obligation of defense counsel to advise clients of such consequences. Among the topics considered are statutory grounds for inadmissibility and removal (formerly exclusion and deportation), definitions of crimes for immigration purposes, strategies for mitigating adverse immigration consequences, grounds for relief in Immigration Court, and deportation defense practice. Units: (1 unit)
  
  •  

    LAW 7540 - Insurance Law


    Elective
    This course focuses on basic aspects of insurance law, including the insurer’s duty to defend and indemnify, third-party liability, problems of insurance contracts, bad faith litigation, and current judicial and legislative trends in insurance law. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7290 - Intellectual Property


    Elective
    This course provides a general introduction to the law of copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. The areas covered include how the law applies to different types of intellectual property; the legal rights of the creators and owners of such property; the competing rights of others to use such property; and an overview of intellectual property litigation. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6101 - Introduction to Law


    Elective
    The primary objective of this course is to ground students in the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the study of law. The course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of the American legal system, legal education, and legal profession. It also explores basic strategies for reading and “briefing” court opinions; taking useful class notes; outlining law courses; performing sound legal analysis; and answering essay and multiple-choice exam questions. Units: (1 unit, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 7430 - Jurisprudence


    Elective
    Jurisprudence is the study and theory of law. This course will provide students with an understanding of the nature of law, legal reasoning, legal systems and legal institutions. Units: (1 unit, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 7320/7321 - Juvenile Law


    Elective
    This course covers the juvenile court system, including the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, detention and disposition of minors who are involved in juvenile proceedings, and other rights and responsibilities of minors, with specific emphasis on California law and procedure. Units: (2/3 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7550 - Law of Sales


    Elective
    This course focuses on the law of sales through selected portions of Articles I and II of the Uniform Commercial Code. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7340 - Law Practice Management


    Elective
    This course surveys fundamental aspects of law practice management, including basic principles of bookkeeping and accounting, fee agreements and client trust accounts, document control, legal technology, and support staff management. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6100 - Legal Analysis & Writing


    Required
    This course is designed to aid the first year law student in developing effective law study skills and the ensuing ability to produce a logical, well-reasoned written response to a law exam hypothetical. Students will be exposed to various study aids, learn how to brief cases, organize and synthesize a large volume of information and develop personal outlines. Through practical exercises and writing exam answers, students will train in the application of a method of attacking exams, learn and apply aproaches to analysis, and practice factual and legal analytical skills. Units: (3 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6801/6802/6803 - Legal Internship


    Required
    Legal Internship provides an opportunity for students to work under the supervision of a judge or attorney to gain practical understanding of the legal system and the professional responsibilities of attorneys. To graduate students are required to earn at least one unit of credit in a pro bono setting such as a government agency or legal services agency; with approval additional units may be earned, in either pro bono or for-profit settings. See Section 8.7  for additional information. Units: (1/2/3 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6806 - Legal Internship Continuation


    Elective
    Students who do not complete their legal internship within the first term may request a one term extension. When approved by the Dean or Dean’s designate, the student will be enrolled in this course. Units: (0 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6140 - Legal Research


    Required
    This course provides an introduction to the tools and methods of legal research in primary and secondary sources. Emphasis is placed on federal and California materials, including constitutions, statutes, cases and regulations, in both print and electronic media. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6240 - Legal Writing


    Required
    This course focuses on the essential skills needed to write predictive legal memoranda, including techniques of legal analysis, organization, citation, drafting and revision. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7420 - Litigation Process


    Elective
    This course is designed to build the skill sets students need to succeed as part of today’s litigation teams. It will cover basic legal concepts, emphasizing the litigation process, critical thinking and developing practical legal skills. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7220 - Mental Health Law


    Elective
    This course will address the role of lawyers in providing representation for clients with various forms of mental illness. Topics will include the history of development of mental health law in California with discussions dealing with civil, probate and criminal proceedings. Students will have the opportunity to listen to professionals in the field of mental health and the law, and will be required to prepare a variety of legal documents relevant to the course topics. Units: (1 unit)
  
  •  

    LAW 7160 - Negotiation Workshop


    Elective
    Through the use of lecture, case problems, role-play discussion and analysis, this course will provide a practical and theoretical approach to negotiation. In addition to addressing negotiation practice in varying contexts, the class will explore gender and cultural issues as well as the ethics of negotiation, the Model Rules of Professional Conduct as they apply to negotiations and the moral implications of negotiation practices. Units: (1 unit, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6431 - Post-Conviction Remedies


    Elective
    How will California’s dramatic 10/1/11 realignment of the state’s criminal justice resources into locally run community-based corrections programs, punishments, and evidence based practices, deal with the long term effects on individuals having criminal convictions? What are the legal events that occur after someone is convicted of a crime? This course considers the impacts on the individual as a result of a criminal conviction, including challenges to the actual conviction, and how the consequences of incarceration are addressed. Includes a hands-on examination of how one expunges California convictions. Units: (3 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 7460 - Preparation for Trial


    Elective
    This class will focus on the preparation for trial. Students will learn how to prepare trial books, draft motions in limine, prepare deposition indexes, draft questions for witnesses and prepare witnesses for trial testimony, prepare evidence binders, and learn some keys to success at trial. Units: (1 unit, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6320 - Professional Responsibility


    Required
    An overview of the role of an attorney in society, the attorney - client relationship, ethical standards and the responsibility of an attorney to the client, court and public. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7400 - Professional Skills


    Elective
    This course will provide the opportunity for students to further develop their legal writing skills. It focuses on performance tasks typically assigned in law practice, as tested on the California Bar Examination. (It is highly recommended that all students take this course.) Units: (2 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 7300 - Psychology for Lawyers


    Elective
    This course will outline the civil, criminal, probate and family law cases where psychological or psychiatric evidence is often presented and review the common principles and concepts necessary to understand, offer and challenge this evidence. Units: (1 unit)
  
  •  

    LAW 7480 - Real Estate Transactions


    Elective
    This course emphasizes California law and provides students with an overview of real estate transactions, including brokerage arrangements, the purchase and sale process, due diligence (including physical and soils inspections, zoning and environmental considerations, title, surveys, and estoppel certificates), financing, construction, and leasing. Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6211 - Real Property I


    Required
    An analysis of basic property concepts, including the definition, acquisition and transfer of real property. Principal areas covered include the history of land transactions, landlord/tenant relations, land development, public and private control of land use, non-possessory rights in land, covenants and restrictions on the land, and recordation and title searches. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 6212 - Real Property II


    Required
    An analysis of basic property concepts, including the definition, acquisition and transfer of real property. Principal areas covered include the history of land transactions, landlord/tenant relations, land development, public and private control of land use, non-possessory rights in land, covenants and restrictions on the land, and recordation and title searches. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 6340 - Remedies


    Required
    Remedies is a comparison of legal and equitable remedies based on a particular fact scenario. Because most states have merged courts of law and courts of equity (“merger of law and equity”), a plaintiff may seek legal remedies and equitable remedies in the same action. Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7390 - Restorative Justice


    Elective
    This class offers an introduction into the field of restorative justice, which involves including all the stakeholders (victims, offenders, family and community members) in the legal process in order to collectively address the needs and determine how to make things as right as possible. The class covers the various historical and current restorative practices being offered in our local communities and the world. Units: (1 unit, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 7450 - Starting Your Solo Practice


    Elective
    This class will help prepare the new lawyer to start a solo practice. The course will look at the practical issues involved, including, among other things, office set-up, getting and keeping clients, getting mentorship, and insurance. Units: (1 unit, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6440 - Statutory Interpretation


    Elective
    This course examines theories of statutory interpretation as well as the process and devices by which statutes are interpreted, such as canons of construction, legislative history and precedent. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to make effective statutory interpretation arguments on behalf of their clients. Units: (3 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 7180 - Taxation


    Elective
    An overview of general principles of income and estate/gift taxation, with particular focus on the application of such principles to areas commonly encountered by practitioners (for example, divorce, bankruptcy, personal injury settlements, and various business transactions). Units: (2 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7560 - Tort Law - Selected Topics


    Elective
    In this course, students have the opportunity to closely examine a selected topic in tort law, such as products liability, medical malpractice, or government tort liability. Units: (1─3 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 6121 - Torts I


    Required
    This course considers the nature and extent of the legal protection afforded against interference by others with the security of one’s person, property, or intangible interests. The course covers civil liability for intentional and unintentional behavior, the law of negligence, strict liability, vicarious liability, various forms of immunity, damages and other remedies. Also addressed are: strict and products liability, defamation, invasion of privacy and business-related torts. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 6122 - Torts II


    Required
    This course considers the nature and extent of the legal protection afforded against interference by others with the security of one’s person, property, or intangible interests. The course covers civil liability for intentional and unintentional behavior, the law of negligence, strict liability, vicarious liability, various forms of immunity, damages and other remedies. Also addressed are: strict and products liability, defamation, invasion of privacy and business-related torts. Units: (2-semester course; 3 units per semester)
  
  •  

    LAW 6430 - Trial Evidence


    Elective
    This class will further students’ knowledge of the rules of evidence and develop proficiency in the practical application of those rules in the federal and California state trial courts. Using hypothetical problems and in-class role-playing, students will apply evidentiary rules and trial procedures in various contexts to move for or oppose the introduction of evidence. Units: (3 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 6420 - Trial Practice


    Elective
    This course is an opportunity to apply the principles of law learned in the previous three years to a trial; exploring legal principles and fundamentals associated with preparing, litigating and presenting a criminal jury trial. Units: (3 units, P/F)
  
  •  

    LAW 7210 - Uniform Commercial Code


    Elective
    This course focuses on the law of sales through selected portions of Articles I and II of the Uniform Commercial Code. Units: (1 unit)
  
  •  

    LAW 6330 - Wills and Trusts


    Required
    This course enables the student to recognize key substantive issues in the law of Wills and Trusts; to become familiar with the relevant legal principles and to apply these principles as they evolve over time to factual situations in a lawyer-like manner in the potential practice of law; and to draft a Will and a Trust. Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    LAW 7570 - Writs and Appeals


    Elective
    An overview of California writ and appellate procedure, from the filing of writs and notices of appeal to final determination by the reviewing court. Topics covered include: writs, appealable orders and judgments, scope of appellate review, assembling the record on appeal, ethical limitations, briefs, right to present oral argument, and discretionary review. Units: (1─2 units)

Master of Legal Studies

  
  •  

    MLS 440 - Administrative Process


    Required
    This course examines the roles of administrative agencies in promulgating, administering and enforcing regulations. After considering the relationship of agencies to the judicial and legislative branches of government, students will study the rulemaking process, modes of administrative adjudication and judicial review of agency decisions. Topics for discussion will include effective strategies for contributing to the rulemaking process and regulatory compliance audits. Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    MLS 410 - American Legal System


    Required
    This course will introduce students to the Anglo-American system of law including sources of law such as Constitutions, statutes, case law, common law and regulations; the structure, jurisdiction, and functions of U.S. courts at both the federal and state levels; the role of law in American society; and the roles and responsibilities of legal professionals. Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    MLS 501 - Bio-Legal Issues


    Elective
    This course examines the legal and related ethical issues that arise from biomedical research and use of medical technologies. The curriculum may include issues arising from end-of-life care, assisted reproductive technologies, genetic and regenerative medicine research, organ transplantation, cloning and human subject research. Concentration: Frontiers Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    MLS 620 - Capstone Continuation


    Elective
    Students who do not complete the 4-unit Capstone course within one term may continue their capstone project for an additional term by enrolling in this course. Units: (0 units)
  
  •  

    MLS 445 - Capstone course


    Required
    This course is the culminating experience of the MLS program. It provides students with the opportunity to analyze the practical implications of legal principles and procedures in the context of a specific professional environment. Each student will identify a workplace (such as a hospital, school, law enforcement agency, small business, whether real or hypothetical) and will research the impact of laws and regulations on that setting. Students will present a comprehensive paper at the course conclusion. The Capstone course is supervised by a member of the faculty who approves both the topic and the specific format of the research project. Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    MLS 512 - Data Security & Breach


    Elective
    This course will examine legal requirements applicable to data security, including responses to data breach. Topics include laws applicable to public and private entities, methods of data breach investigation, data breach notice requirements and practical considerations, and legal risks exposure arising from data breach and notice. Concentration: Regulatory Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    MLS 513 - Data Security & Breach with Residency


    Elective
    This course will examine legal requirements applicable to data security, including responses to data breach. Topics include laws applicable to public and private entities, methods of data breach investigation, data breach notice requirements and practical considerations, and legal risks exposure arising from data breach and notice. In addition to doing online coursework, students will participate in a multi-day Residency program, during which they will have the opportunity to engage in discussions about these issues with leaders in the legal profession, government, and other fields. Concentration: Regulatory Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    MLS 503 - Emerging Threats


    Elective
    This course will provide a systematic study of the legal mechanisms used by governments to respond to emerging threats to security, such as those arising from terrorism, climate change, and public health crises. It will also examine the legal implications of management responses and mitigation strategies. Concentration: Frontiers Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    MLS 504 - Emerging Threats with Residency


    Elective
    This course will provide a systematic study of the legal mechanisms used by governments to respond to emerging threats to security, such as those arising from terrorism, climate change, and public health crises. It will also examine the legal implications of management responses and mitigation strategies. In addition to doing online coursework, students will participate in a multi-day Residency program, during which they will have the opportunity to engage in discussions about these issues with leaders in the legal profession, government, and other fields. Concentration: Frontiers Units: (3 units)
  
  •  

    MLS 502 - Global Relationships


    Elective
    This course is a study of the legal rules surrounding the hiring, treatment, and termination of employees, their application in the workforce, and administrative and legal remedies for violations. The course covers Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal and state laws concerning employment discrimination and wrongful discharge. Topics include workforce policies, staff manual provisions, employee evaluations, and employment litigation. Concentration: Frontiers Units: (3 units)
  
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    MLS 415 - Legal Fundamentals


    Required
    This course will survey the fundamental legal principles of American law in the areas of torts, contracts, criminal law, constitutional law, property, family law, and ethics. The development of the law will be explored, from common law roots to more recent legislation and judicial decisions, culminating with discussion of current legal topics in each area and their implications for the workplace and society. Units: (3 units)
  
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    MLS 511 - Liability, Risk and Insurance


    Elective
    All businesses and governments face potential assertions of legal liability, and run the risk of having a penalty assessed against them by a court; they must therefore insure against or otherwise offset the risk of such liability. This course will explore the liabilities faced by modern businesses and governments, the kinds of risks that can flow from those liabilities and the instruments and strategies employed to offset that risk, including choice of a particular business structure. Concentration: Regulatory Units: (3 units)
  
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    MLS 430 - Litigation and Its Alternatives


    Required
    This course explores the proceedings by which criminal and civil matters are litigated, and alternative strategies such as plea bargaining, restorative justice, negotiation, private and court-ordered commercial arbitration, private judging, mediation, negotiation, and neutral evaluation. After examining litigation alternatives, students will compare the costs and consequences of the various strategies to individuals and society. Units: (3 units)
  
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    MLS 514 - Litigation Operations


    Elective
    This course will examine the challenges faced by litigants in the digital age, focusing on the growing importance (and cost) of electronic discovery. This course will cover four general topics: a) optimized roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders (the entity, in-house and outside law firms, and litigation services companies); b) the importance of well-defined process and project management principles in coordinating a response to litigation, including the principles of excellent investigation; how to identify issues and then plan an investigation; and how to conduct thorough witness interviews; c) cost management in the inherently unpredictable process of identifying and sorting through “big data”; and d) litigation technology. The discussion will focus on the “best practices” established by field practitioners who have identified methods for reducing risks and mitigating costs. Concentration: Regulatory Units: (3 units)
  
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    MLS 500 - Privacy Dilemmas


    Elective
    This course provides an in-depth look at the scope of privacy rights and the institutional practices and processes that may affect those rights. The course will cover the technology, laws and policies related to privacy issues, including those raised by wiretapping, stored data collection and mining, location tracking, drones and social media. Concentration: Frontiers Units: (3 units)
  
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    MLS 510 - Regulation and Compliance


    Elective
    Legal/regulatory compliance requirements have seen a sharp increase globally. This increase reflects the rather rapid development of normative values regarding compliance and ethics of society at large. This course will review the various types of compliance requirements, and examine related issues such as compliance audits, document retention policies, data security, IT procedures, privacy concerns and governance. It will also address the analytical tools necessary to understand the complexities of compliance as part of a risk analysis and the role of compliance in shaping an entity’s strategy. Concentration: Regulatory Units: (3 units)
  
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    MLS 435 - Research and Advocacy


    Required
    In this course students will learn the basics of how to perform legal research to identify and understand federal and state laws and then make the transition to oral and written communication in legal contexts. Students will gain an understanding of the underlying goals and implicit concerns involved in interactions among clients, legal counsel, legal adversaries, judges and juries. Units: (3 units)