Spring 2025 Class Descriptions: Electives
Immigration Law (LWIC529)
Instructor(s): Horacio Spector
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)
This course is on U.S. immigration and refugee law and policy. It will introduce substantive immigration law and procedure, core immigration statutes and federal regulations, and judicial decisions interpreting those statutes and regulations. In addition, it will devote special attention to the immigration debate. Grades will be assessed by class performance and written assignments. Success in writing the research paper will fulfill the written work requirement.
Intellectual Property Law Speaker Series (LWIP555)
Instructor(s): Shawn Miller
1 credit(s), P/F Graded
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): See course description
The IP Law Speaker Series will feature nine distinguished speakers, typically leading practitioners and academics, during the course of the semester. The speakers will address a variety of topics in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law. Attendance at all speaker sessions is required. Students will draft a 1-2 page comment for seven of the nine speakers, which will be graded pass/fail. Students must have taken a course in some area of intellectual property, or have work experience in the field, to register for the course.
International Civil Litigation (LWIC536)
Instructor(s): Michael Ramsey
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)
International Civil Litigation will address a variety of issues that arise in international litigation in courts of the United States. Likely to be included are jurisdiction; service of process abroad; forum selection; taking evidence abroad; the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act; choice of law and extraterritorial law; the Act of State Doctrine; and recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
International Environmental Law (LWIC539)
Instructor(s): Catherine MacKenzie
2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Environmental and Energy Law (JD), International Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS)
This course introduces students to international environmental law and considers how law may be used to enhance international environmental protection. It commences with an overview of the international legal system in the context of environmental protection. It then discusses the history, development, sources and principles of international environmental law and reviews the role of the UN and other international agencies in the context of international environmental law-making. Next, it considers issues of particular interest to the United States. These may include climate change, energy, biodiversity and biotechnology, transboundary water, forests and protected areas, and environment and trade. It concludes by considering the resolution of international environmental disputes including international responsibility, the role of international courts and tribunals and the quantification of environmental harm.
International Trade and Investment (LWIC558)
Instructor(s): Staff
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)
This course will focus on international trade and investment laws from a compliance-oriented reference point that illuminates challenges facing international counsel advising clients on global supply chain questions governed by these laws.
Course materials and classroom discussions will assess critical laws, policies, and commercial problems intrinsic to international trade and investment. Current governance institutions, including the World Trade Organization, will be considered along with challenges encountered by national governments attempting to influence international trade and investment. Additional topics will include legal aspects of the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement as well as core aspects of anti-bribery laws.
Substantial emphasis will be placed on topics of controversy, including the growing intersection of national security principles and trade and investment law, the role of trade and investment laws in U.S. – China relations, and the role of economic and trade sanctions law involving Russia since early 2022.
Intro to US Law (LWGC530)
Instructor(s): Frederick Heller, Staff
2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Introduction to United States Law is a required course for Master of US Law and semester exchange students. No other students may enroll. This course comparatively introduces distinctly American approaches to law, lawyering and legal processes. Special emphasis is placed on the common law tradition.
Note:
This course is for LLMUS and semester exchange students only.