LST - Legal Studies Course Descriptions
Introduces students to both print and online legal sources; use of the law library; and legal writing style, legal citation method, and the drafting of legal documents (such as briefs, motions, wills, real property documents). Researching of case, statutory, regulatory, and administrative law materials are included. Legal ethics, as it pertains to lawyers and other legal professionals, will also be addressed in this course.
Examines the basic principles, history, and leading case precedents in the fields of contracts, torts, and criminal law. American law in these fields is also considered in light of natural law, human life issues and Catholic social and moral teaching. Attention is also given to the nature of the legal process, the elements of a legal case, the structure and functions of American courts, and alternative dispute resolution.
Examines the basic principles, history, and leading case precedents in the fields of property, constitutional law, and family law. American law in these fields is also considered in light of natural law, human life issues, and Catholic social and moral teaching. Attention is also given to the nature of the legal process, the elements of a legal case, the structure and functions of American courts, and alternative dispute resolution.
Studies the notion of natural law and its relationship to human law and the political order. It examines the natural law tradition from its classical expressions to the great Catholic tradition of natural law to its substantial influence on the Anglo-American common law to its role in influencing the American Revolution and constitutional tradition. The contrast between the classical/Christian tradition of natural law and its modern expression is discussed. The course also considers how modern legal thinking has diverged from the natural law tradition, and how the clash between natural law and positivistic conceptions of law and morality is vividly seen in many current public issues and legal questions.
While not a prerequisite, it is recommended that students take
POL 101 before enrolling in this course.
Is a broad survey of the ideas and systems of law, including the development of Roman law as the basis of many of the law codes of modern Europe and a survey of the development of the common law of England, which is the basis of much of American law and the law of several other countries with English roots. The course will also consider an historical and philosophical comparison between the development of these two systems.
Applies the methods of economics to the analysis of the structure of the common law, legal process, legal institutions, and statutory regulations and considers the impact of law on the behavior of individuals, groups, and the economy. Topics include the nature of economic reasoning and the economic approach to law; property rights in economics and law; torts and tort liability; legal processes; crime and punishment; and variable topics subject to instructor and student interest.
Will give students the opportunity to work under the direction of a lawyer, judge, or lawmaker by doing research, assisting in the preparation of legal documents, and taking part in other law-related work. Students will also experience the routine activity of lawyers and assist in the operation of a law office or that of other law-related practitioners or an organization dedicated to human life issues.
Treats in-depth an area of the law, legal issues, a law-related topic, legal thinker, or school of jurisprudential thought which sometimes will be done in relation to human life issues. This course may be repeated for credit if the topic is different from when previously taken.