Course Descriptions
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Canadian Charter of Rights (2)
548A
Concentration(s):Int'l & Comparative Law
(Formerly DCL 340)
This course will provide a general introduction to the principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights. Among the topics to be covered will be the fundamental freedoms under the charter, democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, language rights, equality rights, enforcement and application of the charter, and the override clause.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Canadian Summer Law Placement (6)
634
Concentration(s):Int'l & Comparative Law
(Formerly DCL 392)
This course primarily involves a closely monitored placement during the summer in Canada under the sponsorship of outstanding Canadian lawyers, judges or members of Parliament with legal affair responsibilities. An intensive introductory course by Canadian law faculty on Canada and the Canadian legal system precedes the individual placements, which are accompanied by weekly seminars, a Canadian speakers program and cultural field events. Students will complete two thoughtfully researched papers on legal issues of current interest in Canada.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Chapter 11 Reorganization (3)
506F
Concentration(s):
This course provides an in-depth examination of the issues that arise inside Chapter 11. The course focus is transactional. The students will have to draft various documents, including a chapter 11 plan for a hypothetical debtor. Students who have taken Basic Bankruptcy (LAW506C) may be ineligible to take this course, so approval from the professor must be obtained to enroll.
Prerequisite(s):
-Consumer Bankruptcy
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Child Advocacy (2)
541A
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 446)
This class is designed to acquaint future attorneys and social workers with their unique roles and responsibilities in representing and advocating for children and families as they interact with the state government: its departments, agencies, laws and rules.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Civil Procedure I (3)
500A
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 121)
A survey of civil procedure from selection of an appropriate forum through pleading and joinder. Areas considered include jurisdiction, venue, choice of law, pleadings, joinder of claims and joinder of parties. Primary emphasis is placed on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure with some discussion of state deviations from the federal model.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Civil Procedure II (3)
500B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 122)
A continuation of Civil Procedure I covering discovery, summary and default judgment, pretrial proceedings, trial by jury, trial practice, post-trial motions, appeals, and the doctrines of issue and claim preclusion.
Prerequisite(s):
-Civil Procedure I
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Civil Rights Seminar (2)
579B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 317)
The vast majority of civil rights claims are brought either under §1983 (violations by state actors) or through Bivens actions (violations by federal actors). Indeed, these claims account for approximately 25% of the cases pending on federal court dockets. Federal courts have developed a bewildering array of procedural hurdles under these relatively straightforward provisions, and in this seminar we will examine those procedures, looking both at the procedures themselves and at the philosophies they reflect. Students' grades will be based on class participation, a paper and a project. Students will have their choice of paper topics (subject to professors approval), but the project topic will involve a motion and brief for summary judgment and will be assigned by the professor.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Civil Trial Advocacy I (2)
587B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 472)
Evidence may be taken concurrently with Advocacy I, but extra preparation may be necessary.
Advocacy I begins your journey into civil trial practice. Using a circuit court forum and the Michigan Court Rules, we will explore discovery in the context of a typical case from the filing of a complaint to the first day of trial. Students will draft complaints, answers and affirmative defenses, propound written discovery, take fact and expert dipositions, prepare and argue motions and mediation, and prepare for trial. There will be role-play as plaintiff or defense counsel. The final grade is a compilation of oral in-class performance and participation, and written assignments.
Because this course duplicates the content of courses in the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute program, students in the FTPI may not receive academic credit for this course.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Civil Trial Advocacy II (2)
587C
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 411)
Civil Trial Advocacy II continues your journey into civil trial practice. Using a circuit court forum and the Michigan Court Rules, we will explore trial practice in the context of a typical tort case from the first day of trial to closing arguments. Students will engage in all aspects of trial practice, oral and written, and take a case through trial. Students will be assigned the role of plaintiff or defense counsel. In-class performance and written assignments will be individually graded. The final grade is a compilation of these.
Because this course duplicates the content of courses in the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute program, students in the FTPI may not receive academic credit for this course.
Prerequisites are Civil Procedure II, Evidence and Civil Trial Advocacy I or a complete understanding of the Michigan Court rules regarding discovery.
Prerequisite(s):
-Civil Procedure II
-Civil Trial Advocacy I
-Evidence
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Client Counseling and Interviewing (2)
591A
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 450)
This course adopts a client-centered approach in looking at legal problems and examines how to make clients partners in problem solving. Attention is paid to the economic, social and psychological aspects of clients' legal problems. The course starts with an examination of fundamental counseling skills, followed by an analysis of the information gathering process and ultimate decision making.
Because this course duplicates the content of courses in the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute program, students in the FTPI may not receive academic credit for this course.
Prerequisite(s):
-Civil Procedure I
-Evidence
Top
Closely- Held Business: Shareholder and Member Disputes (2)
593J
Concentration(s):
This course will examine the common problems, issues, actions, and defenses associated with closely-held business owner’s disputes in both a corporate and limited liability company context utilizing Michigan Law as an example. The course will review these problems and issues from an owner’s perspective as well as from the business’s perspective. This course is designed for those students desiring to become transactional business attorneys to give those students a working knowledge of the basics of this area of the law so that they may consult with business owners both before and after disputes arise, provide strategic and interpretive support to litigation attorneys in the advent of litigation amongst owners, and draft appropriate entity governance documents. A segment of the course will also discuss measures and actions that may be taken to prevent, minimize, or discourage disputes. This will be an interdisciplinary course where students will be able to use concepts of tort, contract, real estate, corporate, limited liability company, employment, tax and potentially many other areas of law. Classroom panel discussions based on actual Michigan case complaints and a final paper will be required in lieu of a final examination.
Prerequisite(s):
-Business Enterprises
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Commercial Transactions (3)
501C
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 201)
*This course is being replaced by Sales and Leases (501F) and Payment Systems (501G) beginning Fall 2009. Covers aspects of the Uniform Commercial Code: the process of selling goods, under Articles 2 and 6; the process of paying for goods with commercial paper, under Articles 3 and 4; the process of shipping and storing goods, under Article 7; and a brief excursus into letters of credit and investment securities, under Articles 5 and 8.
Prerequisite(s):
-Contracts II
Top
Communications Law and Policy (3)
533Q
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 588) Examines the regulatory regimes governing the major modes of communications in the United States, including wireline telephony, wireless telephony, the internet, broadcast and cable. Particular attention will be given to the economic rationales for and critiques or regulation. Readings and class assignments will focus on current legal and regulatory debates in communications policy to provide students with a practical introduction to regulatory law.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Complex Civil Litigation (2)
591B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 528)
Suggested Prerequisites: Civil Procedure I & II.
This class will examine advanced civil procedure topics that arise in the context of complex civil litigation. Course materials will likely include a case study of a mass tort lawsuit (utilizing Jonathan Harr's A Civil Action (Vintage Press, 1996) and Grossman & Vaughn's Documentary Companion to a Civil Action (Foundation Press, 1999)) and readings on class actions and multidistrict litigation. Efforts will be made to address real world strategic considerations from both the plaintiff's and defendant's perspectives in complex civil cases.
Depending on the size of the class, the option of writing a paper that satisfies the ULWR in lieu of a final exam may be available.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Condominium Law (2)
603A
Concentration(s):
(Formerly known as DCL432)
Condominium Law, including the substantive law and practice related to condominiums, with particular emphasis on the Michigan Condominium Act, as amended, homeowners associations, resort developments and mixed use developments. The practical considerations regarding the representation of condominium associations and condominium association developers will also be examined.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Conflict of Laws (3)
550
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 460)
The course in Conflict of Laws is divided into three parts: (1) personal jurisdiction, (2) choice of law, and (3) full faith and credit to sister-state laws and judgments (i.e., interstate res judicata). The course begins with an examination of the personal jurisdiction of courts and limitations on the exercise of that jurisdiction. The issues to be considered include the following: Where may suit be brought? Given two or more choices of forum, where is it best to bring suit? Next, the course examines the body of common law known as choice of law. The issues we will address include the following: (1) Which states’ rule of decision (substantive law) in a multistate setting is to be applied to resolve a particular dispute, for example, a dispute over a contract entered into in State A but to be performed in State B; a multistate tort, such as defamation; succession of estates with property in several states; and interstate family law (divorce, custody, and support)? (2) When may a state apply its own law to resolve a dispute? (3) When must a state apply federal law or the law of a sister state to resolve a dispute? (4) When must federal courts apply state law to resolve a dispute? Finally, the course addresses issues concerning the recognition and enforcement of sister-state judgments, as well as foreign-country judgments.
The subject of Conflict of Laws is now tested on the essay portion of the bar exam in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Rhode Island, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky. In addition, many jurisdictions (at least 14 as of 2004) have added the Multi-state Essay Examination (MEE) to their bar exam. The MEE is a three-hour standardized exam that consists of six essay questions covering several subjects, including Conflict of Laws.
Prerequisite(s):
-Civil Procedure I
-Civil Procedure II
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Constitutional Law I (2)
500C
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 171)
An introduction to American constitutional law. This course surveys the distribution of national powers among the Congress, the president and the federal judiciary. After examining the fundamentals of judicial review and its limitations, the course considers the delegated powers of Congress and the tensions between Congress and the president in the exercise of national powers. The course concludes with an overview of governmental immunities.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Constitutional Law II (4)
500N
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 172)
A study of procedural and substantive due process of law, equal protection of the laws and the Bill of Rights, including freedom of expression.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Constitutional Law of the European Union (2)
579V
Concentration(s):
Introduces the EU substantive law of constitutional significance. Coverage will include, though not be limited to, such topics as the European Union’s path of legal integration; the institutional structure of the EU; the European Union’s sources of law and its substantive, temporal and territorial jurisdiction; the fundamental documents of the European Union including its (nearly adopted) “Constitution”; the main substantive principles underlying EU Law and the role of EU law in the domestic law of Member states; enlargement of the European Union and options of its institutional reform. A student may not take both this course and European Union Law.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Constitutional Law Seminar (2)
579C
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 393)
(Formerly Known As: Constitutional Theory Seminar)
This seminar on constitutional theory goes beyond the doctrinal analysis of the topics covered in introductory constitutional law courses to ask deeper normative questions about the United States constitutional system.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Constitutional Law Topics: Comparative Constitutional Law (3)
551A
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 529)
A study of constitutional problems from Canada and Mexico compared to the United States.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Constitutional Law Topics: Free Expression (2)
551B
Concentration(s):
(Formlery DCL 554)
The course focuses on the theory and history of speech.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Construction Law (2)
601
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 314)
A survey of legal issues with respect to the construction industry. Topics discussed include bid errors, contract disputes, and payment issues. Students will be given an overview of project delivery systems, and the contract clauses found in proprietary and industry standard contract documents. The requirements of the Michigan Lien Law, and other construction related statutes, will be reviewed and discussed.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Consumer Bankruptcy (3)
506E
Concentration(s):
This course examines a portion of state debt collection law and a basic overview of bankruptcy fundamentals with a focus on consumer bankruptcy practice under Chapters 7 and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. While there are no prerequisites, it is strongly recommended that students take Secured Transactions either prior to or at the same this course is taken. Students who have taken Basic Bankruptcy (LAW506C) may be ineligible to take this course, so approval from the professor must be obtained to enroll.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Consumer Law (2)
593G
Concentration(s):
This course examines special requirements for consumer transactions. It includes deception in the marketplace, including many disclosure requirements; credit (discrimination, accuracy, and other limitations),; debt collection practices; and consumer remedies. Both federal and state laws will be covered. One focus will be how these requirements supersede normal contract, tort, and property laws. Civil, administrative, and criminal actions will be addressed.
Prerequisite(s):
-Contracts I
-Contracts II
-Property
-Torts I
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Contract Drafting (3)
594A
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL370) The specific purpose of this class is to use contract principles that the student has learned in the first year as a vehicle to develop the student's abilities as a planner and counselor. It will involve the study of some of the common pitfalls encountered in contract drafting and called upon to perform specific exercises in which the student will use her/his basic knowledge of contracts to draft various documents. In the course of the drafting, the student will be required to predict what may happen, provide for that contingency and attempt to protect the client.
Prerequisite(s):
-Contracts I
-Contracts II
Top
Contract Theory Seminar (2)
594B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 600)
This course will explore the theoretical and jurisprudential basis for enforcement of promises. Readings and discussions will address historical and anthropological conceptions of contract, comparative analyses of the civil and common law of contracts and gift promises, theoretical justifications for state enforcement of promises and modern challenges to contract doctrines and principles such as freedom of contract and private autonomy.
Prerequisite(s):
-Contracts I
-Contracts II
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Contracts I (3)
500D
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 101)
A study of the basic law relating to the formation of a contract. With respect to the creation of a contract, capacity, mutual assent, consideration and compliance with formalities are discussed. Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code is integrated with common law contract principles throughout the course.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Contracts II (3)
500E
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 102)
Continues the survey of many basic contract issues, including the avoidability of contracts; the Statute of Frauds requirement; the process of determining the total contract obligation of the parties; the determination of proper performance of contracts, contract breaches and related doctrines; and the available legal redress for contract breaches.
Prerequisite(s):
-Contracts I
Top
Copyright Law (3)
533B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 375)
According to Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the power to promote the "progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries." Congress has adopted copyright statutes to protect forms of expression, which include computer software. This course will explore the history of copyright protection, with a particular emphasis on entertainment litigation.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Corporate Finance (3)
508B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 380)
In Corporate Finance the principles of accounting and valuation and the basic financial environment of closely held companies and public companies will be examined. Building on this foundation, the fundamental issues surrounding common stock, preferred stock and debt will be analyzed. Finally, all these fundamentals will be applied in examining financial issues with mergers and acquisitions and tender offers and in understanding how "deals" are done. Students who have not taken Business Enterprises are permitted to enroll in this course if they are simultaneously enrolled in Business Enterprises.
Prerequisite(s):
-Business Enterprises
Top
Corporate Income Taxation (3)
508C
Concentration(s):Tax; and also Corporate
(Formerly DCL 465)
The course will focus on federal income taxation of corporations and shareholders, the tax consequences of choice of entity, the formation and liquidations of corporations, the taxation of corporations and shareholders, and the tax aspects of S corporations. EITHER Basic Income Tax A OR Basic Income Tax B fulfills the prerequisite.
Prerequisite(s):
-Basic Income Taxation A
-Basic Income Taxation B
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Corporate Law and Policy Seminar (2)
508D
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 483)
The seminar will cover selected corporate law topics, chosen to allow students an engagement with the deeper logic of corporate law and to reflect the evolving treatments of such issues by policy makers and scholarly writers. Historical perspective will be provided, as well as a sense of which issues are of contemporary interest. The materials will consist of statutes, law review articles, policy proposals and other readings. There are no prerequisites to take the course, although a prior course in corporate law is useful.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Corporate Law and Policy: Doing Business in Transitional Political Systems (3)
508G
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 592C)
This course will examine "corruption", principally in an international context. Within the past decade corruption has received increased attention from international agencies and NGO's and has become a major focus for lawyers as well as for those in government and business. We will consider: what constitutes corruption?; how, why and where it occurs?; and given its pervasiveness , should we care? We shall then consider specific instances. Students will have the opportunity to focus on how corruption is perceived and dealt with in a country in which they have a particular interest. A classroom presentation and paper will be required in lieu of a final examination.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Courts and Social Policy Seminar (2)
619
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 593)
This course examines the policy-making function of courts. The semester will begin with discussion of the theoretical arguments for and against judicial intervention in policy disputes. Next we’ll turn to empirical studies of the impact of judicial intervention in a number of policy spheres: school integration, school finance, comparable pay, pollution control, prison conditions and abortion. Throughout our discussion will revolve around two sets of questions. The first will pertain to what distinguishes judicial policy making from that of legislatures and agencies. The second will consider the evidence on the capacity of courts to shape and implement policy reforms.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Criminal Law (3)
500F
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 131)
An examination of the criminal justice system, including emphasis on the role of defense counsel and prosecutor; the adversary system; ethical considerations; sources and aims of the criminal law and construction of criminal statutes; specific crimes against person, property and the state; inchoate crimes; defenses negating culpability; and the principles of responsibility and justification.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Criminal Procedure I (3)
616B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 303)
A close examination of power and limitations in gathering evidence, proceedings before trial, essentials of a fair trial, post-conviction powers and limitations, quasi-criminal proceedings and pretrial detention.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Criminal Procedure II (3)
616C
Concentration(s):Criminal Law
(Formerly DCL 580)
This course examines various issues associated with the criminal trial process in the federal courts. The course will study issues such as the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, bail and pretrial detention, discovery, the plea bargaining process, speedy trial rights, and the federal sentencing guidelines
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Criminal Trial Advocacy I - PreTrial (2)
617A
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 470)
This practical course is designed to familiarize the student with the criminal justice process. The course consists of lectures and exercises covering criminal case initiation, the initial appearance, indictments, plea negotiations, pretrial discovery and pretrial motions leading up to up to a trial. Special emphasis will be placed on criminal procedure.
Because this course duplicates the content of courses in the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute program, students in the FTPI may not receive academic credit for this course.
Prerequisite(s):
-Criminal Law
Top
Criminal Trial Advocacy III Post-Conviction Remedies (2)
617C
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 433)
This course focuses on the representation issues raised during the critical stage of sentencing. The following topics are covered: duties/function of counsel, statutes, types of sentencing, indeterminate sentencing, length, sentencing plan, credit for time served, concurrent/consecutive, PSIs, considerations, habitual offender, altering sentences, probation, violations, restitution, alternatives, plea bargaining, guilty pleas, Proposal B, good time); sentencing guidelines demonstration; post-conviction motions; criminal appeals; parole; habeas corpus, state and federal; prisoners' rights; and sentencing reform/capital punishment.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Criminal Trial Advocacy II Trial (2)
617B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 471)
This course is designed to develop the student's trial skills for criminal law practice. The course consists of lecture and participation in practical exercises covering opening statements, introduction of evidence, direct and cross-examination, and closing arguments. Each student, paired with a trial partner, will be required to complete a criminal trial final exam against a second pair of students. Students may take the prerequisite, Evidence, concurrently.
Because this course duplicates the content of courses in the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute program, students in the FTPI may not receive academic credit for this course.
Prerequisite(s):
-Evidence
Top
Cyber Law (3)
533C
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 455)
THIS COURSE MAY BE OFFERED AS EITHER 2 OR 3 CREDITS.
This course gives a broad overview of some of the main areas in which technology has challenged traditional legal doctrines and the way we practice law. Technology law is more than just "computer law" or "cyberlaw." It is Internet law and information law. Some of the topics that will be covered are: 1) privacy issues; 2) liability of online information providers; 3) conducting business in cyberspace; 4) Internet and computer use policies in business, university and government; 5) cybercrimes and law enforcement; 6) technology license agreement and software purchase contracts; and 7) using computer-generated evidence or data.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Decedents' Estates and Trusts (4)
501D
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 210)
A study of the pattern of practices for transmitting wealth in view of death. The course surveys probate jurisdiction and administration; intestate succession; limitations on testamentary power; execution requirements for wills; revocation, revalidation and revival of wills; incorporation by reference; contest of wills and related remedies. Also covered are the private express trust, inter vivos and testamentary, including functions, prohibited trust purposes and requisites for creation; informal and incomplete trusts, including resulting, constructive and savings bank trusts; termination of trusts; gifts to charity, including historical backgrounds, nature of charitable purposes
and cy pres; powers and duties of the fiduciary; and remedies of beneficiaries in case of breach of duty.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Deferred and Executive Compensation (2)
510
Concentration(s):Tax
(Formerly DCL 480)
A study of non-qualified contractual deferred compensation arrangements (including insurance-funded plans), certain basic insurance benefit plans (such as group term, group permanent and split-dollar insurance plans), restricted property compensation arrangements (such as cash profit sharing, phantom stock and performance share plans), qualified and non-qualified stock options, and qualified retirement programs (including pension, profit sharing, and thrift and stock purchase plans). EITHER Basic Income Taxation OR Basic Income Taxation B fulfills the prerequisite.
Prerequisite(s):
-Basic Income Taxation A
-Basic Income Taxation B
Top
Directed Study (0)
624
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 690)
Students may receive credit for research and writing in areas of interest to them. This must be worked out in advance with a member of the full-time faculty. Ordinarily a paper of at least 20 pages is required, not counting endnotes, for two hours credit. A maximum of four credit hours may be applied towards graduation. Students on Reexamination Probation II are ineligible for directed studies.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Disability Law (2)
511A
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 437)
This course examines the growing area of disability law. Topics to be covered include discrimination based on disability in employment and public accommodations, as well as the requirement for educational institutions to provide special education services to disabled students. Relevant federal and state statutes will be examined, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
Domestic Violence (2)
541B
Concentration(s):
(Formerly DCL 427)
A historical background of Domestic Violence. Focus will be placed on understanding the nature of domestic violence, the prevention of domestic violence, and the survivor and batterer behavior.
Prerequisite(s):
Top
[A-B, C-D, E-F, G-H, I-J, K-L, M-N, O-P, Q-R, S-T, U-V, W-X, Y-Z]
[View All]