INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL STUDIES
Lee S. Weinberg, J.D., Ph.D.
3G22 Forbes Quad Fall Term (98-1)
648-2652/Email: Weinberg
Required Text:
Schubert, Frank A., Introduction to Law and the Legal System, Sixth Edition (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1996).
TOPICS READING
I. Introduction to Law Schubert, Chapter 1
A. Studying the Law
B. Due Process
C. Criminal v. Civil Law
D. Tort v. Contract Law
II. The Judicial System Schubert, Chapter 2
A. The Court System
B. Jurisdiction
C. State v. Federal Courts
III. Civil Procedure Schubert, Chapter 3
A. Pretrial Procedures
B. Civil Trials
C. Verdicts and Judgments
IV. Sources of American Law Schubert, Chapter 4
A. Common Law
B. Constitutions
C. Legislation
D. Courts
E. Laws of Other StatesStates/Countries
V. Limitations on Seeking Relief Schubert, Chapter 5
A. Nature of Case
B. Statute of Limitations
C. Immunities
VI. Judicial Remedies Schubert, Chapter 6
A. Common Law
B. Equitable
Mid Term Examination
VII. Criminal Law and Procedure Schubert, Chapter 7
A. Elements of Crimes
B. Criminal Procedure
C. Criminal Trial
VIII. Contracts Schubert, Chapter 9
A. Offer/Acceptance
B. Reality of Consent
C. Consideration
D. Capacity
E. Illegality
F. Writing
G. Damages
IX. The Law of Torts Schubert, Chapter 11
A. Intentional Torts
B. Negligence
C. Strict Liability
X. Property Schubert, Chapter 10
A. Government Regulation
B. Real Property
C. Personal Property
D. Bailments
E. New Property Concepts
XI. Family Law Schubert, Chapter 8
A. Defining the Family
B. Creating Family Relationships
C. Ongoing Family Relationships
D. Ending Spousal Relationships
XII. Administrative Law Schubert, Chapter 12
A. Agency Powers
B. Judicial Review
C. Regulation of Business
XIII. Employment Discrimination Schubert, Chapter 13
A. Title VII
B. Other Statutes
C. Employment Discrimination
Final Examination
Grading/Attendance Policy: The grade will be based on a mid-term examination, a final exam, and contributions to class discussion. Students are expected to attend class and to be prepared to discuss the cases assigned for each class. Failure to attend, late arrivals and early departures, and lack of preparation will all be taken into account in evaluating your overall performance. The examinations will both be multiple choice and will include questions about the cases as well as questions about the underlying legal concepts and legal rules.