School of Law
School of Law
In addition to the required courses listed here, the School of Law recommends additional "foundational" courses designed to make you a well-rounded lawyer. Starting your second year, the School of Law offers a wide variety of elective courses.
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LAW 993, 3 credits An analysis of FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes. Such analysis will include the standards of financial accounting and reporting for income taxes that result from a company鈥檚 activities during the current and preceding year. The course will analyze income taxes that are currently payable under the respective income tax statutes as well as the tax consequences of those items that are deferred for federal income tax purposes but included for financial reporting purposes. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax I. Additional Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax II [Open Enrollment] LAW 801, 3 credits
An advanced course focusing on selected issues in the law and regulation of business organizations. The specific topics covered will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisites: Business Organizations [Limited Enrollment] LAW 860A, 3 credits LAW 701, 2 credits LAW 978, 2 credits LAW 986, 3 credits LAW 840, 2 credits LAW 864, 3 credits LAW 870, 3 credits LAW 803, 3 credits
Development of the art of appellate advocacy, including lectures and moot court practice; preparation of appellate briefs; presentation of oral arguments; visits to appellate courts for observation of oral arguments. Fulfills either upper-level advocacy or workshop upper-level writing requirement. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 800, 4 credits
Students are assigned to the Appellate Division of the Public Defender's office. Under the supervision of one appellate attorney, each student works approximately twelve hours per week, preparing one entire appellate case. This includes meeting with the client, reading the record, determining the appellate issues, preparing the appellate brief, and arguing the appeal in the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland. In addition, students have a weekly classroom component, during which they are taught the fundamentals of criminal appellate advocacy. Prerequisites: First-year day courses, Evidence, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Criminal Procedure I [Admission by permission only.] LAW 860, 3 credits LAW 856, 3 credits LAW 715, 3 credits LAW 988, 2 credits
An introduction to the basics of bankruptcy law and creditors' rights and analysis of tax issues that arise. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 883, 2 credits
This simulation skills course prepares students for advocacy before bench trial courts of limited jurisdictions in both criminal and civil settings. Oral and written advocacy will be explored. Ethical and practical considerations peculiar to Bench Trial practice will be examined. Role play and adversarial exercises will be the vehicle for skill development. Emphasis on the fast pace of bench trials and its effects on the quality of client representation will be a recurring theme. The need for brevity, flexibility, and understanding of summary proceedings will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Evidence and Professional Responsibility [Limited Enrollment] LAW 830, 3 credits
Concepts and techniques for creating and operating a corporation and solving problems likely to arise in that context, including tax matters. Drafting problems will be assigned to students acting as a team. Topics are extensively treated in problem form. Prerequisite: Business Organizations and a tax course [Limited Enrollment] LAW 871, 3 credits
This course examines Constitutional Law issues in the context of death penalty litigation with a focus on Due Process and 8th Amendment issues in sentencing and 6th Amendment jury selection issues. We will examine the core values of the criminal justice system with special emphasis on the roles of the prosecutor and defense counsel and the effect of mental illness on prosecutions and executions. The course will address the death penalty in an international context, and students will reflect on moral issues and actual innocence claims. The course will have a writing for publication component and meets the scholarly upper level writing requirement. Students will present work-in-progress to the class, will consult individually with the professor, and will produce a publishable-quality law review article at the end of the term and have the tools to submit their articles for publication. Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I, Criminal Law, Constitutional Criminal Procedure I (could be concurrent with approval) [Limited Enrollment] LAW 888, 3 credits
This course will provide students with an in-depth examination of the policies and theories surrounding court reform in family law, including unified family courts, therapeutic jurisprudence, and the ecology of human development. In addition to a weekly two-hour classroom component, students will take an active role in research and writing associated with the Center for Families, Children and the Courts' (CFCC's) projects. The research and writing will involve weekly one-hour meetings with either CFCC's Director or Senior Fellow and might include areas such as the creation and evaluation of unified family courts in specific jurisdictions, juvenile justice, truancy and truancy courts, high conflict custody programs, and addiction and substance abuse as they affect families in court. Particular subject-matter areas will depend upon the nature of CFCC's activities at any given time. Prerequisite: Family Law [Limited Enrollment] LAW 890, 1-2 credits
This course is a continuation of the CFCC Student Fellows Program and, as such, is open only to students who have successfully completed the first semester and by permission of the instructor. The course will allow those students to see their projects through to completion; they will not participate in a seminar. Credits will vary from 1 to 2 credits per student, depending upon the extent the students wish to be involved and the amount of additional time approved by faculty. Prerequisite: Family Law, Center for Families, Children and the Courts' Student Fellows Program I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 522, 3 credits
This course will provide students with in-depth experience of the practice and policies of international and comparative law. In addition to the weekly seminar meeting, students will take an active role in the research, writing and public projects of the Center for International and Comparative Law. The research and writing will involve weekly meetings with the CICL Director or Senior Fellow and will consider fundamental issues in international and comparative Law. Particular subject-matter areas will depend on the nature of the CICL activities at any given time, but will include issues such as human rights, democracy, intellectual property, and international business transactions. Students will also participate in the publication, advocacy, and law-reform efforts of the CICL and work on the Center鈥檚 public projects, including those pursued in cooperation with sister institutions overseas and with domestic NGO partners working in the field of international law. Prerequisites: International Law [Limited Enrollment; Admission by permission only] LAW 522A, 1-2 credits
This course is a continuation of the CICL Student Fellows Program and open only to students who have successfully completed the first semester and by permission of the instructor. The course allows CICL Student Fellows to see their projects through to completion; there is no required seminar component. Students receive 1 to 2 credits, depending upon the extent of the student鈥檚 involvement and time commitment.Prerequisites: Center for International and Comparative Law Student Fellows I [Limited Enrollment; Admission by permission only] LAW 707, 3 credits
The course analyzes the rights and the status of children and parents in certain contexts, including an examination of constitutional issues specific to the family relationship. Students learn how to represent children in various types of cases. The course explores the topics of education, child abuse and neglect, foster care, termination of parental rights, and adoption. [Open Enrollment] LAW 800, 6 credits
Students enrolled in Civil Clinic I represent indigent clients before courts and administrative agencies in diverse civil matters. Civil Clinic students have represented clients on consumer, contract, landlord/tenant, special education, and government benefits matters, and interested students have assisted elderly clients in drafting powers of attorney and advance directives. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students are responsible for all aspects of representing clients, including interviewing clients and witnesses, engaging in fact investigation and discovery, drafting pleadings and motions, negotiating with adversaries, and conducting hearings and trials. Students are expected to devote approximately 20 hours per week to clinic activity. Prerequisite: First-year day courses, Evidence and Professional Responsibility Recommended: Trial Advocacy [Admission by permission only] LAW 800B, 1-4 credits
With the approval of the Civil Clinic faculty, a limited number of students, who have successfully completed Civil Clinic I, may take this course to continue work in the Civil Clinic for one or two additional semesters (for one to four additional credits during one or two semesters). The total number of credits earned in a semester by all students enrolled in Civil Clinic II may not exceed eight (8) credits. Prerequisite: Civil Advocacy Clinic I [Admission by permission only] LAW 853, 3 credits
An overview of the law surrounding individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution, with particular emphasis on First Amendment freedoms. Landmark cases are examined together with those currently in litigation, from both philosophical and practical perspectives. The seminar also discusses various ethical and practical problems in representing unpopular clients and controversial causes. Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 866, 3 credits
This course examines governmental, private and public property rights in land bordering rivers, the ocean, and other coastal areas. In addition, the course examines federal, state, and local government regulation of the use and development of land (including submerged lands) and natural resources in coastal areas. The course coverage includes governmental programs to protect wetlands, the Chesapeake Bay, and marine species of wildlife, fish, and shellfish. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 880, 3 credits
Planning, drafting, and negotiating real estate projects involving commercial acquisitions, development, financing, leasing and environmental and land use implications. Pre- or Co-requisite: Property; Business Organizations; Federal Income Tax [Limited Enrollment] LAW 800C, 6 credits
Students represent non-profit community associations to assist in improving the quality of life in their low-income neighborhoods. The representation primarily involves transactional work. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students interview clients, investigate legal problems, perform legal research and drafting, counsel corporate organization's boards and advocate for clients before various governmental and private agencies. Cases and projects include corporate structuring, obtaining non-profit tax exempt status, property acquisition, contract drafting, community education, legislative advocacy, and litigation such as drug nuisance abatement, zoning and receivership actions. The course has a weekly seminar and team meetings in addition to case work. Prerequisite: First-year day courses, Professional Responsibility, Business Organizations, and demonstrated interest in community development and non-profit organizations. [Admission by permission only] LAW 800P, 1-4 credits
With the approval of the Community Development Clinic faculty, a limited number of students, who have successfully completed Community Development Clinic I, may take this course to continue work in the Community Development Clinic for one additional semester (for one to four additional credits). The total number of credits earned in a semester by all students enrolled in Community Development Clinic II may not exceed eight (8) credits. Prerequisite: Community Development Clinic I [Admission by permission only] LAW 593, 2 credits
This course explores the international and national legal regimes for the protection of refugees and asylees. Topics include the history of the U.N. Convention on the Status of Refugees, the implementation of the convention through the U.S Refugee Act of 1980 and subsequent related legislation, political and judicial efforts to define the extent of the protections afforded under international and domestic law, current proposals to amend the laws, and the practice of asylum law in the United States. To the extent time permits, we will consider U.S. asylum law in comparison to selected other nations' asylum regimes. [Open Enrollment] LAW 710, 3 credits
Problems arising from events or occurrences as to the applicability of the law of different states or nations, jurisdiction as to the subject matter and the parties, full faith and credit to laws and judicial proceedings of other states, determining choice of law and its application to specific legal areas. [Open Enrollment] LAW 968, 2 credits
Analysis of the techniques used by multiple, related corporations to report income and losses. Detailed examination of the consolidated income tax regulations and consideration of other problems encountered by affiliated groups of corporations. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax and Corporate Taxation [Open Enrollment] LAW 745, 3 credits
Construction Law is the body of the law associated with the building and design of individual homes, shopping centers, residential communities, public roadways, skyscrapers, and other "improvements". This course provides a general overview of the construction process and "construction contract documents", exploring typical legal disputes which arise among developers, contractors, subcontractors, architects and engineers. The course will examine the statutory and common law liabilities which attach once the construction process has been completed, with an emphasis on the rights and remedies of those who purchase defectively constructed or designed homes and buildings. [Open Enrollment] LAW 712, 3 credits
Regulation of consumer sales practices and contracts; regulation of consumer collection practices; regulation of the consumer credit industry, including truth-in-lending statutes and holder-in-due course doctrine. [Open Enrollment] LAW 804, 3 credits
A seminar focusing on the historical and current legal treatment of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered individuals, and heterosexuals in the areas of, inter alia, family law, military law, sodomy law, employment law, and constitutional law; and the interplay between changing societal norms and the development of legislation and the common law. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 713, 3 credits
The study of the extent of authors', composers', and artists' rights to prevent the exploitation of their works by others (primarily copyright but also express and implied contract and the doctrine of "moral rights") and the extent of individuals' rights not to be personally exploited or maligned in others' writings (invasion of privacy, defamation, and the right of publicity). [Open Enrollment] LAW 969, 3 credits
Analysis of the tax treatment of corporations and shareholders in corporate acquisitions, divisions, re-incorporations, and re-capitalizations, including a discussion of Section 338. Review of the net operating loss carryover and collapsible corporation rules. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax and Corporate Taxation [Open Enrollment] LAW 951, 3 credits
Federal income taxation of corporations and their shareholders with emphasis on the formation of the corporation, capital structure, operational alternatives, distributions, partial and complete liquidations, personal holding companies, and the accumulated earnings tax. Formation, operation, and liquidation of S-corporations are also covered. This course is a combined J.D. And Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 800D, 6 credits
Participating students are assigned to either a state's attorney's or a public defender's office. Under the direction of a member of the professional staff at the assigned agency, they prepare and try a variety of criminal cases, including allegations of juvenile delinquency misdemeanors and felonies in the district and circuit courts of Maryland. There is a graded academic component (2 credits), in which students study criminal law and procedure, address ethical issues and develop the skills needed to handle their cases effectively. Prerequisite: First-year day courses, Evidence, Professional Responsibility, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Criminal Procedure I. Pre- or Co-requisite: Trial Advocacy [Admission by permission only] LAW 991, 2 credits
This advanced state and local tax seminar consists of discussions of articles written by leading state tax theoreticians and practitioners regarding the present condition and likely future of state taxation in the 21 st century. Each student will be expected to moderate at least one group discussion during the semester. The grade will be based on class participation and the completion of one publishable paper on a state tax policy topic of the student's choice, subject to the instructor's approval. Prerequisite: State and Local Taxation [Limited Enrollment] LAW 875, 3 credits
This seminar covers a wide range of legal issues as they pertain to the Internet and computer-assisted communications generally. These issues include protecting intellectual property rights, imposing tort liability on service providers, preserving freedom of speech in electronic media, establishing global jurisdiction and venue principles, protecting privacy and/or anonymity, and otherwise regulating the new media. Recommended: One of the Core Courses of the Intellectual Property Area of Concentration, or Communications Law. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 800E, 3 credits
This clinic is offered in conjunction with the Law & Disabilities Seminar course. The course will focus primarily on mental health law, teaching students substantive mental health law, interviewing, counseling and negotiating skills, the trial skills of case theory and case development and advocacy skills, in an administrative hearing context. The course will culminate with each student representing patients in involuntary commitment hearings at Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Hospital in Towson, Maryland. Pre- or Co-requisites: First year day courses, Evidence, Professional Responsibility, and Law & Disabilities Seminar. [Admission by permission only] LAW 778, 3 credits
In state and federal courts the vast majority of civil cases (95% or more) do not go to trial, but are resolved by settlement or dispositive motion. In either event, more often than not, discovery is the most important factor in the resolution of the case, and thus has become a critical area of study and practice for civil litigators. This course will examine discovery practice under the state and federal rules of civil procedure. Topics will include the scope of discovery, application of ethical rules to discovery, forms of discovery (e.g. interrogatories, requests for production of documents, depositions), electronic discovery, best practices, discovery sanctions, and proposals for reform. Prerequisite: Civil Procedure I [Open Enrollment] LAW 839, 3 credits
A practical examination and application of extra-judicial alternatives to traditional methods for resolving disputes. Students spend six hours per week engaged in real-life supervised mediations at the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Attorney General's Office. There they conduct telephone mediations, produce a variety of written documents, and maintain comprehensive journals of their cases. A classroom component (one hour per week, on UBalt campus) analyzes mediation techniques, evaluates simulated disputes, and addresses particular cases being handled by the student at the CPD. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 739, 3 credits This course covers select laws and pertinent cases dealing with Medicaid, Medicare, guardianship, Social Security programs, investments, trusts, insurances, and taxation of income, gifts and estates. Legal documents typically indicated for elder law matters are also reviewed. [Open Enrollment] LAW 899, 3 credits
This course will examine federal constitutional and statutory law governing the American electoral/political process. The course will include discussions regarding constitutional and statutory constraints on apportionment and districting-one person/one vote, political and racial gerrymandering, the role of the Voting Rights Act and restrictions on the residency requirements and discrimination on the basis of race and language. Discussions will include both historical and contemporary voting issues. Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 872, 3 credits
As the "computer age" progresses, more and more information is electronically exchanged and stored. Courts have only recently begun to adapt discovery and evidentiary rules to the challenges of vast amounts of electronically stored information (ESI) and these challenges continue to grow as technology changes. This course will bring students to the cutting edge on several fronts: how to manage ESI before litigation is anticipated; how that changes once litigation is anticipated; the exchange of ESI during discovery; how to avoid waiver of privileges; and how to use ESI in deposition and trial. Students will analyze the leading cases, and existing and pending rules and prepare several drafting assignments, including motions and supporting memoranda. Prerequisite: Civil Procedure I and Evidence [Limited Enrollment] LAW 718, 3 credits
Analysis of the prohibitions against discrimination in employment in the federal and state constitutions, the Post-Civil War Civil Rights Acts, the Equal Pay Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and their interpretation by the courts. Primary emphasis is on gender-based and racial discrimination prohibited by Title VII. [Open Enrollment] LAW 737, 3 credits
Analysis of statutory and common law principles arising in the workplace: the employer's obligations and the employees' rights. Topics covered include wrongful discharge and other employment torts, employment contracts, drug testing, occupational safety and health, individual employee rights, and wage and hour laws. The course briefly covers anti-discrimination laws and labor laws, but is not a substitute for either Employment Discrimination Law or Labor Law. [Open Enrollment] LAW 881, 3 credits
An intensive workshop course that provides an introduction to entertainment law and practical analysis, negotiation and drafting of contracts commonly used in the entertainment industry, with attention to emerging issues related to new technologies (such as internet distribution and satellite radio). The course will cover the nature, creation and ownership of intellectual property rights, the formation of different types of business entities, and common contractual relationships. Students will draft applicable documents, including basic copyright and trademark applications, entity formation documents and contracts. Prerequisite: Contracts I & II Co- or Prerequisite: Business Organizations and Copyright & the Arts [Limited Enrollment] LAW 719, 3 credits
Legal processes for the management of natural resources and the control of pollution and other adverse influences on the environment; federal statutes and administrative devices affecting the environment; legal control of air and water pollution, noise, pesticides and environmental toxicants; land use planning and growth control; public lands management; energy conservation and regulation; wildlife protection; solid waste management; and private law remedies affecting the foregoing. Emphasis is on federal statutes and regulations. [Open Enrollment] LAW 808, 3 credits
A study of the tort and property law theories that are used to provide remedies to private parties suffering injuries to person and property as a result of exposure to toxic substances. Includes analysis of nuisance (public and private), trespass, products liability causes of action, strict liability for ultrahazardous and abnormally dangerous activities, warranties, negligence, workers compensation and insurance coverage, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Focuses on the causation, damages, and statutes of limitations issues prevalent in such cases. Recommended: Torts [Limited Enrollment] LAW 971, 3 credits
Basic principles of federal estate and gift taxation, including valuation, inter vivos transfers, disclaimers, determination of the taxable estate, transfers with retained interests or powers, joint interests, life insurance proceeds, property subject to powers of appointment, the marital deduction, credits, and the generation-skipping transfer tax. The day section of this course is a J.D. offering. The evening section of this course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Property and Federal Income Tax Co- or Prerequisite: Trusts & Estates [Open Enrollment] LAW 972, 3 credits
JD in the day division, GTP in the evening division. Methods of disposing of estates by will, life insurance, inter vivos arrangements and consideration of resulting tax and administrative problems. The course also focuses on gathering and analyzing facts in the planning and drafting of trusts, wills, and related documents. Prerequisites: Property, Federal Income Tax, Estate and Gift Taxation, Trusts & Estates. The evening section of this course is a combined JD and Graduate Tax Program Offering. The day section o fthis course is a J.D. offering and is a drafting option. [Open Enrollment] [Limited Enrollment for J.D.] LAW 811, 3 credits
An examination of the development and legal structure of the European community with emphasis on law-making by directives, regulations, and Court of Justice decisions. Topics include the litigation process in the European community; regulating the free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital; internal community policies on harmonization of national laws; business competition law; external trade practices and relations with non-European community nations; and the future direction and aspirations of the member states of the European Community [Open Enrollment] LAW 868, 3 credits
Detailed examination of both theoretical and practical questions concerning the law of evidence, such as the attorney-client privilege; the effect of presumptions and rules concerning the validity of inferences; the Fifth Amendment's application to documentary evidence; and the presentation of statistical and probability witnesses. Each student will function as an attorney or judge in numerous presentations of various evidentiary issues at both trial and appellate court levels. Each student is to prepare and present a paper proposing evidence law reform on a subject of his or her choice. The presentation of the paper will be in an advocacy situation, such as an appellate argument or appearance before a trial court, legislative committee, or rules committee. Prerequisite: Evidence [Limited Enrollment] LAW 975, 2 credits
Methods of providing tax-free and tax-deferred compensation to employees, including Section 83 tax planning, stock option tax planning, incentive compensation arrangements, and methods of funding non-qualified plans. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 827A, 2 credits
The relationship between law and literature is founded on the notion that an understanding of stories鈥攈ow they are constructed and told鈥攊s beneficial to lawyers in their representation of clients. Clients鈥� stories lie at the heart of a legal case and effective lawyering involves using these narratives to the client鈥檚 best advantage. The most recent versions of law and literature courses include the teaching of close reading and reflective writing skills鈥攖ools utilized in narrative studies. These methods have the potential to enrich and enliven the attorney-client relationship with empathetic understanding, promote ethical decision making, develop in the student a professional voice and identity, and advance strategies for legal advocacy. The process of close reading and reflective writing enlarges the imagination and expands possibilities of perception both with respect to oneself and to others. In doing so, it creates for law students a way to think about themselves in relation to their clients and their clients鈥� predicaments in fresh ways. This course will involve the study of narrative accounts of children and families (novels, memoirs and essays) using close reading and reflective writing methods to facilitate the examination of these texts as they relate to lawyering. In addition to class discussions of the assigned reading materials, students will practice in class reflective writing involving exercises based upon the reading material. Grades will depend upon the extent and quality of class participation, a brief midterm paper, and a final paper. Prerequisite: Family Law [Limited Enrollment] LAW 800F, 6 credits
Students represent low income clients seeking child custody, support, divorce and protection from domestic violence. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will be responsible for interviewing clients, experts and potential witnesses, and for negotiating with opposing parties or counsel, as well as for preparation of pleadings and court appearances. Students practice primarily in the local district and circuit courts but may also have the opportunity to assist in appellate litigation. Students are expected to devote approximately 20 hours per week to clinic activity and will receive a grade. Prerequisites: First-year day courses, Evidence, and Professional Responsibility Recommended: Family Law; Trial Advocacy; Interviewing, Negotiating & Counseling [Admission by permission only] LAW 800G, 1-4 credits
A limited number of students who have completed Family Law Clinic I may take this course to continue work in the Family Law Clinic, with the approval of Family Law Clinic faculty, for one or two additional semesters (for one to four credits during one or two semesters). Responsibilities during this semester(s) include advanced casework, limited participation in the Family Law Clinic seminar in the form of role playing and co-teaching, involvement in ongoing family law reform projects, and supervision of Family Law Clinic I students. The total number of credits earned in a semester by all students enrolled in Family Law Clinic II may not exceed eight credits. Prerequisite: Family Law Clinic I [Admission by permission only] LAW 827, 3 credits
This course will focus on all aspects of domestic relations client representation and dispute resolution. Through a combination of lecture, simulations and written assignments, students will obtain significant drafting, interviewing, counseling, negotiating and litigation experience. In addition, emphasis will be placed on case planning skills. The course will focus on selected family topics including marital property, custody and visitation, and spousal and child support. Although this course does not involve live client representation, there is substantial overlap with the seminar component of the Family Law Clinic. This course is, therefore, not intended for students enrolled or planning to take the Family Law Clinic. Prerequisite: Family Law [Limited Enrollment] LAW 721, 3 credits
This course is intended to provide the student with an understanding of the federal criminal laws and the procedures followed in the federal courts. The course will include a survey of the Federal Criminal Code, as well as statutes and regulations otherwise codified. Emphasis will be placed on those statutes being used most often at this time in major conspiracy, organized crime and corruption cases. The course will also track individual cases through the federal criminal system through indictment, motions, trial and appeal. Readings will include primary and secondary sources. Prerequisites: Constitutional Criminal Procedure I, Criminal Law [Open Enrollment] LAW 818A, 3 credits
This class is designed for students who wish to develop story-telling skills and explore and reflect on their thoughts about the law and their new career. Students will study the basics of fiction writing--plot, characterization, narrative, dialogue and theme--through seven graded exercises, then produce a completed short story which must go through two full drafts. In addition, the class will read three novels with legal themes, ranging from Kafka's THE TRIAL to Grisham's THE FIRM. The only subject-matter requirement for assignments is that the short story relate in some way to the law or legal themes. Past short stories have explored trial strategy and preparation, legal ethics at the individual and corporate levels, crime, the lives of lawyers and law students, sexual abuse and assault and many other themes. The course is writing intensive. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 974, 3 credits
Analysis of the federal income tax provisions applying to U.S. inbound and outbound transactions and investments. Course covers U.S. resident status, source-of-income rules, graduated tax on effectively connected income, withholding tax on FDAP income, branch profits tax, FIRPTA, tax treaties, foreign tax credit, foreign earned income exclusion, Subpart F, and transfer pricing. This course is a combined J.D. And Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 892, 2 credits
This course gives students an understanding of forensic evidence topics such as pathology, crime scene investigation, detection of bodily fluids, firearms and tool marks, trace evidence detection and analysis, toxicology, arson investigation, personal identification (including fingerprints, serology, DNA, odontology, and osteology), and questioned documents. Students will be introduced to the use of the on-line Index Medicus, PubMed, as well as the repositories of texts and journal articles in medical school libraries, and will conduct research in them. The effective use and cross-examination of expert witnesses in the respective areas of expertise will also be addressed. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to determine when the forensic sciences might be of value in their cases, and should be fully prepared to conduct their own research in forensic evidence topics. Prerequisite: Evidence [Limited Enrollment] LAW 953, 3 credits
Basic concepts in federal income taxation, including gross income, exclusions, adjusted gross income, deductions, exemptions, credits, assignment of income, identification of the taxpayer, tax rates, depreciation, and the alternative minimum tax. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. [Open Enrollment] LAW 957, 3 credits
Continuation of basic tax concepts including cash and accrual methods, original issue discount and imputed interests, below market loans, installment sales, like kind exchanges, involuntary conversions, the at-risk rules, and the passive loss rules. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 859, 3 credits
Critical examination of historical and modern treatment of gender under the law. Focus will include federal and state constitutional theory of gender equality; federal statutory restrictions on discrimination in employment and education; selected topics in family and criminal law. Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 858, 3 credits
Acquisition of services and properties; solicitation of bids and proposals to furnish the Federal and Maryland State governments with property, services and construction; award, administration and termination of such contracts; and effectuating Government socioeconomic programs (non-discrimination, small business, minority, etc.) through Federal and Maryland State contracting. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 725, 3 credits
A study of the national crisis in health care and some leading proposals for reform. Topics include issues of health care need, cost and quality control, Medicare and Medicaid, access to health care, the business roles of health institutions, health care contracts and claims, right to treatment, and federal health plans vs. private health coverage. [Open Enrollment] LAW 741, 3 credits
This course examines the complex issues of health policy that affect American healthcare delivery system. The course will engage with new challenges, such as healthcare reform, healthcare financing, electronic records, outcome measurements, and the impact of technology on medical care and costs. A background in healthcare or healthcare policy is not necessary for this course. [Open Enrollment] LAW 874, 3 credits
Historic Preservation Law introduces students to fundamental legal concepts related to historic preservation. The course covers federal statutes, constitutional issues, local ordinance and preservation commission issues, financial incentives, and conservation easement drafting. The course will draw from the expertise of nationally and internationally recognized historic preservation professionals and offer perspectives from leading developers, contractors, and architects in Maryland, as well as leading experts in the economics of historic preservation. Students will also have the unique opportunity to see how land use law is applied in 极乐禁地e to further preservation and sustainability goals through Preservation Green Lab, a National Trust-sponsored project in 极乐禁地e that works with local official, developers, and community groups in 极乐禁地e to rehabilitate vacant and blighted property. Property Law is recommended as a prerequisite. Constitutional Law, Environmental Law and Land Use would be helpful, but are not required. Prerequisite: Law 607 Property [Limited Enrollment] LAW 800K, 6 credits
Students enrolled in the Immigrant Rights Clinic represent low-income immigrants seeking various forms of relief from removal, including asylum; protection for victims of human trafficking; protection for battered immigrants; protection for victims of certain types of crimes; protection for abused, abandoned, or neglected immigrant children; and cancellation of removal. Under the supervision of faculty members, students are responsible for all aspects of representing their clients, including interviewing and counseling clients, preparing witnesses, engaging in fact investigation, conducting legal research, drafting litigation documents (such as affidavits and briefs), and oral advocacy. Ideally, each team of students will represent a client at an immigration interview or hearing at the end of the semester. Students may also engage in advocacy efforts involving issues faced by immigrant communities. Students will attend a weekly seminar focused on substantive law and legal skills and are expected to devote approximately 20 hours per week to clinic activity. Prerequisites: First-year day courses, Evidence Co-requisite: Professional Responsibility Recommended: Trial Advocacy; Immigration Law; International Human Rights Seminar [Admission by permission only.] LAW 800L, 1-4 credits
With the approval of the Immigrant Rights Clinic faculty, a limited number of students, who have successfully completed Immigrant Rights Clinic I, may take this course to continue work in the Immigrant Rights Clinic for one or two additional semesters (for one to four additional credits during one or two semesters). The total number of credits earned in a semester by all students enrolled in Immigrant Rights Clinic II may not exceed eight (8) credits. Prerequisite: Immigrant Rights Clinic I [Admission by permission only.] LAW 726, 3 credits
An introduction to the laws dealing with aliens, i.e., non-immigrants, immigrants, undocumented persons, and refugees. Includes: an examination of the constitutional and statutory provisions and the underlying policies; procedures dealing with specific immigration issues; acquisition and loss of American citizenship; and proposals to reform the present law. [Open Enrollment] LAW 973, 3 credits
Federal income taxation of decedents' estates, simple and complex trusts, charitable trusts and grantor trusts. Course covers the preparation of fiduciary income tax returns with emphasis on unique tax issues such as: income in respect of a decendent, distributable net income and fiduciary accounting. This course is a combined J.D. And Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 8OON, 6 credits
Under the supervision of two experienced criminal defense attorneys, students will review records, interview clients and witnesses, conduct legal research, devise investigative strategies, draft pleadings and argue motions in cases involving claims of wrongful conviction. Students will develop an understanding of the post-conviction process and the various scientific issues that have emerged that impact on the reliability of eyewitness identification, forensic evidence and police interrogation methods. Prerequisites: Evidence, Constitutional Criminal Procedure I Co- or Prerequisite: Professional Responsibility [Limited Enrollment] LAW 800T, 1-4 credits
With the approval of the Innocence Project Clinic faculty, a limited number of students, who have successfully completed Innocence Project Clinic I, may take this course to continue work in the Innocence Project Clinic for one additional semester (for one to four additional credits). The total number of credits earned in a semester by all students enrolled in Innocence Project Clinic II may not exceed eight (8) credits. Prerequisites: Innocence Project Clinic I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 727, 2 credits
A study of contracts of insurance, including life, health, property, accident, and liability; interpretation of insurance contracts; conditions precedent; representations; warranties; terms; conditions; coverages; insurable interests; rights of beneficiaries; exemptions; excess liabilities; waiver and estoppel; subrogation; controls on the insurance industry; procedural and evidentiary aspects, including pleadings, declaratory judgments, interpleaders, and joint tortfeasor releases. [Open Enrollment]
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LAW 766, 3 credits LAW 845, 2 or 3 credits (Decided by professor and announced when course is on the
schedule)
This course will select a primary topic of advanced IP law that has major current importance. It will review the latest developments on this topic and examine the need for law revision. A part of this course is to use the Internet extensively, with some of the classes occurring in web-based chat sessions, allowing experts to participate in the discussion. Topics and evaluation methods will be included in course schedules. Primary topics taught to date have been: Trademark Workshop (3 credits) and Patent Prosecution (3 credits) Prerequisites: Either Patent, Trademark & Technology Law or Copyright & the Arts. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 703, 3 credits
Due to many forces, the global economy is more integrated than ever before, and intellectual property (IP) rights play an increasingly important role in global markets. As a result, with growing frequency lawyers must be prepared to advise clients on IP issues spanning multiple countries. This course will begin to prepare students for such work by examining the development of international treaties related to various types of IP, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. These treaties also provide a foundation for considering the national IP laws of various jurisdictions. Policy issues related the creation of new IP, economic development, distributive justice, and globalization will also be covered. [Open enrollment] LAW 728, 3 credits
An introductory course considering the legal issues arising out of private transactions across national borders. The class discusses several or all of the following subjects: the international trade of goods; technology transfer; foreign direct investment; and dispute resolution in international transactions (including jurisdiction, arbitration, choice of law, extraterritorial jurisdiction and discovery, and the enforcement of international judgments and arbitral awards. [Open Enrollment] LAW 777, 3 credits
International Criminal Law is concerned with defining and punishing behavior that the international community deems to violate fundamental human values. Some of these crimes include Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity, and Torture. This course will explore the history and development of International Criminal Law, the courts and tribunals charged with interpreting it, the elements of international crimes, and potential defenses. The course will touch upon contemporary and controversial topics, such as US reluctance to join the International Criminal Court, trafficking in persons, and terrorism. Recommended: Criminal Law [Open Enrollment] LAW 873, 3 credits
The challenges facing our environment are daunting, and they are not limited by national boundaries. This course will develop students' knowledge of international environmental law's history, actors, law-making processes, and contemporary debates, as well as include several illustrative case studies of environmental problems, such as trans-boundary air pollution, climate change, ozone depletion and whaling. This course aims to sharpen students' critical readin& negotiation, analytical thinking, scholarly writing, and oral presentation skills. Students will participate in a negotiation simulation on a contemporary international environmental law topic and write a research paper that fulfills the upper level writing requirement. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 813, 3 credits
Focus on the theory and techniques of interviewing, counseling, and negotiation, that are necessary for effective representation of clients. Such topics as question formulation, witness interviewing, structuring the counseling session, case evaluation, development of bargaining range and negotiation tactics will be covered. The teaching medium will be simulation. Students will act as attorneys weekly in mock cases and critique the videotaped performances of their classmates. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 992, 3 credits
Study of the taxation of basic financial building blocks (equity, debt, options, notional principal contracts and forward contracts) and their various combinations. Financial equivalencies among traditional and derivative instruments that are taxed under widely varying tax regimes. Use of financial instruments to change the timing, character and source of income. Gaps in existing law, possible future tax regimes and emerging financial products. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Federal Income Taxation I or Federal Income Tax; Fundamentals of Federal Income Taxation II is recommended [Open Enrollment] LAW 994, 3 credits This course examines the life cycle of a criminal tax case, including the warning signs that a civil tax case may be referred for criminal investigation, applicable privileges, potential defenses, the opening of an administrative investigation, sources of information, authorization of a grand jury investigation and prosecution, best practices in plea negotiations, trial strategies, sentencing, and collateral and civil tax consequences. The course also will address current priorities of IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Justice, and cases pulled from the headlines. Prerequisites: Federal Income Tax or Tax Practice and Procedure is recommended. [Open Enrollment] LAW 877, 3 credits
The frame of reference for study in this course is the professional life of a law enforcement officer, addressing the following topics: law enforcement officers' privilege against compelled self-incrimination, administrative disciplinary procedures for law enforcement officers, use of deadly force by law enforcement officers, civil rights litigation by and against law enforcement officers, police pursuit, collective bargaining for law enforcement officers and their bargaining units, and workers' compensation for law enforcement officers. Prerequisite: Criminal Law [Limited Enrollment] LAW 836, 3 credits Under the supervision of a supervising judge and a faculty supervisor, students tearn about the lawyering and judicial processes first hand by interning at the court and attending a classroom component. Students develop reflective learning and problem solving skills, increase their substantive legal knowledge, explore issues of professionalism and ethics, and gain a deeper understanding of the legal system, judicial decision making, and the practice of law. Students may register for a three internship and must have their field placement approved by the Director. This program has special rules with respect to who may register and what requirements must be satisfied to earn credit under this program. Prerequisite: Each student has successfully completed instruction equivalent to 28 credit hours toward the J.D. degree before participation in the field placement program. Recommended: Professional Responsibility [Admissions by permission only] LAW 730, 3 credits
A practice-oriented examination of the historical and philosophical basis for a separate juvenile justice process; jurisdiction and substantive law; the legal status of children in the juvenile justice process; the role of the Supreme Court in the juvenile justice process; juvenile delinquency issues and procedures; child abuse and neglect. Primary emphasis will be on Maryland Law, especially the Juvenile Causes Act. [Open Enrollment] LAW 800Q, 3 credits
In the project, the students will, in collaboration with the Office of the Public Defender and under the supervision of a faculty member, represent persons who have been convicted of offenses committed when they were under 18 and were sentenced to life or life without parole and may be eligible for resentencing under the 2012 Supreme Court decision in Miller v. Alabama. In Miller, the Court held that the Eighth Amendment prohibited mandatory sentences of life without parole for juvenile offenders convicted of homicide. Students will be assigned cases at various stages of the post-conviction process, and will have the chance to conduct investigations, meet with clients, evaluate cases for sentencing claims, research and write petitions for resentencing, or amicus briefs, and if possible, conduct evidentiary hearings, Students may also have the opportunity to work on legislation and policy work related to the clinic鈥檚 goals. Prerequisite: Evidence Pre- or Co-requisites:Professional Responsibility and Sentencing and Plea Bargaining Seminar [Admission by permission only] LAW 800R, 1-3 credits
With the approval of the Juvenile Justice Project faculty, a limited number of students, who have successfully completed the Juvenile Justice Project I, may take this course to continue work in the Juvenile Justice Project for one or two additional semesters (for one鈥搕wo additional credits. The total number of credits earned in a semester by all students enrolled in the Juvenile Justice Project II may not exceed four credits. Prerequisite: Juvenile Justice Project I [Admission by permission only] LAW 731, 3 credits
Legal rules governing labor-management relations embodied in the National Labor Relations Act, including the principle of exclusivity, protection for the right to organize, limitations on the substance of union demands and on the use of strikes and picketing, rules governing the use of economic pressures during bargaining, the scope and meaning of the duty to bargain, and remedies for failure to bargain. [Open Enrollment] LAW 732, 3 credits
Reviews policy decisions and legal techniques relating to the control and development of land. Topics include nuisance, zoning, eminent domain, regulatory takings, subdivision controls, and urban/regional planning and growth issues. Prerequisite: Property [Open Enrollment] LAW 875, 3 credits
This course examines the impact of advancements in the biosciences on a variety of legal and policy issues. The course will engage with new challenges, such as intellectual property in the body, human subjects research, and the medical and forensic uses of genetic information. A background in biotechnology is not necessary for this course. [Open Enrollment] LAW 861, 3 credits
The course will study legal issues as they relate to persons with disabilities. The primary focus will include federal special education law, public and private employment discrimination, architectural accessibility, decision-making rights in the community (competency, consent to medical treatment, sterilization of the disabled, civil commitment of the mentally ill and guardianship), and legal issues as they effect persons with AIDS. Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 776, 3 credits
This survey course examines the law, theory, and practice of human rights with a special focus on international human rights. Topics will include the history of human rights and its codification after World War II; the role of customary international law in protecting human rights; the basic international and regional human rights instruments; connections and tensions between civil, political, social and economic rights; the status of human rights law in the United States and the relationship between the United States and the global human rights regime; and theories of cultural relativism and other academic critiques of the human rights movement. Prerequisite: Constitutional Law II [Open Enrollment] LAW 821, 3 credits
This course will be devoted to trying to answer the question, 鈥淗ow does literature look at lawyers?鈥� The goal is to further the understanding of various roles ascribed to lawyers in literature and the reasons therefore and to appreciate the role that literature plays in anchoring the perception of lawyers in our society. Towards that end, reading fiction and nonfiction tomes, viewing a few movies along the way and developing ten short papers discussing the theme will be the focus. The readings are organized in an historical progression through the classical to modern periods. A warning: the amount of weekly reading for this course will be substantial but should be enjoyable. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 838, 3 credits
A review of First Amendment and other constitutional limitations on government favoritism (establishment) of religion and government infringement on the free exercise of religion, including religious speech. An examination of current controversies between 鈥渃hurch and state鈥�. A survey of the role in major religions, including Christianity (both Catholic and Protestant), Judaism, Islam and others. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 862, 3 credits
Conflicts with and access to the legal system, particularly for the poor and traditionally disenfranchised. Particular attention is paid to the solution of current and controversial problems through litigation and legislation. The course will be taught focusing on one or more particular substantive areas of the law to examine legal approaches to social reform. Topics will vary depending upon the professor teaching. Recommended: Constitutional Law I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 815, 2 credits
Provides practical information for the new lawyer to better understand the business aspects of the practice of law. Course topics include basic systems necessary for operation of a small or medium law firm, as well as personnel, marketing and client retention matters. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 837, 3 credits
Workshop students develop practical research skills through a combination of classroom lectures, exercises, written assignments and presentations that simulate research problems that they are likely to face in their practice. In addition to covering a wide variety of legal topics and resources, students will learn how to evaluate legal issues so that their research is effective and reflects an understanding of all associated research costs. Prerequisites: Introduction to Lawyering Skills and Introduction to Advocacy [Limited Enrollment] LAW 748, 3 credits
Approximately two-thirds of the course covers the following: methods of interpretation, application, and arrangement of federal and state statutes; legislative procedure and organization; legislative investigation; and ethics and lobbying in the legislature. About one-third of the course consists of a study of principles and techniques of code revision and of practical problems in legislative drafting. [Open Enrollment] LAW 886, 3 credits
A workshop course about laws and rules focused, in a practical, client-oriented way, upon techniques of interpretation and drafting. Specific attention is given to: an overview of the Congressional enactment process; short exercises interpreting existing provisions of federal and state civil laws and drafting new ones; and, a practical project such as drafting a proposed bill. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 817, 3 credits
This is an introduction to the roles lawyers play in litigation. Investigation, counseling, drafting, negotiation, and written and oral advocacy will be explored. The course will take students through the stages of a lawsuit, from initial client interview through pleading, discovery, and pretrial into trial, in such a way as to emphasize the dynamic role an attorney has in developing and implementing a theory of the case and in exploring the relationship between law and fact. The medium of instruction will be primarily simulation of a real case in which the students will be required to perform as attorneys for one or another party. Prerequisites: First-year day courses. [Limited Enrollment; Max. 12 students] LAW 833, 3 credits
LAW 749, 3 credits
This course examines the relationship of local governments to the states and the federal government as well as the relationship of local governments to the communities within and around them with particular emphasis on judicial analysis of the constitutional and statutory bases of those relationships. Among the specific doctrinal areas covered will be the sources and limits of local government power, incorporation and annexation of localities, home-rule, state pre-emption of local ordinances, intergovernmental cooperation and conflict, and liability of local governments for misuse of power. Special attention is given to issues of democracy, exclusion and community that arise in connection with the distribution of services, housing, education and other resources in metropolitan areas. [Open enrollment] LAW 750, 3 credits
A survey of the maritime industry and the history of admiralty and maritime law; maritime tort and contract jurisdiction; in rem and in personam actions; marine insurance; cargo; charter parties; arbitration; maritime liens and ship mortgages; salvage; collision; personal injury (Jones Act and Longshoremen's Act); indemnity and contribution; limitation of shipowner's liability; practice and procedure; maritime arrest and attachment; towage and portage; pollution liability; and the involvement of the United States in maritime law and the maritime industry. Prerequisites: First-year day courses. [Open Enrollment] LAW 772, 3 credits
This class is designed for students who intend to practice in the trial courts of Maryland. The course will expose the students to the procedures utilized in both the District and Circuit Courts when dealing with Criminal cases. The course will prepare the students for the issues they will confront in a very practical way when representing a client charged with a crime whether petty or serious before the Maryland Trial Courts. Prerequisite: Criminal Law [Open Enrollment] LAW 851, 3 credits
Media Law Seminar combines aspects of traditional courses in mass media law and telecommunications law, as well as newer cyberspace law courses, to provide students with a broad overview of the law governing 21st Century communications media: print, broadcast, cable, telephone and internet. Students will submit a 25-page paper that satisfies an upper-level scholarly writing requirement. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 809, 3 credits
Using a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration, and simulation, this course offers students an opportunity to gain knowledge of the theory and practice of mediation. While the course primarily uses mediation of family disputes as a vehicle for teaching mediation, it also provides skills and theoretical grounding for mediating and representing clients in many areas of the law. More specifically, the course enables students to explore how mediation is actually conducted in family law and other contexts, critical judgment as to when mediation may or may not be appropriate in individual cases, familiarity with legislation involving mediation, special issues facing mediators in mediation involving family dynamics, the role lawyers can or should play when representing clients before, during, and after mediation, and ethical considerations in the practice of family and other types of mediation. This is a seminar course, which fulfills the scholarly writing requirement. Students wishing to take this course as a non-seminar should register for LAW 809A. Prerequisites - Recommended: Family Law, Mediation Skills [Limited Enrollment; Max. 16 students] LAW 800H, 3 credits
The goal of this Clinic is to employ experiential learning in order to ground students in the theory and practice of mediation. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students gain experience as mediators and as attorneys representing clients in mediation. The course is suitable both for students interested in pursuing family law and other students who wish to gain substantial experience in mediation. Cases handled by students include mediation in which families face child access issues, foreclosure, truancy, reentry into the community from the criminal justice and juvenile detention system, and a mix of other types of mediation. Clinic students may also engage in law reform projects relating to mediation and assess the suitability for mediation of family and non-family matters. Students are expected to devote an average of 10 hours per week to Clinic activities. By participating in the Clinic, students become qualified to conduct child access mediations in most Circuit Courts in Maryland. In addition to the pre- and co-requisites listed below, it is strongly recommended that students take Mediation Skills prior to enrolling in the Clinic. Prerequisite - Required: Family Law Recommended: Mediation Skills Co- or Prerequisite: Mediating Family Disputes: Theory and Practice Seminar [Admission by permission only] LAW 800M, 1-4 credits
With the approval of the Mediation Clinic for Families faculty, a limited number of students who have successfully completed Mediation Clinic I may take this course to continue work in the Mediation Clinic for Families for one or two additional semesters (for one to four additional credits during one or two semesters). The total number of credits earned in a semester by all students enrolled in Mediation for Families Clinic II may not exceed eight (8) credits. Prerequisite: Mediation Clinic for Families I [Admission by permission only] LAW 832, 3 credits
Mediation is the process of resolving conflict that is used by courts as well as parties as an alternative to litigation. In this process a trained, neutral third-party facilitates the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties. The mediator assists the parties in developing and implementing creative options for resolving a conflict in a non-adversarial arena. This course is designed to train students to become mediators and to meet the minimum standards set by the Court of Appeals for mediation of court-referred cases. This will be achieved through a thorough discussion of the theories of conciliation processes, mediation, negotiation, and professional ethics. These theories are then tested in simulations to allow the students to develop mediation skills and explore the effectuation of these theories. Co- or Prerequisite: Professional Responsibility Recommended: Interviewing, Negotiating & Counseling; Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminar [Limited Enrollment; Max. 16 students] LAW 747, 3 credits
This course will cover both the substantive and procedural aspects of medical malpractice litigation from the perspectives of both plaintiffs and defendants in medical malpractice litigation. Course coverage will include problems in discovery and evidentiary issues in medical malpractice litigation, as well as problems that arise in medical malpractice trials. The course also will cover problems in the use of medical evidence and medical expert testimony at trial. [Open Enrollment] LAW 863, 3 credits
An examination of significant aspects of civil-military relations, including: the powers of the President and the Congress with respect to the armed forces; the jurisdiction of military tribunals; military criminal law and procedure; regulation of armed conflict; host-guest relationships; the use of the armed forces in domestic emergencies; claims against the United States; and military administrative law. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 888A, 2 credits The Clerkship Fellows program gives strong UBalt Business Law students an opportunity not only to interact with leading members of the Maryland Business Law community but also to be integrally involved in the development and promotion of Business Law policy by the Maryland State Bar Association. The Clerkship Fellows work on projects deemed by the Executive Council to be of significant value to Maryland Business Law community as a whole and which require significant research and writing of extensive memoranda. Projects typically culminate in the Fellows drafting and recommending statutory proposals with accompanying memoranda to the Business Law Executive Council, which will then consider them for legislative proposals to the Maryland General Assembly. Over the course of the year, the Fellows meet at least monthly with the faculty advisor and together meet several times with members of the Executive Council for discussion and feedback as to the course of the project. Prerequisite: Business Organizations Recommended: Intention to elect the Business Law Concentration Note: Enrolling in the program is a 2 semester commitment (commencing either Fall or Spring) with the student registering for 1 credit per semester. A final grade will be assigned for each semester at the conclusion of the 2nd semester. [Admission by permission only] LAW 773, 3 credits
This course examines the legal framework for national security decision making illustrated by case law and the Constitution. The course will study extensively the powers of the President with regard to war, peace, the economy and civil liberties, and Congress's powers including oversight of the executive branch. Special focus will be made on preemptive war, and operations other than war including covert actions. Other topics will include the challenge of fighting non-state actors such as Al-Qaeda on the battlefield as well as the courtroom, interrogation operations, recent criminal counterterrorism statutes, preventive detention, CIP, FISA and the IRTPA. Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I [Open Enrollment] LAW 818B, 3 credits
This writing-intensive course prepares students for the task, vital to law practice, of communicating to the public about legal and public issues. Participants will engage in writing nearly every session, and will learn the basics of writing and editing opinion articles, interviews, and essays for publication. Written work will include one op-ed article, one book review, one interview, and one full-length essay. Students will also learn to maintain a blog and will be responsible for multiple posts on a blog set up for the course. Prerequisite: First Year Courses [Limited Enrollment] LAW 542, 3 credits
This course is the first stage of the Business School graduate Lab to Market program, where the technology is evaluated and a preliminary plan is developed using data from companies in the area of technology. The law student provides legal support and participates fully in developing technology transfer business plans on a team basis, with graduate business students and Publication Design graduate students, on technology from research laboratories. [Open Enrollment] LAW 952, 3 credits
Problems encountered in the formation, operation, and liquidation of a partnership including the acquisition of partnership interests, compensation of the service partner, the treatment of partnership distributions, and problems associated with the disposition of partnership interests or property by sale. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 761, 3 credits
This course covers the basic principles of U.S. patent law. The course will examine issues that arise in the acquisition and assertion of patent rights, including patent validity requirements, the elements of a claim of patent infringement, affirmative defenses to such a claim, and remedies for infringement. [Open Enrollment] LAW 867, 3 credits
Advanced study concerning current problems in patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright law. The course includes an analysis of the interrelationship of these areas, and the effectiveness of controls that are designed to prevent misuses of these rights. Each student is to prepare and present a paper concerning at least one of these four areas of intellectual property law. Prerequisite: Copyright & the Arts, or Patents [Limited Enrollment] LAW 879, 3 credits
This workshop is intended to give students a greater understanding of patent litigation. Specifically, it will explore the life cycle of a patent dispute, including pre-suit investigation, jurisdiction and forum selection, discovery, infringement and defenses, fact and expert discovery, summary judgment and other pretrial motions, damages, injunctive relief, and appeal. Knowledge of patent law is required for this class, so that Law 761 Patents is a required prerequisite (or concurrent with permission). Indeed, in the course of learning more about patent litigation, students will also gain a greater understanding of substantive patent law. Prerequisite: Patents [Limited Enrollment] LAW 819, 3 credits
Planning for long-term family security: providing support for minors and other dependents; preparing for retirement; and coping with old age, disability, and death. The course will focus on families with modest assets (those not subject to estate tax). Topics will include the uses of trusts and trust alternatives; inter vivos transfers; wills; life insurance; employee benefits and social security; guardianships and durable powers of attorney; health care decision-making; housing for the elderly (retirement communities, nursing homes, and in-community care); and ethical issues inherent in serving families. Students will work in small groups to create a plan for a hypothetical family and to draft the necessary instruments for that family. In addition, each student will prepare a short position paper on one of the covered topics. Prerequisite: Trusts & Estates [Limited Enrollment] LAW 755, 3 credits
Private litigation involving defective products based upon negligence, warranty, and strict liability in tort; government regulation of dangerous and defective products. Prerequisite: First year courses. [Open Enrollment] LAW 843A, 2 credits
The focus of the course will be on representing the professional athlete and will include coverage of the law regulating agents, agent's duties and responsibilities as regulated by professional sports players' associations, the standard player contract, specialty clauses, player marketing contracts and contract negotiation. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 977, 3 credits
An introduction to pension and profit-sharing law with particular emphasis on Title 2 (IRS) of ERISA. Course is geared toward understanding all of the pension and profit-sharing rules that must be met for plan qualification, with emphasis on qualified plan planning for both incorporated and unincorporated forms of business.This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 823, 3 credits
The course will examine the use of the law to eradicate and perpetuate racial injustice in the United States from the inception of slavery through the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education to the present. The major institutions studied will include the courts and legislatures both at the state and federal levels, with particular emphasis placed on the role of these institutions in the preclusion and allowance of political, social and economic opportunities for racial and ethnic minorities. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 753, 3 credits
Real estate financing including mortgages, mortgage substitutes, rights and duties of mortgagor and mortgagee, foreclosure, priorities and selected other topics. Prerequisite: Contracts I & II; Property [Open Enrollment] LAW 869, 3 credits
This seminar focuses on cases pending or recently decided by the United States Supreme Court. It examines current issues in constitutional law, constitutional and other types of Supreme Court litigation, and the Supreme Court as an institution in the legal system and society.Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 720, 3 credits
The study of the principal remedies available to litigants in private and public law litigation, including damages, injunctions, and restitution. The course will address compensatory and punitive damages; preventive relief, including injunctions and declaratory judgments; preventing unjust enrichment through restitution; ancillary remedies, such as contempt, levy and execution, attachment, garnishment, receivership, and attorneys' fees; and remedial defenses. Discussion will be given to the modern public law structural injunction, fluid class recoveries, and the tort reform movement. The modes of instruction will include case and problem methods. [Open Enrollment] LAW 898A, 3 credits
Using a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration, simulations, drafting and written assignments, students will obtain significant experience analyzing, evaluating, and drafting in discrete areas of residential real estate practice like contract formation, foreclosure, challenges to real property tax assessments and redeeming ground rents. Topics will change from year to year with the focus on linking the practical aspects of residential real estate practice with theoretical concerns, existing case law, public policy and professional responsibility. Prerequisites: Contracts I, Contracts II, Property [Limited Enrollment] LAW 882, 3 credits
The legal arena for crime victims and their legal rights is expanding rapidly. These issues are barely ever covered in other courses. This area of the law is important to anyone who becomes a prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney, or a civil tort litigator. Topics include: constitutional and statutory rights; enforcement of rights after sentencing; domestic violence, battered spouse syndrome, and children's rights; institutions and procedures; civil causes of action; and privacy. Prerequisite: Criminal Law [Limited Enrollment] LAW 816A, 3 credits
The course's major aim will be to explore the development of English law as a reflection of continuity and change in English government, and thus examine the evolution of law as part of a political system. For example, we shall touch upon the legal institutions arising under the Angevins, especially the roles of Edward II and Magna Carta 1215. In a similar vein, we shall explore legal reforms in succeeding reigns, looking at how political dynamics influenced the development of the law. Particular emphasis will be placed upon periods of great change (e.g. Henry VIII's use of law to consolidate power and to facilitate its exercise, the reforms of the Restoration, and the 1689 Glorious Revolution with its Bill of Rights). The course will conclude with a look at Georgian law and politics leading up to the American Revolution. Prerequisite: None [Limited Enrollment] LAW 984, 1 credit
Federal income taxation of S-corporations and their shareholders with emphasis on the creation of the S-corporation, capital structure, operational alternatives, distributions, and liquidations. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 757, 3 credits
Problem-solving under the Federal Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and state securities laws including: disclosure responsibilities of issuers of securities; registration requirements imposed by the securities laws and the exemptions therefrom; preparing a private offering; broker-dealer and underwriter responsibilities; anti-fraud provisions including their scope and effect upon litigation; and the expanding concept of "securities" as construed by the courts. Prerequisite: Business Organizations [Open Enrollment] LAW 876, 3 credits
This course covers contemporaneous issues related to sentencing and plea bargaining. Taught in a discussion format, the course focuses on problems within the subject areas and means of addressing those problems. Prerequisite: Criminal Law [Limited Enrollment] LAW 888B, 2 credits
This course will provide students with an opportunity to apply the tenets of feminist legal theory to a variety of legal topics. The course will be team taught and is designed to introduce some of the core concepts of feminist legal theory and examine how that theory applies both to areas of the law traditionally associated with feminism and to those areas in which the application of feminist legal theory might seem unusual. The course will enable students to develop critical thinking skills that will allow them to apply feminist legal theory to new legal problems, generating creative, theory-based solutions. Graded Pass/Fail. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 795, 1-3 credits
An intensive exploration into specialty topics in the law. Topics offer opportunities to integrate new material reflecting changes in the field or more detailed analysis into issues and trends. Refer to semester class schedule for title and description of topic offered. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite: to be determined by the instructor [Open Enrollment] LAW 795A, 1-3 credits
An intensive exploration into specialty topics in the law, including a comparative approach to study global and international issues in the legal environment where the course takes place. Topics offer opportunities to integrate new material reflecting changes in the field or more detailed analysis into current issues and trends. Refer to study abroad program schedule for title and description of topic offered. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite: to be determined by the instructor. [Open Enrollment] LAW 795C, 1-3 credits
An intensive exploration into specialty topics in the law, including a comparative approach to study global and international issues in the legal environment where the course takes place. Topics offer opportunities to integrate new material reflecting changes in the field or more detailed analysis into current issues and trends. Refer to study abroad program schedule for title and description of topic offered. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite: to be determined by the instructor. [Open Enrollment] LAW 895, 1-3 credits
An intensive exploration into specialty topics in the law through simulation of legal practice. This classroom course will integrate doctrine, theory, skills and legal ethics, while engaging students in performance of professional skills and self-reflection. Topics offer opportunities to integrate new or unique material in the legal environment or more detailed analysis into specialty issues and trends. Refer to semester class schedule for title and description of topic offered. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite: to be determined by the instructor [Limited Enrollment] LAW 896, 2-3 credits
An intensive exploration into specialty topics in the law through discussion, research and development of a scholarly paper. Topics offer opportunities to integrate new material reflecting changes in the field or more detailed analysis into issues and trends. Refer to semester class schedule for title and description of topic offered. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite: to be determined by the instructor [Limited Enrollment] LAW 763, 3 credits
This course provides a student an overview of the business and legal issues within the areas of professional and amateur sports. Specifically, but not limited to, the following: professional clubs, professional leagues, sports marketing contracts, negotiation techniques, television, sponsorship, insurance, and athletic associations. All such issues covered shall have a relationship to basic principles of law: contract, antitrust, tort, corporate, and other areas. [Open Enrollment] LAW 979, 3 credits
This course will explore federal constitutional and statutory limitations on state authority to tax a multistate business. Specific topics will include the Commerce Clause, sales and use tax nexus, and PL 86-272 limitations on state income taxation. In addition, the course will cover apportionment of income derived from a multistate business and combined versus separate entity reporting. Maryland state and local taxation also will be examined briefly. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 878, 3 credits
Students act as Supreme Court law clerks, as Supreme Court advocates arguing cases currently pending in the Supreme Court, and as Supreme Court justices adjudicating those cases. In their role as clerks, students draft memoranda and in their role as justices, students hear arguments, conduct case conferences, and draft a judicial opinion. The course is designed both to develop skills and to examine in depth current constitutional law issues, the Supreme Court's decision-making process, and the Supreme Court as an institution in the legal system and the society. Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 800I, 6 credits
Students represent low-income taxpayers involved in matters with the Internal Revenue Service. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students interview clients, research substantive and procedural law, and represent clients before the IRS and the U.S. Tax Court. The course includes a weekly seminar and supervision meetings in addition to case work. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax and Professional Responsibility. Recommended: Interviewing, Negotiating, and Counseling; Tax Practice and Procedure. [Admission by permission only] LAW 800J, 1-4 credits
With the approval of the Tax Clinic faculty, a limited number of students who have successfully completed Tax Clinic I may take this course to continue work in the Tax Clinic for one additional semester. The total number of credits earned in a semester by all students enrolled in Tax Clinic II may not exceed eight credits. Prerequisite: Tax Clinic I; students must obtain the permission of the Tax Clinic Faculty before enrolling. [Admission by permission only] LAW 983, 2 credits
Analysis of provisions relating to the qualification for exemption from federal income tax, with emphasis on section 501 (c)(3) organizations, private foundations, and the treatment of unrelated business income. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 831, 3 credits
Intensive study of selected issues with emphasis on the federal income tax. Students will consider problem areas from the standpoint of tax policy and will examine these issues from a legal, economic, social and administrability viewpoint. Prerequisite: Any federal tax course or permission of the instructor. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 955, 3 credits
Aspects of practice before the Internal Revenue Service, including ruling requests, handling of audits, assessment of deficiencies and penalties, closing agreements, tax liens, statutes of limitations, claims for refunds, appeals, conferences and practice before the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. district courts, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and appellate courts. Also includes analysis of the problems encountered in parallel civil and criminal proceedings, problems involving government investigatory powers and taxpayer rights and privileges. This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax. [Open Enrollment] LAW 956, 3 credits
Research and writing projects on federal tax subjects with analysis and instruction in tax research techniques, materials, and methodology. Students prepare legal memoranda and other documents. Prerequisite:Federal Income Tax or Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax I [Limited Enrollment] LAW 810, 3 credits
This course explores legal and policy issues raised by David Simon's critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire. Among the topics explored will be searches, confessions, police manipulation of crime statistics, race and the criminal justice system, prosecutor's incentives for charging and dismissing cases, honesty and accountability of law enforcement, government power and access in the war on drugs, and the distribution of resources in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: LAW 604 Criminal Law/ Pre- or Co-requisite: LAW 711 Constitutional Procedure I [Open Enrollment] LAW 767, 3 credits
This course covers the basic principles of the laws of trademark and unfair competition. The course will cover the acquisition of trademark rights, the elements of claim of trademark infringement, affirmative defenses to such a claim, and remedies for infringement. [Open Enrollment] LAW 842, 3 credits
This course teaches students the principles of drafting commercial agreements by studying the documents necessary to structure a corporate transaction and applying the relevant law. Students will learn how transactional lawyers translate a business deal into contract provisions, as well as techniques for minimizing ambiguity and drafting with clarity. Students will have the opportunity to analyze the documents that comprise a corporate transaction from the letter of intent to closing documents such as the legal opinion. The course is taught through a combination of lecture and hands-on drafting exercises. Final grades will be based on class participation and the preparation of model documents reflecting a hypothetical corporate transaction. Prerequisite: Business Organizations Recommended: Recommended: [Limited Enrollment; Max 12 students] LAW 825, 2 credits
This course is devoted primarily to exercises by students in direct and cross-examination of witnesses and to opening and closing statements in both civil and criminal cases. The exercises are critiqued with respect to both substance and courtroom demeanor. At the conclusion of the course, students, acting in teams, take part in full trials. Prerequisite: Evidence [Limited Enrollment; Max 12 students] LAW 985, 2 credits
Welfare benefit plans are employee-sponsored plans that provide employees with benefits other than pension and retirement plans and deferred compensation. Welfare benefit plans include life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, vacation pay, severance pay, educational reimbursement, group legal services, and dependent assistance care plans. Course focuses on federal income tax requirements for various welfare benefit plans, including fringe benefits and health care continuation coverage under COBRA. Examination of the income tax consequences to employers who sponsor, and employees who participate in, welfare benefits. Discussion of the various mechanisms for offering welfare benefit plans, such as cafeteria plans under section 125 and VEBAs under section 501(c) (9). This course is a combined J.D. and Graduate Tax Program offering. Prerequisite: Federal Income Tax [Open Enrollment] LAW 846, 3 credits
This course will provide a survey of federal wetlands regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and related state law (such as the Maryland Non-Tidal Wetlands Protection Act). The course will introduce the student to the basis of federal jurisdiction over wetlands, the fundamentals of the wetlands regulatory process, relationship to other laws such as the Endangered Species Act, property rights issues such as takings, enforcement, and the role of mitigation and wetlands preservation. The course will also focus on Maryland tidal and non-tidal wetlands regulation and the interface between the federal and state programs. Scientific and policy issues also will be covered, including the debate over the wetlands delineation manual and the latest developments in wetlands functional assessment. Finally, the course will examine the current Congressional debate over re-authorization of the Clean Water Act and the Clinton Administration's action plan on wetlands. [Limited Enrollment] LAW 759, 2 credits
An examination of the legal principles governing the compensation of employees or their dependents for injuries or loss of life arising out of employment or occurring during the course of employment; alternatives to statutory compensation schemes; causation and other factors affecting claims status to sue; and related problems. [Open Enrollment] LAW 800V, 3 credits
Students enrolled in the Veterans Advocacy Clinic will represent indigent veterans before courts and administrative agencies in diverse civil and veterans benefits matters. Students may also engage in community education, legislative projects, and other systemic efforts at law reform. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students are responsible for all aspects of representing clients, including interviewing clients and witnesses, counseling clients, engaging in fact investigation and discovery, drafting pleadings and motions, negotiating with adversaries, and conducting hearings and trials. Students are expected to devote approximately 20 hours per week to clinic activity. Prerequisite: First-year day courses, Evidence, Co-requisite: Professional Responsibility. Recommended: Trial Advocacy [Admission by permission only]
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