J.D. Courses

We offer a variety of courses for whatever your professional interest is – private practice, public interest, government, litigation, corporate, marine, non-legal, educational, and more.

See courses offered in the Spring 2024 semester.
See courses offered in the Fall 2023 semester.
See courses offered in the Spring 2023 semester.
See courses offered in the Fall 2022 semester.
See courses offered in the Summer 2022 semester.
See courses offered in the Spring 2022 semester.
See courses offered in the Fall 2021 semester.
See courses offered in the Summer 2021 semester.
See courses offered in the Spring 2021 semester.
See courses offered in the Fall 2020 semester.
See courses offered in the Summer 2020 semester.
See courses offered in the Spring 2020 semester.
See courses offered in the Fall 2019 semester.
See courses offered in the Summer 2019 semester.
See courses offered in the Spring 2019 semester.

Learn more about the JD Program

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E

LAW.672Environmental Law

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Course Description

The regulation and control of water, air and land is the broad subject matter of this course. The emphasis is on federal statutory and regulatory law but international issues and state and local regulation will be reviewed in areas in which they have broad relevance.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Elective

Course Credits

3.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Faculty Associated

Jared A. Goldstein

LSM.856Environmental Moot Court

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This is a 6 week course

Course Description

This course is geared toward those interested in competing in the Pace Environmental Moot Court Completion. The competition should be of interest to anyone interested in the moot court experience, but will be of special interest to those interested in pursuing careers in administrative law, in general, and in environmental law, in particular. The course is meant to prepare students for both the brief writing and oral argument required by the Pace competition. In order to enroll in the course a student must be currently taking either Environmental Law or Administrative Law or have already taken either one of those courses.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

1.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

Prerequisite

LAW.631 – Administrative Law LAW.672 – Environmental Law

LAW.754Estate Planning & Administration

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Course Description

This course deals with the practical application of estate planning principles to various client situations. Topics include client interviews; estate planning for young adults, individuals contemplating marriage, unmarried couples, young couples with children, and older clients with children; transfers to grandchildren; planning for second marriages; asset protection; retirement planning; perpetual trusts; charitable gifts; and an overview of estate administration. Wills and Trusts is a prerequisite.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Elective

Course Credits

2.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Prerequisite

LAW.749 – Wills & Trusts

Faculty Associated

The Honorable Steven Minicucci

LAW.645Evidence

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Course Description

This course introduces the law controlling the introduction and exclusion of evidence in civil and criminal trials. Topics include burden of proof, presumption, judicial notice, burden of production, burden of persuasion, competency of witnesses, relevancy, examinations of witnesses, privileges, hearsay, demonstrative evidence, documents and the function of judge and jury.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Core Course

Course Credits

4.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Faculty Associated

Carl T. BogusTara I. AllenCollin Mathew Geiselman

LSM.856Explorations in Leadership for Lawyers

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Course Description

This course focuses on the theory and practice of leadership and its implications in the professional and personal lives of lawyers and students. Students will study how lawyers (including those who work at firms, in-house, or in other roles) view leadership, ethics, and their roles in society. Students will learn how lawyers who are leaders are more successful and fulfilled in their careers. Through interactive exercises, readings, and guest presentations, students will develop their capacity to lead with integrity by learning the role of values in leadership, how to deal with challenges, and how to assess risks. Students will gain insight into and develop their values, identity, and self-leadership. Topics include: competing leadership paradigms (e.g., power vs. service), the styles and practices of leaders, leading, values-based leadership, communicating as a leader, understanding yourself and others, leading change, and articulating a vision.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

1.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Faculty Associated

Raquel M. Ortiz

F

LAW.705Family & Divorce Mediation

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SUMMER ONLY

Course Description

This course is intended to provide the student with an understanding of the contexts in which family conflict arises, the various legal and practical issues in play when families disintegrate, and with in-depth training in the skills that a mediator might employ to help the divorcing parties resolve their differences. The course exposes the student to relevant factors and normative approaches used by courts in dividing property, determining child support, custody, visitation, and spousal support among other issues, while recognizing that parties in mediation are empowered to reach their own agreements with the aid of the mediator. Role playing exercises are used to integrate theory with practice.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Elective

Course Credits

2.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Faculty Associated

Bruce I. KoganDadriana A. LeporeLori J. Giarrusso

LAW.722Family Law

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Course Description

This course examines the underlying social and economic principles of family life, its regulation by government, and constitutional limitations on regulation. Direct laws covering marriage, divorce, and child custody will be examined but also the course will cover those areas of law--property, income maintenance, medical care, schooling and crime--that also have direct impact on families in this society.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Elective

Course Credits

3.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Faculty Associated

Janet GilliganColleen P. MurphyEmily J. SackMonica Teixeira de Sousa

LAW.764Federal Courts

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Course Description

This course will examine the relationship of the federal courts to the other branches of the federal government and to the governments of the several States. Issues covered will be Constitutional limits on federal-court jurisdiction; Congressional control over the jurisdiction of the federal courts; the availability of judicial review for executive action; and, the relation between state and federal courts.

These issues will be examined in the light of judicial review of the detention of persons pursuant to the writ of habeas corpus, and, in particular, federal-court review of the detention of persons resulting from State-court criminal convictions.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Elective

Course Credits

3.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

Faculty Associated

Jonathan M. Gutoff

LAW.647Federal Income Tax

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Course Description

This course provides a survey of the federal income tax system as it relates to individual and business activity. Topics include code, regulation, and case analysis; tax policy, economics, and public finance; and tax legislation. Specific concepts included are income, exclusions, deductions, credits, tax accounting, and tax procedure.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Elective

Course Credits

3.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Faculty Associated

Cory J. Bilodeau

LAW.815Federal Indian Law

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Course Description

The course will explore the foundational principles and doctrines governing the legal and political relationship between the United States and Indian tribes. The history of federal Indian law and policy, tribal property rights, congressional plenary power, the trust doctrine, tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction in Indian Country, and tribal government are the major topics covered in this course. Students will learn the intricacies of both criminal and civil jurisdiction in tribal courts, and how disputes are adjudicated on American Indian reservations. Students will be well prepared for the practice of Indian law in federal, state or tribal courts, for employment with American Indian tribal courts and governments and will gain familiarity with noteworthy topics such as Indian Gaming and the Indian Child Welfare Act. Guest speakers from American Indian tribal courts and tribal governments will be featured.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Elective

Course Credits

2.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

LSM.741Federal Litigation and Appeals in Immigration Law

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Course Description

This course introduces students to Federal District Court litigation and representation in the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, both academically and practically, with a focus on representing immigrants. Students will learn tools to prepare for litigation and appellate practice, including drafting petitions for review, motions, mooting a First Circuit case. This course satisfies the writing requirement.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

2.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

Faculty Associated

Melanie Shapiro

LAW.965Federal Practice/Commercial Litigation

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Course Description

This course combines what has traditionally been taught in two separate courses on Pretrial Practice and Trial Advocacy. The idea behind this course is that federal litigation must be viewed holistically, meaning with an understanding and appreciation for the reality that litigation, from the filing of a complaint through trial, is an integrated process that begins with a well-pled complaint, proceeds through discovery, often involves substantive and dispositive motion practice, and ends (if it is not resolved earlier) at trial. The course is a full year long in order to mimic the actual life cycle of a case in federal court. Students will work on an actual case by drafting pleadings, taking/defending depositions, filing and arguing at least one dispositive motion, and ultimately trying the case before a judge and jury. In addition, throughout the year, students will receive lectures, practice exercises, and guest lectures on key aspects of litigation, including complaint drafting, deposition skills, settlement process and strategy, and trial tactics. This course will be taught primarily by a seasoned litigator and a faculty member, both of whom have practiced in federal court. The students will be split into teams and each team with have a lawyer-coach assigned to assist them. Judge William Smith of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island will attend a limited number of the class sessions and preside over some courtroom activities, as his schedule permits.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Elective

Course Credits

3.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Faculty Associated

The Honorable William E. Smith

LSM.856 (Honors Course)Feminist Legal Theory

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HONORS COURSE

Course Description

Taught by Professor Emily Sack, this course examines how feminist legal theorists have understood and critiqued our legal system and its norms. The course will explore various schools and debates within feminist legal theory, and how feminist scholars bring feminist analysis to bear on a number of contemporary issues of law and public policy, including intimate and familial relationships, work and wealth distribution, and the regulation of sexuality.
HONORS COURSE

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

1.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

Faculty Associated

Emily J. Sack

LSM.762First Amendment

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Course Description

This seminar will look at selected topics of free speech and religion that are not ordinarily covered (or covered in any depth) in the constitutional law survey course. Topics may include: student speech, hate speech, compelled speech, the constitutionality of campaign finance restrictions, comparative international protections for religious freedom (e.g., restrictions on headscarves and Scientology), and protection for sacred sites. Students will select three or four of these topics to write short (5+ page) papers and lead discussion. Satisfactory completion of these papers will fulfill the writing requirement.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

2.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Faculty Associated

Jared A. Goldstein

LSM.856Focus on Remedies

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This course will meet for six weeks.

Course Description

This course is an abridged treatment of Remedies topics that are testable on the Multistate Bar Exam.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

1.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

Faculty Associated

Colleen P. Murphy

G

LSM.856Genocide and Atrocity Crimes

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This course meets on a Friday and Saturday two separate weeks

Course Description

Genocide in the 20th Century: In this course, which meets on Friday and Saturday on two separate weeks, Professor Noone explores the phenomenon of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes and the legal instruments available to identify and punish atrocity crimes.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

1.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Faculty Associated

Gregory P. Noone

LAW.801.C (8 Credits)Government & Prosecution Clinical Externship

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SPRING ONLY

Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education

Course Description

Through our Prosecution Clinical Externship Program, students train in a prosecution or government office on the federal, state or municipal level. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience representing the government in a variety of settings, including criminal prosecutions. Students may be certified to appear in court in some of these settings. Students will participate in a weekly seminar with classmates who are working in a variety of prosecutorial and government settings.
8 Credits- 360 hours (approx. 5 days/week for 10 weeks) SPRING ONLY

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Clinic/Externship

Course Credits

8.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

LAW.801.A (4 Credits)Government & Prosecution Clinical Externship

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SPRING ONLY

Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education

Course Description

Through our Prosecution Clinical Externship Program, students train in a prosecution or government office on the federal, state or municipal level. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience representing the government in a variety of settings, including criminal prosecutions. Students may be certified to appear in court in some of these settings. Students will participate in a weekly seminar with classmates who are working in a variety of prosecutorial and government settings.
4 Credits- 180 hours (approx. 2 days/week for 14 weeks) SPRING ONLY

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Clinic/Externship

Course Credits

4.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

LAW.801.B (6 Credits)Government & Prosecution Clinical Externship

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SPRING ONLY

Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education

Course Description

Through our Prosecution Clinical Externship Program, students train in a prosecution or government office on the federal, state or municipal level. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience representing the government in a variety of settings, including criminal prosecutions. Students may be certified to appear in court in some of these settings. Students will participate in a weekly seminar with classmates who are working in a variety of prosecutorial and government settings.
6 Credits - 270 hours (approx. 3 days/week for 14 weeks) SPRING ONLY

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Clinic/Externship

Course Credits

6.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

LSM.801Government & Prosecution Clinical Externship Seminar

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SPRING ONLY

Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education

Course Description

Through our Prosecution Clinical Externship Program, students train in a prosecution or government office on the federal, state or municipal level. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience representing the government in a variety of settings, including criminal prosecutions. Students may be certified to appear in court in some of these settings. Students will participate in a weekly seminar with classmates who are working in a variety of prosecutorial and government settings.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

2.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

LAW.872Government & Prosecution Clinical Externship Seminar

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SPRING ONLY

Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education

Course Description

Through our Prosecution Clinical Externship Program, students train in a prosecution or government office on the federal, state or municipal level. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience representing the government in a variety of settings, including criminal prosecutions. Students may be certified to appear in court in some of these settings. Students will participate in a weekly seminar with classmates who are working in a variety of prosecutorial and government settings.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

2.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

H

LSM.856Hanging a Shingle:Starting a Law Firm

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Course Description

In this seminar, students will learn about starting and managing a law practice. Including goal setting, and having a vision for your firm, developing a business plan, How to incorporate best practices for hiring, managing, and firing employees, managing firm finances, self-care and avoiding burnout, and dealing with difficult client situations.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Seminar

Course Credits

1.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

Faculty Associated

Melanie Shapiro

LAW.720Health Law and Policy

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Course Description

This course will provide an overview of the complex laws, regulations and underlying policies that govern healthcare delivery. Issues to be examined include medical liability, state and federal regulatory requirements, Medicare and Medicaid, health insurance and payment systems, antitrust considerations, non-profit governance and tax issues, quality and bioethics.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Elective

Course Credits

2.0

Course Degree

Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

I

LAW.100IL Enrichment

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Course Description

RWU Law’s Enrichment Course is designed to help first-semester students develop the critical skills necessary for success in their first-year courses. These sessions include topics such as case-briefing, outlining, study strategies and may provide an opportunity to review a formative assessment or attain additional insight into doctrinal areas. All full-time students must attend the 1L Enrichment Course. Part-time students and MSL students are welcome to attend, but are not required to attend.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Core Course

Course Credits

0.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

Faculty Associated

Kathryn Thompson

LAW.870Immigation Clinic

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Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education

Course Description

Students enrolled in the immigration clinic represent noncitizens in their applications for relief from removal before the Immigration Court in Boston, prepare applications for benefits under the immigration laws and represent noncitizens in their interviews for such benefits before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Providence. Types of cases typically include asylum and other relief based on fear of persecution in the country of removal, waivers of deportation for long-term residents of the U.S., adjustment of status for noncitizens with U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members and relief for noncitizen victims of domestic violence. Students also conduct “Know Your Rights” presentations for the immigrant communities in Rhode Island and for immigration detainees in New England, conduct intake interviews following these presentations and provide consultations under the supervision of the Clinic Director. In class, students learn trial skills and discuss substantive, ethical and policy issues relating to the practice of immigration law.

Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

Clinic/Externship

Course Credits

8.0

Course Degree

Juris Doctor

Faculty Associated

Deborah GonzalezPeter S. Margulies
Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.