American Legal History

Call Number: 15357
Course Number: 6530-01
Professor: Sam Kalen
Credit Hours & Type of Credit: 2
Semester Offered: TBA
Required: No
Prerequisites: Students must have completed their first year of law school.
Recommended Courses: None

Course Overview: This course is designed to achieve several objectives, which I believe are essential in the development of one's legal skills. While my principal focus is to ensure that the course is enjoyable and fun, the course goals are to (1) introduce students to American legal history, including the development of both public and private law; (2) assist students in honing their legal researching and writing skills; and (3) provide an appreciation for how law is a social tool for societal change, and why studying law in context over time can make one a better advocate for clients in the courtroom. Along the way, we will examine the political, economic, and social context for major constitutional and private law decisions, and possibly how courts and advocates have used or abused "legal history."

Course Materials: See the current Book List located under Courses and Curriculum.
Course Format: Seminar
Written Assignments: The development of either a final paper or amicus appellate brief.
Type of Exam: Final Paper/Amicus Appellate Brief
Basis for Grading Student Performance: Class participation and final paper/amicus appellate brief.
Other Comments: