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Course Descriptions

Required Courses

First-Year Required Courses – Fall

First-Year Required Courses – Spring

Second-Year Required Courses – Fall

Second-Year Required Courses – Spring

Third-Year Required Courses – Fall

Third-Year Required Courses – Spring

Elective Courses Listed by Term

Subject to availability. Scheduling of elective courses is at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Fall

Spring subterm intensives

Spring

LAW 630: Accounting and Finance for Lawyers (2)

A study of the principles, theory, and practice of accounting, finance, and auditing. The topics include the accounting equation and conceptual framework; recognition principles; inventory and the cost of goods sold; fixed assets and depreciation; liabilities; financial statements and financial analysis; valuation principles and techniques; audit practice; perspectives and the role of the lawyer in the preceding topics. This course is offered as an intensive.

LAW 771: Administrative Law (3)

Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I. A study of the processes by which legislative and administrative policy is translated into law and applied by the responsible administrative agencies.  Topics include analysis of informal and formal procedures, separation of powers, delegation, statutory construction, rule making, and adjudication.

LAW 608: Adoption Law (2)

The course explores fundamental issues in adoption law from both international and domestic perspectives. It will examine on a comparative basis the legal relationship among children and families across continents and in the state. Students will understand the legal framework of adoption laws in states such as Virginia, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and a few selected states, as well as processes and procedures involving adoptions in general. Students will also learn, on a step-by-step basis, how adoption treaties in private international law are interpreted and applied in U.S. Courts. The course will further examine issues in assisted reproduction using reproductive technology. The learning process will involve practical hands-on approach including problem solving, case law review and analysis of domestic rules and procedures for the recognition of foreign judgments in U.S. courts.

LAW 832: Advanced Appellate Advocacy (1)

Prerequisite: Competed in the 2L/3L Liberty Cup Moot Court Tournament. This course requires research of unique legal issues, preparation of an appellate brief, preparation of at least two oral arguments, and participation in an intercollegiate moot court tournament. Successful completion of the course will be determined by the Moot Court Faculty Advisor based on the student’s preparation for the tournament and demonstrated competence in both the written and oral skills. Only two credits for Law 832 may count toward the credits required for graduation. Course credit is pass/fail.

LAW 901: Advanced Bar Studies (3) (3L)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing. Advanced Bar Studies is a skills-development course that provides students with an intensive substantive review of selected legal material routinely tested on the bar examination. The course uses problems and exercises in a bar examination format to familiarize students with techniques for answering bar examination multiple choice questions.

LAW 825: Advanced Trial Advocacy (3) (3L)

Prerequisites: Evidence; Lawyering Skills V. A course building on the foundation of Lawyering Skills V.  Develops courtroom skills through simulated trials.  Focus is on opening statement, direct and cross-examination, and closing argument.

LAW 645: Business Planning (3) (3L)

Prerequisites: Business Associations; Taxation of Individuals; Taxation of Businesses. A general survey of the factors to be considered in the organization, financing, operation, and liquidation of the small business venture, all examined within a choice of business entity frameworks.  Proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, business trusts, close corporations and professional corporations are covered.  Particular emphasis is on the practical aspect of the organization, operation, purchase, and sale of a business, and other matters related to the role of a practicing lawyer in business affairs.

LAW 610: Child Abuse and the Law (2) (3L)

Prerequisites: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence. This is a course designed for students interested in public service and working on behalf of abused children. Students who enroll in this course will have diverse practice interests such as, being a criminal or civil child abuse prosecutor, guardian/attorney ad litem, child protection attorney, or public interest lawyer. The course is designed to provide an overview of the prosecution process in civil and criminal cases involving child abuse and neglect. Students will learn the internal path of both a criminal child abuse case as well as the civil process for protecting children from further abuse or neglect. This course will explore the necessity of working with a multidisciplinary team of professionals in preparing a case for the court process as well as the necessary skills needed to communicate with child victims. The course will require observation of a criminal or civil child abuse case. Ethical responsibilities of prosecution will be addressed.

LAW 715: Conflict of Laws (2)

Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I. A study of the conflicts arising in many cases that have connections with more than one state, or with a state and a foreign country, or that involve both state and federal interests. It explores the principles that courts use in selecting the proper law to apply in such cases under the American system of divided sovereignty—divided both horizontally among states and vertically between state and federal governments.

LAW 851: Constitutional Litigation Clinic (2)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor is required and availability is limited. Students will be provided a hands-on experience in conducting research and writing on constitutional matters in partnership with various civil liberties organizations. Students share responsibility for the management of a project under supervision of a member of the faculty and licensed attorneys. Students will be expected to research, write legal arguments, and engage in critical thinking in order to prosecute a case. Coursework encompasses civil procedure, evidence, substantive law, law office management, ethics, and professional responsibility.

LAW 621: Estate Planning (3) (3L)

Prerequisites: Wills, Trusts, and Estates; Taxation of Individuals; Taxation of Estates and Gifts. An overview of the estate planning process, including considerations entering into the structure and completion of an estate plan. This course includes a discussion of the information-gathering process and the preparation of such estate planning documents as wills, trusts, and durable powers of attorney. It also includes a consideration of the various methods that may be used to reduce estate taxes for the client, both through lifetime and testamentary planning.

LAW 861: Externship (2)

Prerequisites: Second-year standing; approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Externs earn academic credit while working part time in government, public interest, non-profit or for-profit institutions. Externs work under the supervision of qualified and experienced attorneys and the Externship Director who provide guidance and training in practical lawyering skills. Classroom component (case rounds) covers topics relating to the legal system, judicial process and professionalism.

LAW 862: Externship—Criminal Law (2) (3L)

Prerequisites: Qualify for third-year practice in Virginia (3L students); approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Students earn academic credit while working part time in a Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office or private practice under the supervision of an attorney in that office and the Externship Director. Students receive guidance and training in lawyering skills, interview and prepare witnesses for trial and appear in court. Classroom component (case rounds) covers topics relating to the legal system, judicial process and professionalism.

LAW 863: Externship—Judicial Clerks  (2)

Prerequisites: Second-year standing; approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Students earn academic credit while working part time under the supervision of a judge and his or her staff attorneys and the Externship Director. Students receive guidance and training in legal research and writing, write research memoranda, and draft opinions for judges. Classroom component (case rounds) covers topics relating to the legal system, judicial process and professionalism.

LAW 601: Family Law (3)

A general introduction to the nature and regulation of family associations. This course focuses on the relationships of husband and wife as well as parent and child.  It addresses moral, legal, and biblical issues relating to marriage, divorce, and custody, including international and American developments involving same-sex unions.

LAW 711:  Federal Jurisdiction (3)

Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I. A study of the federal judicial system. Topics include separation of powers; federalism; Congressional power to curtail federal jurisdiction; the case and controversy requirement as it relates to doctrines of standing, ripeness, and mootness; sovereign immunity; Congressional power to abrogate Eleventh Amendment immunity; Ex Parte Young doctrine; Section 1983 litigation; absolute and qualified immunity in suits against state and federal officers; and abstention doctrine. An analysis of the Constitutional and legislative foundations of the judicial power of the U.S.

LAW 632: Financial Planning Survey

This is part of our wealth management area of study and is offered as a two-credit winter intensive. This course provides an overview of the financial planning and wealth management process with focus on the role of the lawyer. Topics covered include the relevant ethical framework and disciplinary rules; financial planning standards of practice; overview of financial markets, institutions, and regulations; the financial planning process; relevant economic concepts and principles; investment strategies and portfolio analysis; retirement savings and income management; and other relevant topics.

LAW 871: Independent Study (1-3)

Prerequisites: Second-year standing; approval of a professor-advisor and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; must satisfy the requirements in §07.14 of the Academic Policies and Procedures. A supervised research and writing course that covers subject matter comparable to that in other academic activities with minimum faculty guidance. Guidelines are published in the Academic Standards Policies and Procedures.

LAW 805: Insurance Law (3)

A study of the regulation of the insurance business, insurable interest, the insurance contract, the interests protected by contracts of insurance, construction of policies, rights under the policies, subrogation; and processing of claims and suits for insureds, claimants, and insurers.

LAW 663: Intellectual Property Clinic II (2)

This is a two-credit continuation of the Intellectual Property Clinic. Students will learn practical, skills-based training by representing real clients as part of the Intellectual Property Law Clinic. Students will be supervised by a faculty member and licensed Virginia attorney. Students will be exposed to copyright and trademark law. With respect to trademark practice, students will engage in trademark searching and due diligence; trademark prosecution; examination issues; opposition proceedings; and cancellation proceedings, among other topics. With respect to copyrights, students will engage in registration with the U.S. Copyright Office. Students will have client interaction and conduct legal research and writing. The clinic also has a classroom component that will meet regularly and cover the legal, ethical, and professional issues that arise during the Clinic. This course is for 3Ls only and requires a separate application to the director for admission.

LAW 745: International Business Transactions (2)

A study of selected international legal issues affecting or regulating multinational enterprise, foreign investment, the banking system, trade in goods and services, labor matters, intellectual property, sales transactions, transportation, and trade financing.

LAW 743: International Human Rights (3)

Prerequisite: Constitutional Law I. An introduction to complex legal issues in international human rights, including a discussion of the Christian and secular views of the sources of individual rights; a survey of selected human rights concerns; examination and analysis of international human rights treaties; the role of international and regional human rights systems; the role of non-governmental organizations; the impact of international decisions of human rights tribunals and human rights courts; and the prevention of human rights violations. The course will provide a survey of major topics in humanitarian law—the history of the law of wars, types of armed conflict under the Geneva Conventions and the additional protocols, fundamental principles and protections for persons and objects, distinctions between combatants and civilians, protection for children and women during hostilities, and the role of non-governmental organizations in minimizing the effects of war and protecting human dignity.

LAW 581: Jurisprudence (3)

An introduction to the many schools of jurisprudence. Jurisprudence is the study of legal philosophy. Particular emphasis is given to formulating principles of a distinctively Christian jurisprudence and on reading primary materials. (Note: This course is offered in the spring semester of odd-numbered years.)

LAW 582: Law and Economics (2)

Law and economics as a jurisprudential theory seeks to apply neoclassic economics concepts to the law. Law and economics tends to be both positive (explaining rules in terms of economics concepts) and normative (arguing that legal rules should promote economic efficiency). This course considers a variety of subject areas in order to provide a critique of law and economics from the perspective of the distinct mission of Liberty University School of Law. Possible subject areas for consideration include: property, contracts, constitutional law, human rights, family law, tort law, criminal law, employment law, corporate law, securities regulation, and taxation.

LAW 648: Law of Nonprofits

This course includes the study of the state and federal law affecting nonprofit entities, churches, and parachurch ministries. Topics covered include formation, exempt purposes, private inurement, board governance, compensation, fundraising and financial regulation, charitable contributions, lobbying, political activity, electioneering, unrelated business income, employment law, and church-specific matters, as well as international law, activities, and structure.

LAW 886: Law Review Editorial Board II (2) (3L)

Prerequisites: Third-year standing; satisfactory completion of Law Review Editorial Board I; membership on the Liberty University Law Review Editorial Board. Participation in law review activities includes managing the law review, participating in the activities of the editorial board, editing and publishing student-written notes and comments, reviewing, selecting, editing, and publishing articles and other scholarly legal writings, and performing other editorial and staff duties pursuant to the Liberty University Law Review Constitution. P/NP grade.

LAW 882: Law Review Junior Staff (1) (3L)

Prerequisites: Second-year standing; satisfactory completion of Law Review Candidacy. Participation in law review activities in the spring semester includes editing student-written notes and comments, editing articles and other scholarly legal writings, and performing other editorial and staff duties pursuant to the Liberty University Law Review Constitution. P/NP grade.

LAW 884: Law Review Senior Staff II (1) (3L)

Prerequisites: Third-year standing; satisfactory completion of Law Review Senior Staff I. Participation in law review activities includes editing student-written notes and comments, editing articles and other scholarly legal writings, and performing other staff duties pursuant to the Liberty University Law Review Constitution. P/NP grade.

LAW 585: Legal History (3)

An examination of the nature and meaning of the legal past, particularly the Western legal tradition, with a primary focus on the historical relationship between church and state; and the biblical and theological foundations of the Western legal tradition and the English Common Law heritage.  (NOTE: This course is offered in the spring semester of even-numbered years.)

LAW 821: Mediation (2) (3L)

Prerequisite: Lawyering Skills V. A course on dispute resolution, building on the foundation of Lawyering Skills V, using a mixture of lecture, discussion, role-playing, and analysis of video. A lawyer’s primary task is to resolve disputes. Most controversies never reach trial; rather, they are settled by agreement. The ability to negotiate and mediate effectively is crucial for all attorneys.

LAW 643: Mergers and Acquisitions (2)

Prerequisites: Business Associations; Taxation of Businesses. A study of the process of and the law governing business combinations and acquisitions including mergers, stock purchases, assets sales, and change-of-control transactions. The course will consider primarily the role of state business organization law and federal securities law in determining the structure, mechanics, timing, and price of such transactions.

LAW 732: Race and the Law (2)

This course examines the central role of race in American law and society. To gain a thorough understanding of the American legal landscape, students will explore the impact of race throughout American history. The course will analyze the experiences and legal histories of American Indians, African Americans, Latina and Latinos, and Asian Americans and their efforts to use the judicial system to obtain equal rights in the United States. Students will also discuss the biblical view of race and racial reconciliation and explore the positive impact that a biblical worldview can have in bridging the gap that often exists across racial lines in communities throughout America.

LAW 651: Real Estate Transactions and Development (3)

Prerequisites: Property I and II. A course in the application of real property law, covering deeds, mortgages, leases, land contracts, real estate closings, and financing in the context of simple transactions; and of the development of a shopping plaza or housing complex.

LAW 801: Remedies (3)

A study of the law of judicial remedies, both legal and equitable, focusing on the nature and scope of relief as distinguished from substantive and procedural law. The four major categories of remedies are addressed: damages, including measurement issues for both compensatory and punitive damages, and limitations on the damages remedy; restitution, including measurement issues and issues related to rescission, constructive trust and equitable lien; injunctions, including issues relating to requirements for obtaining preliminary and permanent injunctive; and declaratory relief, including ancillary remedies to effectuate the relief obtained, and legal and equitable defenses.

LAW 644: Securities Regulation (3)

Prerequisite: Business Associations. A study of the process of and the law governing the issuance, distribution, and trading of securities focusing primarily on the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and related rules and regulations. Topics include the definition of a “security;” the obligation to register; the registration and disclosure requirements; the exemptions from the registration process; and the insider trading and antifraud provisions.

LAW 580: Statutory Interpretation (2)

This course identifies and considers the most important canons and precepts that guide interpretation of statutes. The course focuses on how these canons and precepts function to reveal legislative intent.

LAW 641: Taxation of Businesses (3)

Prerequisites: Business Associations; Taxation of Individuals. An advanced course in federal income taxation with emphasis on tax laws related to corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies.

LAW 833: Trial Team (1)

Prerequisite: This course is for those students who try out for and are chosen to be on the Trial Team. Team members will engage in an intense study of trial strategy and preparation, direct and cross examination, opening statements and closing arguments, pretrial motions, arguing and opposing objections, and all aspects of trial advocacy. Team members will be chosen to compete in state, regional, and national trial competitions. Only two credits for Law 833 may count toward the credits required for graduation. Course credit is pass/fail.

LAW 803: Virginia Civil Procedure (2)

Prerequisite: Civil Procedure I and II. This course covers Virginia civil procedural law for both law and equitable claims, including applicable statutes, rules of court and cases interpreting the statutes and rules. Appellate procedure for both the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia are covered.

LAW 802: Virginia Practice (1)

Prerequisite: Third-year status. This course will emphasize practical and substantive issues of Virginia law that are common to everyday practice. Students will be expected to apply Virginia law to articulate answers to common legal issues that arise in Virginia practice. The course includes a writing component.

Summer