what is law coursework

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What is Law School Like: First-Year Curriculum

The first-year curriculum is the brick and mortar of your law school education. No matter what school you attend, here are the courses you can expect your first year in law school:

Civil Procedure

Criminal law, constitutional law, legal methods.

A tort is a harmful act for which someone might be held legally responsible under civil law. You'll study the rationale behind judgments in civil cases. Here's a handy acronym for the primary actionable torts in the United States: FITTED CAB — F alse I mprisonment, T respass (to land), T respass (to chattel, or personal property), E motional D istress, C onversion, A ssault, and B attery.

Contractual relationships are varied and complicated—so much so that you'll study them for two full semesters. Through the study of past court cases, you will follow the law governing the system of conditions and obligations a contract represents, as well as the legal resolutions available when contracts are breached.

Click here for a list of Online JD Programs offering enhanced flexibility and affordability.

If contracts and torts teach you what lawyers do in civil court, then civil procedure teaches you how they do it. “Civ Pro" is the study of the often dizzyingly and complex rules that govern not only who can sue whom, but also how, when, and where they can do it. Rules of civil procedure govern the conduct of both the courtroom trial and the steps that might precede it: discovery, pleading, pretrial motions, etc.

Like so much U.S. law, the laws governing the purchase, possession, and sale of property in the U.S. often date back to the English common law. Anyone interested in achieving an understanding of broader policy issues will appreciate the significance of this material. Many property courses will emphasize, to varying degrees, economic analysis of property law.

Even if you become a criminal prosecutor or defender, in practice you will probably never encounter the crimes you will be exposed to in this course. Can a man who shoots the dead body of someone he believes to be alive be charged with attempted murder? What if someone forced him to do so at gunpoint? What if they were both on drugs—or had really rough childhoods? Your crim. class is likely to rely heavily on Socratic dialogue, and criminal law professors are notorious for their ridiculously convoluted exam questions.

As close to a history class as you will take in your first year, "Con. law" will emphasize issues of government structure and individual rights.

Read More: Your Law School Application Strategy

This course travels under various aliases, such as “Legal Research” and “Writing or Elements of the Law.” It will most likely be your smallest, and possibly your only respite from the Socratic method, though it may also take up the most prep time outside the classroom. This course is designed to help you acquire fundamental skills in legal research, analysis, and writing.

In addition to these course requirements, many law schools require 1Ls to participate in a moot court exercise. As part of this exercise, students—sometimes working in pairs or even small groups—must prepare briefs and oral arguments for a mock trial. This requirement is often tied in with the methods course so that those briefs and oral arguments will be well researched—and graded.

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Explore our featured graduate schools & programs to find those that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.

Best Online JD Programs

Online JD programs offer flexibility, affordability, access to innovative technologies, students from a diversity of career backgrounds, and global opportunities.

Best Online MSL Programs

Master of Studies in Law (MSL) programs are for non-lawyers whose careers in their organizations will benefit from legal training even though they are not required to be practicing attorneys.

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Explore our featured business schools to find those that are looking for students like you.

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Programs of Study

Programs of Study at Harvard Law School

Aligning Courses and Practice

Harvard Law School offers more courses and seminars than any other law school in the world. This is a tremendous resource, but the large numbers of courses, across a huge range of topics and approaches, also can be daunting. The faculty encourages J.D. students to build on the foundation of the first year with both sufficient focus to pursue deep knowledge and with sufficient curiosity to explore a broad array of ideas about and approaches to law. Pursue your own passions, and also think about how to take advantage of opportunities for advanced work, clinical work, fellowships, and courses elsewhere in the university.

To guide you in pursuing deepening knowledge and progression as you move through the three years of law school and to create a tool for better coordination and collaboration between faculty members, the faculty has developed “programs of study.” Students do not sign up for any program; nor should any student feel compelled to adhere to one. Instead, the programs of study reflect the best advice from faculty about how to approach particular subjects and potential careers.

Current Programs of Study

The programs of study listed here include suggestions about how you can navigate our extensive course offerings with a sense of their relationship to different avenues of study. The programs provide opportunities to move progressively through more advanced work before graduation. Faculty are encouraged to think through the best ways of offering and combining courses as they plan their own teaching programs. J.D. and L.L.M. students then get a picture of how different courses and seminars can relate to the work of practicing lawyers and academics, and how clinical work, summer opportunities, and fellowships also enhance your learning and development.

Criminal Law and Policy Program of Study

International and comparative law program of study, law and business program of study, law and government program of study, law and history program of study, law and social change program of study, law, science, and technology program of study.

Beyond any specific program of study, the faculty advises all students to take courses offering exposure to a variety of topics and methodologies. The faculty has long recommended that students consider taking at least one course that offers a particular perspective on the legal system or a distinct way of thinking about law. We continue to recommend such courses, whether in legal history, comparative law, law and economics, and jurisprudence and legal theory.

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Types of Law Programs

Find the Law Program for You

A legal education can open up new and interesting career opportunities. Law schools offer a variety of degrees or certificates to match your goals — and your schedule.

If you want to practice law in the United States, you’ll probably need this degree, but it’s also useful in other career paths.

About this Degree:

• Usually a three-year, full-time program, but can also be part-time
• Admission requires a bachelor’s degree
• LSAT is an integral part of the admission process

This degree helps people who already have a JD or equivalent degree expand their knowledge or study a specialized area of law.

• JD degree (or international equivalent) required for admission
• Can help you specialize and extend your credentials in a specific area
• For international students, can offer exposure to U.S. or Canadian law systems, common law legal reasoning, and comparative law studies

Master’s Degree

If you want to study law but aren’t looking to become a lawyer, this interdisciplinary approach could be an ideal fit.

• Includes Master of Science in Laws (MSL), Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degrees, and Juris Master (JM), among others
• Often can be earned in one year; online and part-time programs available

Legal Certificate

Broaden your knowledge of the law with these options, which require relatively little time and are fairly affordable.

• Areas of study vary; some are broad, others are more specialized
• Can be completed in as little as three months; online options available
• Often an industry-specific credential, especially in highly regulated areas

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• Course Overview

Be prepared for law school success with Zero-L.

It’s time to bridge the legal knowledge gap. zero-l is here to help..

Students come away from Zero-L:

• FULLY PREPARED TO DIVE INTO LAW SCHOOL CLASSES
• thinking like a law student
• FAMILIAR WITH LEGAL TERMINOLOGY AND PROCEDURES
• feeling prepared and confident

Zero-L Modules

Ensure incoming law students and law school applicants feel more confident and better prepared.

A brief introduction to Zero-L’s structure and goals. 

This module deepens student understanding of what law is and how to “think like a lawyer.” Students learn about the structure of federal and state courts, the hierarchy of authorities, and the differences between various kinds of law.

Using a real case, students learn step-by-step how to read a case for class. They will also be introduced to standard common law arguments, and the role of precedent in judicial decisions.

Students learn how to locate and read statutes, and are introduced to the tools and major schools of statutory interpretation.

Students get a preview of the most commonly taught first-year courses so they are ready to excel in class starting from day one.

Students are introduced to their career options, the impact they can make as a lawyer, and how the profession continues to change and evolve.

Students gain exposure to some of the larger theoretical questions raised by law, questions which will often be lurking in the background of readings and classroom discussions.

This capstone opportunity enables students to apply what they have learned in Zero-L in a final exercise that provides a perfect bridge to day one of class.

Learn more about the skills and concepts taught in Zero-L.

The Zero-L Learning Experience

Zero-L has been used by tens of thousands of law students nationwide to provide students from all educational backgrounds with the tools they need to feel more confident and better prepared for law school.

Quickly review high impact content.

Dynamic videos that teach and encourage.

Access to course materials for one full year.

Evaluate progress without any pressure.

Featured Faculty

Harvard Law School’s faculty is comprised of the top legal minds from every subject area, dedicated to excellence in teaching. Students no longer have to worry about what they don’t know when preparing for law school.

Student Testimonials

Students no longer have to worry about what they don't know when preparing for law school.

Zero-L is here to help with:

• Lessons on fundamental legal concepts
• An overview of Legal Procedure
• Insights from Experienced Faculty
• Opportunities to Practice legal skills
• Learning how to read a case

Frequently Asked Questions

Zero-L was created for students who are about to start law school but who haven’t yet crossed the threshold to their first or “1-L” year—hence the name “Zero-L”. Zero-L was designed to ensure that all these incoming law students, whatever their backgrounds and previous areas of study, start with the foundational knowledge to enable them to thrive in law school.

Zero-L was built for incoming law students and, over the last several years, tens of thousands of incoming law students nationwide have taken Zero-L. Because Zero-L was built for students who haven’t yet started law school, Zero-L is also beneficial for everyone in the process of applying to law school, thinking about applying to law school, or learning more about the law for their own curiosity.

In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Law School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.  

If you are an individual learner looking to enroll in Zero-L, please complete this short application. To join the next cohort of individual learners in Zero-L, please submit your application by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 13, 2024. We look forward to responding to your submitted application within 4 business days. There is no cost to apply.

Zero-L for individual learners is a fully online course that runs for six weeks, with new modules delivered every week and a brief online course orientation prior to the first module . All Zero-L content is fully asynchronous, so you can complete each module on your own schedule each week — you don’t have to log in at any particular day or time . Modules contain videos, vocabulary, and short exercises to check c omprehension . The estimated amount of work time each week is roughly 2 -3 hours , although individual l earners’ t imeframes will vary. 

The fee for the Zero-L course for individual learners is $200. At this time, discounts aren’t available.

Individual learners accepted into the Zero-L course will receive an email from the Harvard Law School Online team with payment instructions. Payment is due in full by 5 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the course opens for orientation. If you wish to cancel your enrollment, you may request a full refund by emailing hlsonline@law.harvard.edu no later than one business day before the course opens for orientation. (Please note the business day concludes at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.) Requests must be received by this time to receive a full refund. After this asynchronous course opens, no refunds will be given. (If you have questions about enrolling a group of individual learners, please drop us a note at  hlsonline@law.harvard.edu .)  

Please note that Harvard is not responsible for fluctuations in international exchange rates between payment and refund, nor is it responsible for interest charges or other fees due to the timing of credit card refunds.

Harvard is authorized to offer distance education under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), an agreement that allows institutions of higher education in Massachusetts to offer distance education to students residing in other states that participate in SARA. For information about SARA-related student complaint processes for distance education students, please see https://vpal.harvard.edu/nc-sara .  

The inaugural cohort of Zero-L for individual learners begins with online orientation on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, with the first module opening on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 . The course concludes on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Please check back here or sign-up to stay in touch with us for dates of future Zero-L individual learner cohorts.

Upon completion of Zero-L, individual learners will receive a Certificate of Completion. Please note that Zero-L is ungraded and that no degree or course credit toward a degree is awarded for Zero-L completion. 

Please drop the Harvard Law School Online team a note at hlsonline@law.harvard.edu , and we’ll be glad to share further details of the Zero-L course experience for law schools , as well as work with you on Zero-L enrollment for your law school students.

Build a foundation that will support your aspirations.

Stanford Law’s curriculum blends courses that instill essential skills — starting with the ability to think like a lawyer — with opportunities to customize your education to your interests and ambitions. Classes are small enough to support intensive discussion and collaboration. Faculty actively engage you in exploring key concepts and new ideas. Courses provide a springboard to the immersive learning opportunities — practice-focused clinics, policy-making practicums, faculty salons, global studies and more — that distinguish an SLS education.

First-Year Academics

The 1L year is when SLS students immerse themselves in the basics, broaden their view of law and establish a foundation for Stanford Law’s comprehensive advanced curriculum.

students guaranteed housing in their first year

maximum number of students in a small section

required courses/electives in Winter quarter

elective units during Spring quarter

Other Information

At Stanford, I was able to go beyond the core law curriculum by taking electives as a 1L and, later, non-law classes across campus.

Benjamin Haas, JD '18

Learn, Serve, Excel

Stanford Law’s 11 clinics make you something unique in the world of law:  a student attorney, certified by the California State Bar to practice law under the supervision of your clinic mentors. Clinics are full time, so academic commitments don’t compete. Your instructors are exceptional lawyers who share what they’ve learned through experience. Your training — addressing real legal challenges for real clients — is substantive. Your ultimate reward? Excellence: The Mills Legal Clinic helps you become a better writer, a better problem-solver, a better leader, a better lawyer.

Make a difference in health care by merging law with science.

With health care accounting for more than 16 percent of the U.S. gross national product — and America’s high-cost health system widely regarded as unsustainable — need is growing for leaders who can navigate the intersection of law and health policy. Stanford Law is uniquely positioned to prepare professionals for this important work through what may be the only program of its kind anywhere. Joint degrees in health services research and epidemiology take advantage of Stanford University’s renowned science resources, including  medical school, medical center and a wide range of interdisciplinary programs. These are just two of 24 joint degree opportunities at SLS, with more being added as students invent their own.

LEARN ABOUT HEALTH RESEARCH AND POLICY

W.A. Franke Global Law Program

Through Stanford Law’s Global Initiative, spring break becomes an opportunity to take your SLS education on the road. The new W. A. Franke Global Law Program is comprised of four elements:

• The Global Quarter: an intensive, 10-week immersion in international law and finance;
• a foundational course on global legal practice;
• courses that combine rigorous classroom training with intensive overseas study trips; and
• greater integration of comparative law and international issues into existing core courses.

Stanford Law’s signature international initiatives, including a robust program in international and comparative law, provide additional resources and experiences for cultivating global perspective.

Stanford Law School reserves the right to change any part of the schedule at any time including (1) add or delete courses from its offerings; (2) change times, days, or locations of courses; (3) cancel for insufficient registration or academic/administrative decision without notice.

The Top 13 Pre-Law Majors: What’s The Best Major For Law School Admission?

Expert Reviewed

Updated: Feb 23, 2024, 10:03am

For many people, carving out a path that leads to a successful legal career starts with choosing an undergraduate degree. There are many options available, and the type of law you plan to practice may come into play as you choose your undergraduate pre-law major.

Certain majors are more popular among law school applicants than others, and schools consider both an applicant’s grades and the rigor of the coursework they pursue. As you plan your education and career, you should keep these factors in mind. However, it’s also important to choose a major that fits your strengths and interests. In this article, we discuss the 13 most common undergraduate majors for law school students.

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What Major Is Best for Law School?

The American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any specific undergraduate major for aspiring lawyers. Instead, the organization suggests that any student planning to become a lawyer selects an undergraduate major that interests and challenges them. The ABA encourages students to seek a course of study that builds competence in certain core areas—such as problem solving, oral communication, public service and collaboration—that can help them succeed in law school.

In particular, your undergraduate major should include coursework that develops your research, critical-reading and writing skills. It’s best to choose a major that provides a well-rounded education through a variety of courses. Your major should challenge you to learn more about the subjects you enjoy.

Ben Cooper, founder and CEO of law school admissions firm PreLawPro, advises, “When it comes to selecting a major, students should allow their interest and aptitude to drive their choice instead of choosing the major/s that they think will be the most impressive to a law school.”

While law schools do consider your major, they typically place more weight on your undergraduate GPA. A high undergraduate GPA can help demonstrate that you take your education seriously and can consistently maintain the level of effort and achievement needed to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and become a successful lawyer. For this reason, you should choose a major in which you will excel.

Cooper offers the following insights: “Too often, students spend a lot of time worrying about whether they have selected the ‘right’ major. For example, many freshmen and their parents assume that any aspiring lawyer needs to pursue political science. This is a myth, and while the choice of major can help students develop skills that are necessary for success in law school, an applicant’s GPA is much more important than their choice of major and minor.”

Best Undergraduate Majors for Law School

According to the ABA, traditional majors for law school applicants include history, English, philosophy, political science, economics and business. All of these areas of study can help students develop mastery in the key areas the ABA suggests future law students cultivate. However, undergraduates have many other valid options for law school preparation, and the ABA encourages learners to follow any course of study that they feel passionate about.

Below we list 13 common undergraduate majors for students who apply to J.D. programs .

Coursework for history majors covers cultures and civilizations, specific eras, geography, American and international studies, research and analysis, and social justice. Majoring in history can provide you with a greater understanding of people from different cultures and backgrounds, which can be useful for attorneys who practice any type of law.

Bachelor’s in economics coursework includes micro- and macroeconomics, market outcomes, fiscal and monetary policy and basic economic modeling. Majoring in economics is an excellent option for aspiring tax and corporate attorneys. Additionally, an econ major requires students to develop proficiency in logical reasoning, a key component of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Coursework for an English major covers literature, cultural studies, historical periods, creative writing and critical theory. Majoring in English can help students develop strong communication skills, which are essential for attorneys who decide to practice any type of law.

Coursework for philosophy majors may include metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, social and political philosophy, and history of philosophy. Majoring in philosophy can help students develop skills in communication, analytical and logical argumentation, and rhetoric, which are useful for any type of law practice.

Political Science

A political science bachelor’s degree explores political theory, government systems and the judicial system, making this an excellent option for an undergraduate major. Majoring in political science can help you prepare to specialize in virtually any type of law. However, although a political science major is often associated with future lawyers, law schools do not necessarily prefer political science graduates.

Coursework for finance majors may include business economics, cost analysis, accounting, business law, ethics, statistics and management. Finance can be a great major for those who plan to work in tax law, corporate law or real estate law. As with economics and philosophy majors, an emphasis on quantitative reasoning can build skills that may serve students well when it comes to taking the LSAT .

Arts and Humanities

Coursework for arts and humanities majors varies according to specialization but may include languages, literature, music, art, logic, philosophy, theater, religion and social sciences. Arts and humanities programs provide broad knowledge for future attorneys to use in many types of law practices. Coursework for these degrees can also hone competence in communication, collaboration and critical thinking.

Communications

Coursework for communications degrees may include rhetoric, public speaking, journalism, writing, public relations and advertising. Majoring in communications helps students develop excellent speaking and writing skills, which are essential to any attorney both in and out of a courtroom setting.

What can you do with a bachelor’s in psychology? Well, you can go to law school. Psychology coursework involves studying human behavior and mental health issues. Majoring in psychology can benefit those specializing in many types of law, since understanding how people think and behave is helpful in a variety of situations.

Coursework for sociology majors may cover human behavior, race relations, social theory, statistics, research methodology, criminology, social policy, family structures and religion. Sociology majors develop skills that help them relate to people from all walks of life, so law students who intend to work in divorce and family law, immigration or public defense may especially benefit from this major.

Business Administration

Coursework for a business administration bachelor’s degree may include economics, marketing, business communication, entrepreneurship, human resources, accounting and organizational management. A business administration major may be helpful for those who intend to practice corporate law, patent or intellectual property law, tax law or real estate law.

Criminal Justice

Criminal justice bachelor’s degree coursework includes forensics, human behavior, social policies, research and management. While this coursework may help law school applicants who plan to become defense attorneys, a criminal justice major may not offer the level of academic challenge that many top law schools look for.

STEM Majors

Lawyers in some fields of law, particularly patent law, can benefit from STEM-based degrees that relate to their chosen areas of practice. STEM fields offer many rigorous courses of study that can help students develop law school-ready skills and demonstrate their ability to succeed in a challenging academic environment.

Should You Major in Pre-Law?

A pre-law degree covers general education, an introduction to law and other coursework that helps learners build solid analytical and reasoning skills. This major introduces students to some of the concepts they will need to know later in law school.

While pre-law may seem like the logical best option, that is not necessarily the case. In fact, this major might hinder you more than help you. A pre-law major provides an introduction to basic legal concepts, but it may not offer particularly challenging coursework. This could potentially make you a less competitive law school candidate than other students.

Your major should be something you both enjoy and excel at. If pre-law checks those boxes for you, consider choosing it as a major. If not, however, select a major that will expand your knowledge and help you build your skills.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to your undergraduate record, strong grades, challenging coursework and a passion for your subject typically matter more to law school admissions officers than the specific course of study you follow. A wide variety of majors can prepare you for success in law school and your future legal career—but remember to seek out coursework that hones the specific skills you’ll need.

As Cooper notes, “Applicants need to develop the skills we know they need to do well in a J.D. program, e.g., critical thinking, research, editing, written communication, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Majors for Law School Admission

What is the best pre-law major.

If you plan to pursue a legal career, but you’re unsure what to major in as an undergraduate, here’s some good news: Law schools accept students from nearly any major. That said, the best pre-law majors are those that develop the skills you’ll need to pass the LSAT, get into law school and ultimately practice law. The American Bar Association lists 10 key competency areas to focus on, including problem solving, critical reading, and writing and editing.

Is a pre-law minor worth it?

Possibly, depending on your major. Pre-law or legal studies coursework typically covers topics such as legal reasoning, criminal law, business law and American government. Many courses in this minor help develop the analytical and communication skills you’ll need in law school. If your major doesn’t address those competencies sufficiently, or you’re looking for more exposure to legal concepts, a pre-law minor can offer one way to meet your goals.

Do law schools care about your major?

To a degree, yes, but not in the way many students imagine. Law schools do consider your undergraduate major as part of a holistic admissions process, but rather than looking for specific subjects, they tend to focus on whether you earned high grades, chose an academically rigorous major and pursued coursework that developed your skills in key areas like writing, critical reading and research.

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Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.

Ben Cooper the founder and CEO of PreLawPro, a law school admissions and career consulting firm. He is a former international lawyer who spent much of his legal career as a litigator in London’ financial district. After leaving private practice he oversaw the Pre-Law program at Baylor University, where he taught college classes on the legal profession, law school admissions, careers, and academic success. He has also helped students explore careers in diplomacy, intelligence and national security. After almost a decade of working with college students and young professionals, Ben has helped hundreds of law school applicants gain admission to law schools all over the country. Ben also coaches and mentors college students and young professionals (across a broad range of industries) as they navigate their education and careers.

First year law school curriculum: What to expect

So you’ve rocked the LSAT, been accepted to law school, and sent your letter of acceptance: what happens now? First year is the most important year of law school. Your 1L grades will determine your class rank, the academic honors you’re awarded, and the job opportunities that are offered to you. With this in mind, what can you expect during your 1L law school curriculum?

Teaching method

During 1L year, you’ll learn the material through the Case Method. This is the method in which students will read, brief, and analyze court cases and be expected to participate in classroom discussions surrounding those cases.

Law school professors will often facilitate this discussion through the Socratic Method approach, where students will be called upon at random (cold-calling) to help them draw their own conclusions about the legal rules and their underlying theories, presumptions, and utilities.

The classes

In general, the same seven foundational classes are taught during 1L year of law school. Those classes are Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Legal Research & Writing, and Property Law.

Civil Procedure

Also known as “Civ Pro,” this course teaches the students about the rules that the parties and judge must follow in civil cases. It covers the litigation method in the United States and the basics of a lawsuit, including pretrial procedures, discovery, motions, and appellate procedures.

Constitutional Law

Constitutional Law is an introduction to the U.S. Constitution and the different branches of U.S. government. It explores the separation of powers as well as individual constitutional rights and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

You can also expect to take a deep dive into the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment while taking this course.

Just as it sounds, this course is an overview of contracts, how they are formed, and what is considered a breach of contracts. It will also teach you about the damages that can occur when contracts are breached.

According to Cornell , “A tort is an act or omission that gives rise to injury or harm to another and amounts to a civil wrong for which courts impose liability. In the context of torts, “injury” describes the invasion of any legal right, whereas “harm” describes a loss or detriment in fact that an individual suffers.”

During this course, you’ll analyze the reasoning behind judgments in civil cases and the different types of claims (which can include battery, assault, trespass, or negligence).

Criminal Law and Procedure

Criminal Law will teach you what is classified as a “crime,” as well as the general principles of criminal liability. The course will analyze the rules for enforcing sanctions (a penalty for disobeying a rule or law) against those who have been accused of committing a crime. Most students consider this one of the most interesting classes in law school.

Legal Research and Writing

Considered one of the most useful classes in the law school curriculum, this is the course that will teach you how to research the law and how to write memos and briefs. It might also include teaching you how to present oral arguments in front of judges.

Property Law

Also known as “Real Property,” this course is an overview of the laws that govern purchase, possession, and sale of property in the U.S.

Considered one of the more difficult courses in law school, it analyzes the relationship between people and resources, land, buildings, and personal objects.

Summer jobs after 1L year

One of the most important reasons to ace your first semester of 1L year is to solidify your spot at the top of the class in preparation for OCI (On-Campus Interviewing) or other recruitment methods where prestigious law firms and organizations select the best and brightest law students for summer employment before their 2L year.

This is important because when students do well in these roles, employers often extend an offer of permanent employment after law school. This is why it’s so crucial to do well your first semester of 1L year: these are the only grades these employers have to go off and will determine who they choose to interview.

How to get to the top of the class

Outside of making sure you’re dedicating enough time to your law school classes, students can also consider taking a law school prep course before starting their 1L year.

When you take the Law Preview course, real law professors teach you how to navigate the law school experience by introducing you to the core 1L material and proven strategies employed by the most successful students. This law school prep course gives you a comprehensive overview of the core classes you’ll be taking during your 1L law school curriculum.

The course includes an overview of the foundational classes we discussed above, as well as Legal Research & Writing. More information about the course can be found here .

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Latest submissions

Question: 'Our constitution is dominated by the sovereignty of Parliament. But Parliamentary sovereignty is no longer, if it ever was, absolute.’ R (Jackson) v A-G [2005] UKHL 56 [104] (Lord Hope) Critically evaluate this statement by giving at least one example of the challenges to parliamentary sovereignty. Word Count 1302

Answer: It is difficult to dismiss the ongoing debate whether Parliament sovereignty is “evolving”1 or is “eroding”.2 This essay will aim to critically evaluate the quote derived from Lord Hope and will argue...

Read more of the answer →

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: Constitutional and Administrative Law | Year: 1st | Words: 1302 | References: Yes | Date written: November, 2019 | Date submitted: April 05, 2021 | Coursework ID: 1080

Question: Explain what the current law is relating to the defence of consent to non-fatal offences against the person and critically analyse the approaches taken by Lord Templeman and Lord Mustill in R v Brown [1994] 1 AC 212. “In principle there is a difference between violence which is incidental and violence which is inflicted for the indulgence of cruelty.” Per Lord Templeman in R v Brown [1994] 1 AC 212. “What I do say is that these are questions of private morality; that the standards by which they fall to be judged are not those of the criminal law…….. I regard the task as one which the courts are not suited to perform, and which should be carried out, if at all, by Parliament…. The only question is whether these consensual private acts are offences against the existing law of violence. To this question I return a negative response.” Per Lord Mustill in R v Brown [1994] 1 AC 212. Word Count - 1204

Answer: Non-fatal offences are “crimes against a person which do not result in death”. Sir John Smith Famously described non fatal offences as “ragbag”2. According to the Offences Against the Person Act 1861...

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: Criminal Law | Year: 1st | Words: 1204 | References: Yes | Date written: November, 2019 | Date submitted: April 05, 2021 | Coursework ID: 1079

Question: The European Parliament’s Legislative Role and its Driving Force.

Answer: The European Parliament (EP) has several abilities to legislate on equal footing with the Council as prescribed by the TEU and TFEU. While the EP was originally restricted to an "advisory assembly”...

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: European Union Law | Year: 2nd/3rd | Words: 2974 | References: Yes | Date written: January, 2021 | Date submitted: February 10, 2021 | Coursework ID: 1078

Question: Review and Recommendations on the Penalty Rule. LAW1004 - May 4th, 2020

Answer: After having conducted their last review on penalties in 1975, the Law Commission found that the test for finding a penalty was satisfactory . However, academics were critical of this, arguing that...

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: Contract Law | Year: 2nd/3rd | Words: 1863 | References: Yes | Date written: May, 2020 | Date submitted: February 10, 2021 | Coursework ID: 1077

Question: The Impact Leaving the EU has had on the UK Constitution. Constitutional and Administrative Law - December 13th, 2019

Answer: The UK is known for its uncodified, and ambiguous constitutional structure. In fact, Ever since the UK joined the ECC - now EU - in 1973, discussions around and analyses of the...

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: Constitutional and Administrative Law | Year: 1st | Words: 1918 | References: Yes | Date written: December, 2019 | Date submitted: February 10, 2021 | Coursework ID: 1076

Question: ‘Parliamentary sovereignty is a fundamental principle of the UK constitution’ Lord Neuberger in R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, [2017] UKSC 5 [43], [2017] 2 WLR 583. Critically discuss the place of Parliamentary sovereignty in the modern UK constitution.

Answer: Lord Neuberger in R (Miller) v Secretary of state for Exiting the European suggested that ‘Parliamentary sovereignty is a fundamental principle of the UK constitution’ .In light of Lord Neuberger’s statement, this...

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: Constitutional and Administrative Law | Year: 1st | Words: 2334 | References: Yes | Date written: January, 2018 | Date submitted: August 21, 2020 | Coursework ID: 1075

Question: The local authority of Two Peaks has decided to move its archives into a purpose built warehouse. The local authority enters into a contract with ‘Dale Cooper Construction Company’, which specialises in warehouse construction. Bob works at the construction site, operating the crane. One morning, Bob comes late to work. He had been drinking heavily the night before. Bob begins work, and releases a heavy steel rod, which pierces the roof of the almost complete warehouse and kills Mike. Laura was also working in the warehouse, and she was next to Mike when he got killed. Both Laura and Bob develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) because of the accident. The impact of the steel rod causes structural damage to the warehouse, which remains undetected until a few months later, when the archives of the local authority have already been moved into storage. Ahmed, a PhD student who requires access to these archives for his research, cannot complete his PhD. His visa expires, and he has to return to his home country. Because he has failed his PhD, he cannot get a good job, as he was hoping to. He sues the local authority of Two Peaks for ruining his career. Advise Mike’s estate, Bob, Laura, and Ahmed as to any action(s) in tort they have available, and their chances of success. Module Code: LX2080 Module Title: Tort Law

Answer: Mike and Laura can claim that Dale Cooper Construction Company (DCCC) is vicariously liable for the torts of negligence committed by Bob. Bob can pursue a claim against DCCC for causing his...

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: Tort Law | Year: 2nd/3rd | Words: 2495 | References: Yes | Date written: January, 2018 | Date submitted: August 21, 2020 | Coursework ID: 1074

Question: In Re Baden’s Deed Trusts (no 2) [1973] Ch. 9 the three Law Lords set out different tests in relation to certainty of objects for a discretionary trust. Critically analysing the law and academic commentary, what do you consider to be the best way forward for trustees when deciding the proper approach to take in a discretionary trust? Module Code: LX2083 Module Title: Equity & Trusts

Answer: In the case of Re Baden's Trust (No. 2) , the three law lords Sachs LJ, Stamp LJ and Megaw LJ each outlined different tests which they believed would help validate the...

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: Equity and Trust Law | Year: 2nd/3rd | Words: 2438 | References: Yes | Date written: January, 2018 | Date submitted: August 21, 2020 | Coursework ID: 1073

Question: ‘The practical operation of the exemptions to the duty to make references (Article 267(3) TFEU) prevents the preliminary reference procedure from promoting the uniform application of EU law.’ Critically discuss. Brunel University London Module Code: LX2081 Module Title: Law of the European Union

Answer: Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) serves as the basis for the preliminary reference procedure which aims to encourage cooperation between national courts and the...

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: European Union Law | Year: 2nd/3rd | Words: 2446 | References: Yes | Date written: January, 2018 | Date submitted: August 21, 2020 | Coursework ID: 1072

Question: "The law of vicarious liability is on the move" (Lord Phillips). Discuss.

Answer: This issue to address here is the manner in which vicarious liability is ‘on the move’ and whether its recent expansion is justifiable. The traditional requirements of the law were intermixed with...

Details: - Mark: Not available | Course: Tort Law | Year: 1st | Words: 1297 | References: Yes | Date written: March, 2019 | Date submitted: April 17, 2020 | Coursework ID: 1071

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Careers: Where it can take you

Getting in: entry requirements, other subjects you may be interested in, considering an apprenticeship, explore further, application advice.

If you choose a law degree, you’ll acquire a broad set of transferable skills and a greater understanding of the world we live in. Studying law helps you better understand how we interact as humans, and how we create the frameworks of a civilised society. You’ll learn to analyse and problem solve, articulate yourself in the written and spoken word, use your initiative, bond with other people, and likely become a passionate advocate on issues you care about.

You could become an advice worker, trading standards officer or even a coroner. Roles as barristers and solicitors are expected to grow by around 3.5% over the next eight years, so there are plenty of places your law career could take you.

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What’s the difference between a solicitor and a barrister.

As a solicitor, you’ll work as a ‘lawyer’, providing legal advice to clients in a range of legal practice areas, like property, corporate, criminal or family law.

As a barrister, you’ll represent your client in court, and might also be asked to provide specialist advice. Unlike solicitors, barristers are usually self-employed and work in chambers. They also wear gowns and wigs in court. 

• Look after the rights of children in the family courts.
• Hold governments and international bodies to account over environmental legislation.
• Become a human rights lawyer and advocate for imprisoned journalists or victims of war.
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• Public and European Law
• Foundations of Law and Social Justice
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Subjects it's useful to have studied first

Some law courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider. 

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Find out more about your career prospects from studying law. The following information is based on a typical solicitor’s role.

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• Think about persuasive writing. Have you ever written a letter to an MP, or even your parents, asking them for something? How might that help you as a future solicitor?
• Do you enjoy public speaking? Did you join the debating club at school? What other clubs did you enjoy at school that might lend themselves to a role as a barrister or judge?
• Are you passionate about reading? What kind of books do you enjoy? Are there any books you've read that had a legal dimension to them?
• Or maybe you like scrolling through the news online, keeping up-to-date with current affairs? What are the legal implications of some of the stories you've read?
• What work experience, or volunteering, have you done or could you do? Have you worked at your local solicitor’s firm, or done charity work - for example, helping a refugees charity with asylum applications?
• Is there a local solicitor’s firm where you could get some work experience? Have you been to your local magistrates’ court, or what buildings have you visited that represent our legal system? How can you demonstrate your interest in the subject?

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University of Leicester

LLB (Hons) · 3-4 Years · Full-time · Leicester · 23/09/2024

Tariff points: 136/160

University of South Wales

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Pontypridd · 23/09/2024

Tariff points: 104/104

University of Warwick

LLB (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time · Coventry · 23/09/2024

Tariff points: N/A

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LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Bangor, Gwynedd · 23/09/2024

Tariff points: 104/136

De Montfort University

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Leicester · 09/2024

Tariff points: 120/120

Royal Holloway, University of London

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Egham · 23/09/2024

Liverpool Hope University

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Liverpool · 23/09/2024

Tariff points: 72/72

University of Salford

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Salford · 09/2024

Tariff points: 88/88

University of Bradford

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Bradford · 16/09/2024

Tariff points: 112/112

Edge Hill University

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Ormskirk · 30/09/2024

Tariff points: 112/120

Liverpool John Moores University

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Liverpool · 16/09/2024

University of Cambridge

BA (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Cambridge · 10/2024

Tariff points: 152/152

Swansea University

MPhil · 2 Years · Full-time · Swansea · 07/2025

Keele University

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Keele · 23/09/2024

King's College London, University of London

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · London · 23/09/2024

LLB (Hons) · 4 Years · Sandwich · Plymouth · 16/09/2024

Tariff points: 112/128

University of Westminster, London

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · London · 16/09/2024

Canterbury Christ Church University

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Canterbury · 09/2024

University of Sussex

LLB (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Brighton · 23/09/2024

Tariff points: 128/153

University of Brighton

LLB (Hons) · 4 Years · Sandwich · Brighton · 23/09/2024

Tariff points: 104/120

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Starting with law

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This free course, Starting with law, explores key legal concepts such as legal capacity and the rights and responsibilities of the individual. You will examine how laws are made, and how they affect us at different points in our lives. It is an ideal course if you are a beginner or returning to study.

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After studying this course, you should be able to:

• explain why the law matters
• give some examples of legal rights and responsibilities
• understand how different reading styles suit different purposes.

First Published: 10/08/2012

Updated: 07/05/2019

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Curriculum Plans by Areas of Study

The curriculum plans below are organized by areas of study available at the Moritz College of Law: Business, Corporate, Commercial, and Tax Law; Children and Family Law; Civil Litigation; Criminal Law; Dispute Resolution; Employment and Labor Law; Health Law and Policy; Intellectual Property, Privacy, and Technology Law; International and Comparative Law; Public Interest, Justice, and Equality; Real Estate; Regulatory and Government Practice, and Environmental Law.

These plans aim to help you identify and select courses based on your academic and career interests. We however strongly encourage every student to pursue a broad legal education that includes courses beyond your area of core interest, such as bar exam courses, courses that help a student hone their “soft” lawyering skills, including communication skills, negotiation skills, and leadership skills, courses relevant to a student’s professional interests and goals, and courses that appeal to a student for any particular reason.

If you are interested in earning a certificate of concentration alongside your LL.M. diploma, we offer a certificate in one of the following six areas of concentration:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Corporate or/and Business Law
• Intellectual Property and Technology Law
• International and Comparative Law
• Criminal Law and Procedure
• Employment and Labor Law

T he Assistant Dean for International and Graduate Affairs is available to meet with students for general academic advising. Please e-mail Dean Pham at [email protected] to request an appointment for advising or to ask any questions you may have.

01.    Business, Corporate, Commercial and Tax Law 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in business, corporate, and/or tax law or focusing your studies on this area. LL.M. students can earn a certificate of concentration in Business Law or Corporate Law.

02.        Children & Family Law 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in children and family law or focusing your studies on this area. 

03.        Civil Litigation 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in civil litigation or focusing your studies on this area. 

04.    Criminal Law and Procedure

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in criminal law or focusing your studies on this area. LL.M. students can earn a certificate of concentration in Criminal Law and Procedure.

05.        Dispute Resolution 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in dispute resolution or focusing your studies on this area. LL.M. students can earn a certificate of concentration in Dispute Resolution or Alternative Dispute Resolution

06.    Employment and Labor Law 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in employment and labor law or focusing your studies on this area. LL.M. students can earn a certificate of concentration in Employment and Labor Law.

07.    International and Comparative Law

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in health law and policy or focusing your studies on this area. LL.M. students can earn a certificate of concentration in International and Comparative Law.

08.        Health Law and Policy 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in health law and policy or focusing your studies on this area. 

09.    Intellectual Property, Privacy, and Technology Law 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in intellectual property and/or privacy law or focusing your studies on this area. LL.M. students can earn a certificate of concentration in IP and Technology Law.

10.    Public Interest, Justice, and Equality 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in public interest or focusing your studies on this area. 

11.        Real Estate Law 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in real estate law or focusing your studies on this area.  

12.    Regulatory and Government Practice 

This curriculum plan aims to help you select courses if you are interested in a career in regulatory and government practice and/or administrative law or focusing your studies on this area. 

13.    Environmental Law

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Maryland Man Convicted of Forcibly Obstructing Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

            WASHINGTON – A Maryland man was convicted today of forcibly obstructing law enforcement and other charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

            Justin Lee, 25, of Rockville, Maryland, was found guilty by U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden of two felony offenses, including assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and civil disorder. In addition to the felonies, Judge McFadden found Lee guilty of misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.

            Judge McFadden will sentence Lee on Nov. 22, 2024.

            According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, on Jan. 6, 2021, Lee was identified by law enforcement authorities via open-source video as present among a crowd of rioters amassed at the exterior Archway leading to the Lower West Terrace Exterior Door of the Capitol, also referred to as the “Tunnel.” The Tunnel was the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement on January 6 th .

            Here, at approximately 2:41 p.m., numerous United States Capitol Police (USCP) and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, after having had their positions on the Lower West Terrace overrun by rioters, fell back and entered the Archway. Officers sought to prevent rioters from entering the Capitol building through that entrance while rioters attempted to force their way inside, including by throwing objects at the officers and using lights to distract and disorient the officers.

            Through open-source video, authorities observed a man, later identified as Lee, standing on the steps leading to the Tunnel and committing multiple acts directed at the line of officers, including throwing a smoking and sparking object in the direction of the police line, throwing an unlit (not smoking or sparking) object at police, and holding and pointing a flashlight that appears to be turned on in the direction of the Tunnel entrance. Lee was identified due, in part, to the distinctive Maryland flag gaiter-styled face covering that he wore.

            Evidence showed that the device thrown by Lee produced a billowing smoke cloud as other rioters attempted to physically push against the officers, preventing entry into the Capitol building.

            FBI Baltimore arrested Lee on Oct. 19, 2023, in Maryland.                           

            This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. 

            This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Baltimore and Washington Field Offices, which identified Lee as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #533 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

[email protected]

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What We Know About Kamala Harris’s $5 Trillion Tax Plan So Far

The vice president supports the tax increases proposed by the Biden White House, according to her campaign.

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By Andrew Duehren

Reporting from Washington

In a campaign otherwise light on policy specifics, Vice President Kamala Harris this week quietly rolled out her most detailed, far-ranging proposal yet: nearly $5 trillion in tax increases over a decade.

That’s how much more revenue the federal government would raise if it adopted a number of tax increases that President Biden proposed in the spring . Ms. Harris’s campaign said this week that she supported those tax hikes, which were thoroughly laid out in the most recent federal budget plan prepared by the Biden administration.

No one making less than $400,000 a year would see their taxes go up under the plan. Instead, Ms. Harris is seeking to significantly raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans and large corporations. Congress has previously rejected many of these tax ideas, even when Democrats controlled both chambers.

While tax policy is right now a subplot in a turbulent presidential campaign, it will be a primary policy issue in Washington next year. The next president will have to work with Congress to address the tax cuts Donald J. Trump signed into law in 2017. Many of those tax cuts expire after 2025, meaning millions of Americans will see their taxes go up if lawmakers don’t reach a deal next year.

Here’s an overview of what we now know — and still don’t know — about the Democratic nominee’s views on taxes.

Higher taxes on corporations

The most recent White House budget includes several proposals that would raise taxes on large corporations . Chief among them is raising the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 21 percent, a step that the Treasury Department estimated could bring in $1.3 trillion in revenue over the next 10 years.

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