This course is part of the 2023 Augsburg Summer Program.
A. Course Description.
1. Our focus is law and legal method. We will collaboratively explore, experience, and reflect on ways that lawyers in the United States of America (“USA” or “US”)—including legislators, administrators, and judges—create, find, and work with law. We will explore how lawyers, in the USA create and work with law and legal arguments.
2. This course is an introduction. Students do not need prior knowledge of US law. At the same time, I welcome those who are familiar with US law and eager to learn, practice, and experience more.
a. We will explore fundamentals applicable to civil and criminal law. Consequently, we will not focus solely on one specific area of law or regulatory scheme.
b. I welcome students at all levels of comfort or familiarity studying in English, including students from law schools in the USA. I value the courage of all students who join our exploration, and I will assist students as I am able and welcome questions and comments.
c. For students familiar with US law, this course offers new perspectives, additional practice, and opportunities to compare and critically examine the law.
3. This is an experiential course. Guided experience is an effective and fun way to learn about US law and legal method. Students will participate and learn actively, accompanied by encouraging, helpful guidance and feedback from the professor and one another. We will engage collaboratively in simulations of legal work in the USA, for example by:
a. writing simple legal rules,
b. finding law using online research strategies,
c. synthesizing rules and principles from various legal authorities,
d. advocating in fictional legal disputes, and
e. adjudicating the disputes.
4. I welcome international comparisons. The varied experiences of participants are a valuable resource. You are welcome to describe your experiences related to the course topics. If you do, we can view them as opportunities to compare law and legal methods in the USA and elsewhere.
B. Course Goals. Students can expect this course to help them do the following:
1. Improve ability to articulate, critically analyze, and apply legal rules—especially within the context of an Anglo-American legal system.
2. Learn or improve ability to find, organize, and work with US legal materials, including constitutions, statutes, judicial decisions (“cases”), and administrative regulations.
3. Have fun and increase confidence communicating, advocating, and collaborating.
