Law (LA)
LA 505a Legal Institutions and Values - 3 Hours
This course surveys foundational sources in history, philosophy, Christian theology, and the Bible as the basis for legal and governmental order in the United States. Topics range from Sumerian democracy to Greek and Roman law to the sources and impact of the English common law. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 521 Contracts 1 - 3 Hours
This course studies the fundamentals of contract law, including the common law and selected portions of the Restatement (Second) of Contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code. Contracts 1 covers remedies, offer, acceptance, discerning the agreement, parol evidence rule, Statute of Frauds, multi-party transactions, and enforceability. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 521x Contracts 1 - 3 Hours
This course studies the fundamentals of contract law, including the common law and selected portions of the Restatement (Second) of Contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code. Contracts 1 covers remedies, offer, acceptance, discerning the agreement, parol evidence rule, Statute of Frauds, multi-party transactions, and enforceability. Delivery Mode: JD Flex Track.
LA 522a Contracts 2 - 3 Hours
This course studies the fundamentals of contract law, including the common law and selected portions of the Restatement (Second) of Contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code. Contracts 2 covers consideration, promissory estoppel, warranties and conditions, breach, and defenses. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 522x Contracts 2 - 3 Hours
This course studies the fundamentals of contract law, including the common law and selected portions of the Restatement (Second) of Contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code. Contracts 2 covers consideration, promissory estoppel, warranties and conditions, breach, and defenses. Delivery mode: JD Flex Track.
LA 523a Contracts Drafting - 2 Hours
This course teaches students practical contract drafting skills, including how to translate a business deal into contract concepts, how to draft each of a contract's parts, how to draft with clarity and without ambiguity, how to negotiate a contract, and how to review and analyze a contract. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 531a Criminal Law - 3 Hours
This course teaches students how to deal with substantive criminal law problems in both practical and policy terms. The course inquires into the proper scope and objectives of criminal law, limitations on the State's power to define criminal liability, and general principles of liability and defenses for offenses against the person and property. The course also provides an opportunity for critical examination of statutes at an early stage in the law student's career. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 531x Criminal Law - 3 Hours
This course teaches students how to deal with substantive criminal law problems in both practical and policy terms. The course inquires into the proper scope and objectives of criminal law, limitations on the State's power to define criminal liability, and general principles of liability and defenses for offenses against the person and property. The course also provides an opportunity for critical examination of statutes at an early stage in the law student's career. Delivery mode: JD Flex Track.
LA 541 Torts 1 - 3 Hours
This course covers the civil laws governing compensation for injury to person and property. Torts 1 focuses on intentional torts and defenses, negligence and defenses, wrongful death, survival, statute of limitations, immunities, and vicarious liability. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 541x Torts 1 - 3 Hours
This course covers the civil laws governing compensation for injury to person and property. Torts 1 focuses on intentional torts and defenses, negligence and defenses, wrongful death, survival, statute of limitations, immunities, and vicarious liability. Delivery Mode: JD Flex Track.
LA 542 Torts 2 - 3 Hours
This course covers the civil laws governing compensation for injury to person and property. Torts 2 studies strict liability, products liability, nuisance, defamation, invasion of privacy, civil rights, misuse of legal procedure, intentional and negligent misrepresentation, business torts and familial relationships, torts in the age of statutes, and compensation systems as substitutes for tort law. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 542x Torts 2 - 3 Hours
This course covers the civil laws governing compensation for injury to person and property. Torts 2 studies strict liability, products liability, nuisance, defamation, invasion of privacy, civil rights, misuse of legal procedure, intentional and negligent misrepresentation, business torts and familial relationships, torts in the age of statutes, and compensation systems as substitutes for tort law. Delivery Mode: JD Flex Track.
LA 543 Open Development in Cambodia: Human Trafficking and Economic Development - 2-4 Hours
This is an advanced course in human trafficking and economic development. Students will analyze and discuss current issues in human trafficking, focusing on sex trafficking in Southeast Asia. Students will learn the history of human trafficking, and how human trafficking is combatted in the modern world. Students will also learn about economic development in Southeast Asia, and how it is a modern way of combating human trafficking. Trinity Law School teaches this course from a Christian perspective and actively incorporates Biblical principles into the curriculum. Thus, this class/trip has three major aspects or themes to it: (1) basic concepts and laws relevant to human rights; (2) human trafficking; and (3) the role and relationship of worldviews and economic factors and development or lack thereof to human rights and human trafficking. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 543b Human Trafficking and Economic Development (Asia) - 2 Hours
This is an advanced course in human trafficking and economic development. Students analyze and discuss current issues in human trafficking, focusing on sex trafficking in Southeast Asia. Students learn the history of human trafficking, and how human trafficking is combatted in the modern world. Students also learn about economic development in Southeast Asia, and how it is a modern way of combating human trafficking. Trinity Law School teaches this course from a Christian perspective and actively incorporates biblical principles into the curriculum. Thus, this course has three major aspects or themes to it: (1) basic concepts and laws relevant to human rights; (2) human trafficking; and (3) the role and relationship of worldviews, and economic factors and development to human rights and human trafficking. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 543c Human Trafficking and Economic Development (Asia) - 3 Hours
This is an advanced course in human trafficking and economic development. Students analyze and discuss current issues in human trafficking, focusing on sex trafficking in Southeast Asia. Students learn the history of human trafficking, and how human trafficking is combatted in the modern world. Students also learn about economic development in Southeast Asia, and how it is a modern way of combating human trafficking. Trinity Law School teaches this course from a Christian perspective and actively incorporates biblical principles into the curriculum. Thus, this course has three major aspects or themes to it: (1) basic concepts and laws relevant to human rights; (2) human trafficking; and (3) the role and relationship of worldviews, and economic factors and development to human rights and human trafficking. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 543d Human Trafficking and Economic Development (Asia) - 4 Hours
This is an advanced course in human trafficking and economic development. Students analyze and discuss current issues in human trafficking, focusing on sex trafficking in Southeast Asia. Students learn the history of human trafficking, and how human trafficking is combatted in the modern world. Students also learn about economic development in Southeast Asia, and how it is a modern way of combating human trafficking. Trinity Law School teaches this course from a Christian perspective and actively incorporates biblical principles into the curriculum. Thus, this course has three major aspects or themes to it: (1) basic concepts and laws relevant to human rights; (2) human trafficking; and (3) the role and relationship of worldviews, and economic factors and development to human rights and human trafficking. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 559 Legal Research and Writing 1: Objective Writing - 3 Hours
This course introduces students to fundamental legal reasoning, research (both online and book/hard copy), and writing skills in the context of objective legal documents. Students learn to identify, use, and analyze primary and secondary legal authorities to solve legal problems, and how to structure and draft legal memoranda. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 560b Legal Research and Writing 2: Persuasive Writing - 3 Hours
This course helps students develop their analytical, writing, and research skills in the advocacy context. Students produce litigation documents including a pre-trial motion and an appellate brief. Students are also required to participate in an oral argument competition to practice oral advocacy skills. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 560d Legal Writing: Litigation Skills - 3 Hours
This course is designed to provide legal writing experience to students interested in civil litigation, such as the drafting of demand letters, complaints, answers and other responsive pleadings, discovery, discovery responses, law and motion and pre-trial documents. It focuses upon areas of legal writing commonly associated with and required in civil litigation. It is designed to simulate attorney case handling in a civil litigation setting. Students will be provided with a class hypothetical based upon a real civil case and will be taught how to handle the case as a practicing attorney. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 560e Legal Writing: Transactional Skills - 3 Hours
This course is designed to provide legal writing experience to students interested in transactional civil practice. It focuses upon areas of legal writing commonly associated with and required in transactional civil practice, such as, opinion letters, letters to opposing counsel, commonly utilized contractual provisions, mutual settlements and releases, clauses related to indemnification and hold harmless agreements, anti-competition provisions, and confidentiality agreements. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 567 Mastering the Performance Test - 1 Hour
This course focuses on the California Bar Exam Performance Test. In this course, we will develop time management strategies and approaches for how to organize and outline the test. Additionally, this course will provide the opportunity to complete several Performance Tests and receive personalized feedback. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 599x FYLSX Skills - 3 Hours
This course consists of a substantive law review of each subject tested on the California First-Year Law Students? Examination (FYLSX). In addition to the review of the substantive law, students receive extensive practice at both essay exam writing and multiple choice questions. This practice provides integration of the law and exam skills and is the means by which students earn their grades in this course. Approaches, checklists, and writing techniques are the focus throughout the course to enhance issue spotting, analysis, and application skills, which are necessary skills to pass the FYLSX. Delivery mode: JD Flex Track.
LA 600i Constitutional Law 1 - 3 Hours
This course covers the structure and powers of the federal government and selected topics regarding the relationship of the branches of the federal government to each other and to the states, as well as an introduction to due process and equal protection. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 601i Constitutional Law 2 - 3 Hours
This course covers selected topics regarding the Bill of Rights, due process, equal protection, and the effect of the Fourteenth Amendment on the application of the Bill of Rights to the States. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 613 Professional Responsibility and Ethics - 3 Hours
This course covers the laws governing lawyers' professional conduct. These laws are studied through ethics codes, text, cases, professional responsibility opinions, ethics problems, and class discussion. Principal attention is given to the lawyer's role in an adversary system; zealous representation; lawyer-client confidentiality; conflicts of interest; competency in providing legal services; ethics for prosecutors, judges, and litigation; solicitation of clients; lawyer advertising; and pro bono obligations. Students will focus on the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct, and the California Rules of Professional Conduct. This course also explores when lawyers must subordinate their own moral judgment to that of their clients or whistle-blow and violate what would otherwise be protected client confidences. Additionally, the ethics aspect of the course will examine the broader moral and ethical issues and responsibilities of lawyers, judges, and clients, including Christian ethical perspectives. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 661 Property 1 - 3 Hours
This course focuses on the acquisition, disposition, and use of personal and real property. Property 1 focuses on the nature of ownership and possession, bailment, donative transfers, adverse possession, common law classifications of estates in land, concurrent ownership, present and future interests in land, and landlord-tenant law. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 662 Property 2 - 3 Hours
This course focuses on the acquisition, disposition, and use of personal and real property. Property 2 focuses on transfers of interests in real property, real estate contracts, legal descriptions, conveyances and deeds, recording systems, title insurance, private land-use restrictions (easements, covenants, and equitable servitudes), public land-use regulations, mortgages, eminent domain, and regulatory takings. The course may include exposure to intellectual property. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 671i Evidence 1 - 3 Hours
This course covers the standards regulating admissibility of evidence in both civil and criminal trials. Evidence 1 covers common law and statutory principles and policy considerations underlying rules of evidence, admission and exclusion, relevancy and materiality, opinion evidence, authentication, the best evidence rule, judicial notice, public policy exclusions, and presumptions and burden of proof. Trial situations are simulated, students argue for and against the admission of evidence under the rules, and the course explores how evidence has an impact on tactical trial decisions. The course addresses the Federal Rules of Evidence and the California Evidence Code, including any distinctions between the two. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 672i Evidence 2 - 3 Hours
This course covers the standards regulating admissibility of evidence in both civil and criminal trials. Evidence 2 covers privileged communications, the hearsay rule and its exceptions, and impeachment and rehabilitation. Trial situations are simulated, students argue for and against the admission of evidence under the rules, and the course explores how evidence has an impact on tactical trial decisions. The course addresses the Federal Rules of Evidence and the California Evidence Code, including any distinctions between the two. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 673b Civil Procedure 1 - 3 Hours
This course covers aspects of civil litigation, including an introduction to the court system, personal and subject matter jurisdiction, venue, and the role of state law in federal courts. The course also discusses remedies and pleading. The course emphasizes federal civil procedure, but also addresses California procedure where it differs from the federal rules. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 674b Civil Procedure 2 - 3 Hours
This course covers aspects of civil litigation, discovery, parties, counterclaims, cross-claims, impleader, intervention, and interpleader. The course emphasizes federal civil procedure, but also addresses California procedure where it differs from the federal rules. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 674d E-Discovery - 1 Hour
This course introduces students to this increasingly competitive world and provides a basic understanding of the legal and technological issues surrounding the use of electronically stored information (ESI), and the practical parameters of eDiscovery and electronic case management. Students will learn what electronic discovery is, and how the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and case law affect this aspect of litigation. This course will discuss what an attorney and his team need to consider when handling ESI prior to and during the litigation process, how to manage the cost of production and processing, and how those considerations should affect an attorney's thought process when working with this type of information. Students will also learn how preservation obligations and spoliation claims can come into play. Lastly, the course explores the developing issues and new rules and practices involving the application of e-discovery, digital evidence and computer forensics issues in litigation and general practice. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 675a Alternative Dispute Resolution - 3 Hours
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of the different forms of ADR through the study of various ADR vehicles such as arbitration and mediation. In addition to developing an academic understanding of the appropriate use of ADR and the procedural posture upon which cases move into and through ADR, students are also given an opportunity to engage in mock ADR hearings both as counsel for the litigants in a hypothetical case, and as the neutral conducting the hearing. Finally, students are given the opportunity to prepare certain documents typically associated with ADR hearings such as Arbitration Briefs, Mediation Briefs, etc. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 675i Alternative Dispute Resolution - 2 Hours
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of the different forms of ADR through the study of various ADR vehicles such as arbitration and mediation. In addition to developing an academic understanding of the appropriate use of ADR and the procedural posture upon which cases move into and through ADR, students are also given an opportunity to engage in mock ADR hearings both as counsel for the litigants in a hypothetical case, and as the neutral conducting the hearing. Finally, students are given the opportunity to prepare certain documents typically associated with ADR hearings such as Arbitration Briefs, Mediation Briefs, etc. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 702a Business Associations - 3 Hours
This course covers the formation of agency relationships, partnerships and corporations, the fiduciary duties of agents, directors and officers, shareholder voting, shareholder lawsuits, rules around corporate disclosures, insider trading, and corporate control transactions. Particular attention is given to the way in which corporations organize and operate. The course also examines the respective roles, relationships, and liability exposure of shareholders, directors, and officers. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 753 Trial Practice - 3 Hours
This is a practical skills course in advocacy that introduces students to the fundamental components of a typical civil and criminal trial. It requires students to perform exercises involving each component, and try a mock civil or criminal case from provided problem materials. The course requires student participation in discrete exercises, including jury voir dire, opening and closing statements, presentation and objections to evidence, and direct and cross-examination. Course meets practical skills requirement. Prerequisites: LA671i and LA672i Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 763 Family Law - 3 Hours
This course studies the legal aspects of the relationships associated with marriage and parenthood, including spousal and parental rights and responsibilities, children's rights, marital dissolution, annulment, unmarried cohabitation, child custody, illegitimacy, adoption, and guardianship. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 764 Community Property - 2 Hours
This course focuses on the principles of California's community property system, contrasting those principles with the treatment of assets in common law jurisdiction. This course analyzes how California classifies different types of assets which a couple might acquire during the course of a marital relationship. In particular, we will discuss how California classifies personal injury awards, pensions, disability benefits, professional degrees, bonuses, credit acquisitions, and jointly-titled assets. Practical problems and solutions are emphasized. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 783i Criminal Procedure - 3 Hours
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of important issues of criminal procedure arising during the investigation and early stages of prosecution of crimes. Topics include constitutional limits on arrests and stops, search and seizure, interrogation of suspects, right to counsel, exclusionary rule, identification procedures, and the privilege against self-incrimination. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 790b Jurisprudence - 3 Hours
This course requires substantial reading in each of the following general categories: Classical natural law, contemporary natural law, Law and Economics, critical studies, postmodernism, law of the family, and critical gay theories. Minor readings also required in legal positivism. The class also should provide the students with a working familiarity with Thomas Aquinas' Treatise on Law, Oliver Wendell Holmes' The Path of the Law, and John Rawls' A Theory of Justice. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 803 Wills, Trusts, and Estates - 3 Hours
This course examines rules pertaining to intestate succession, testamentary dispositions, execution, modification, and revocation of wills, testamentary capacity and will contests, interpretation of wills, protection of spouse and children, and the use of will substitutes. The creation, types, and characteristics of trusts are also examined, including coverage of the construction of trusts, trust administration, and wealth transfer taxation. Fiduciary administration issues also are considered. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 822a Remedies - 3 Hours
This course analyzes the judicial remedies available in the American system of jurisprudence. The course familiarizes students with compensatory and punitive damages, preliminary and permanent injunctions, restitution and unjust enrichment, rescission, declaratory judgments, attorneys' fees, and pre-judgment interest. The course will also cover claims for and defenses to quiet title, reformation, fraudulent conveyances, subrogation, contribution, indemnity, and replevin. The course will also include discussions of recent developments in the law of American remedies as well as important practical issues regarding enforcing money judgments, initiating and prosecuting contempt proceedings, and obtaining writs of attachment and other pre-judgment remedies. The course will conclude with discussions of equitable and other remedies available to defendants, such as unclean hands, unconscionability, waiver, estoppel, laches, statutes of limitations, and California SLAPP laws. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 870 Civil Litigation Skills - 2-3 Hours
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop an approach to the pleading and discovery aspects of litigation. The course covers drafting and opposing pleadings, preparing a discovery plan, drafting and responding to written discovery, preparing witnesses for depositions, and deposition skills in accordance with the California Code of Civil Procedure. Successful completion of Evidence 1 & 2 and Civil Procedure 1 & 2 are prerequisites for this course. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 870a California Civil Procedure and Evidence - 2 Hours
This course examines the California Code of Civil Procedure and the California Evidence Code, and contrasts them with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence. The course is designed to prepare students to address these content areas on the California Bar Examination. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 870b Civil Litigation Skills - 3 Hours
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop an approach to the pleading and discovery aspects of litigation. The course covers drafting and opposing pleadings, preparing a discovery plan, drafting and responding to written discovery, preparing witnesses for depositions, and deposition skills in accordance with the California Code of Civil Procedure. Course meets practical skills requirement. Prerequisites: LA 671i, LA 672i, LA 673b, and LA 674b. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 872 Advanced Legal Writing: Skills and Strategies - 2 Hours
This course is designed to strengthen students' legal writing skills. Students will learn to choose the right words, organize their thoughts, and convey arguments as precisely and succinctly as possible. Coursework will include exercises, revisions of existing legal documents, peer editing, and several writing projects. The course will also review and reinforce, through additional practice, the principles of effective research and writing, including citation. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 901 Introduction to International Human Rights - 3 Hours
This course introduces the student to the history, theory, and legal development for the systematic protection of human rights throughout the world. The course considers the theological and philosophical foundations of human rights; the primary sources of human rights law; the role of non-State actors, including nongovernmental organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch; important debates regarding legitimacy, compliance, efficacy, national sovereignty, responses to mass violence, universal jurisdiction, and more. It also equips students to critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of the human rights protection system from a Christian perspective. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 910 The Right to Life and the Law - 3 Hours
This course studies the complex medical, social, legal, and ethical issues raised by topics such as abortion, euthanasia, and infanticide. The course includes a survey of Supreme Court and other judicial decisions pertaining to these issues. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 914 Rights and Minorities of Indigenous Peoples - 3 Hours
This course explores international legal mechanisms to protect the rights of minorities, and especially of indigenous peoples. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 916a Human Trafficking - 1 Hour
This course will examine trials of domestic human trafficking cases, from jury selection to closing argument, as well as the legal challenges to combating this crime. Students learn about the current understanding of human trafficking in California and the advocacy against human trafficking, including the recruitment of victims, the typical trafficker, and the laws that affect trafficking and its prosecution. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 916c Human Trafficking: Prosecution of Domestic Cases - 1 Hour
This class focuses on the advocacy and trial aspects of prosecuting domestic human trafficking cases from jury selection to closing argument. Students learn about the central understanding of human trafficking in California and the advocacy against it. This includes the realities of human trafficking from recruitment of victims, the typical trafficker, the laws that affect trafficking, and the prosecution of trafficking. The course gives a basic overview of a human trafficking jury trial and discusses how to advocate for or against the trafficker during trial. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 919 International Forum on Human Rights (Europe) - 2 Hours
This course is held in Europe in conjunction with the annual program of the International Institute of Human Rights. The course introduces the theological and philosophical foundations of human rights, including the history, theory, and legal development of human rights protections. Students hear from experts in the field, and visit numerous sites important to the study of human rights. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 920a International Institute of Human Rights (Europe) - 4 Hours
This course, held annually in Strasbourg, France, covers recognition and protection of human rights under international law. The course introduces the international and regional systems for protection of human rights, and considers the primary sources of human rights law and important debates regarding legitimacy, compliance, efficacy, national sovereignty, and more. The course enables students to interact with human rights lawyers, judges, government officials, academics, and activists from around the world. The course is presented in conjunction with the International Forum on Human Rights. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 922 Public International Law - 3 Hours
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of international law and the way it functions (or fails to function) in global society, covering: the history and sources of international law; the relationship between international law and domestic law; state sovereignty, territory, and jurisdiction; immunities; state responsibility; the use of force, self-defense, terrorism, and peaceful settlement of disputes; the law of the sea and the environment; the law of human rights, armed conflict, and international crimes; and more. The course will rely on important cases, treaties, and other instruments, as well as films and news reports, to examine traditional problems and current events. The course would be an excellent introduction for students who plan to go, or who would like to but cannot go, to Cambodia or Strasbourg. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 923b International Criminal Law - 1 Hour
This course examines issues in the field of international criminal law which encompass individual responsibility for conduct that is labeled as criminal under international law, nation-state responsibility for conduct that may be considered a crime under international law, and individual responsibility for conduct with international dimensions that is labeled a crime under U.S. domestic law. The course will expose students to the prosecution, trial and punishment of individuals alleged to have committed crimes considered to be among the most serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 953 Legal Internship - 1-6 Hours
Internships/Externships combine academic training in lawyering skills and professional responsibility with practical experience working for a judge, district attorney, public defender, government agency or non-profit law office. Interns/Externs work under the supervision of experienced practicing attorneys or judges who provide guidance and training in research, writing, and practical lawyering skills. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 957 Law Practice Management - 2 Hours
This course covers the practical aspects of opening a law practice, forms of practice, legal assistants and the use of systems for professional and business functions, timekeeping and fees, bookkeeping, client relationships, the law office staff manual, library and retrieval systems, calendar and monitor systems, essential equipment and law office layout, and developing a practice. The course also discusses the business and ethical issues and the personal pressures encountered in the solo or small firm practice. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 957a Law Practice Management - 3 Hours
This course covers the practical aspects of opening a law practice, forms of practice, legal assistants and the use of systems for professional and business functions, timekeeping and fees, bookkeeping, client relationships, the law office staff manual, library and retrieval systems, calendar and monitor systems, essential equipment and law office layout, and developing a practice. The course also discusses the business and ethical issues and the personal pressures encountered in the solo or small firm practice. Finally, this course covers the methods, standards, and procedures utilized by the accounting profession in the preparation and issuance of financial and accounting documents. The course objective is the familiarization of legal professionals with the nomenclature and processes incorporated in accounting reportage and to enable legal professionals to become conversant with accounting principles so as to be more effective in interpreting financial reports and advising clients. Course meets the practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 958 Law as a Vocation - 1 Hour
This course explores the foundations of the lawyer's calling. Participants will discuss the foundations of the idea of "professionalism," the religious roots of the idea of "calling" in the context of ordinary work outside the local congregation, and the implications for these ideas on a philosophy of lawyering. The course will also address the practical consequences of the fundamental view of the lawyer's vocation. Delivery mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 959g Trinity Mediation Clinic - 2 Hours
This clinical course operates in conjunction with the Orange County Superior Court and Waymakers. It is designed to give students hands-on experience providing mediation services to the disputants and operates under the direction of a Trinity Law School professor who is a professional mediator and licensed attorney. As mediators, the students act as third-party neutrals to help the litigants facilitate a resolution of their pending lawsuits. This clinic equips students who may be interested in entering the field of alternative dispute resolution or those who would like to integrate peacemaking principles intp their own legal practice. Course meets practical skills requirement. Prerequisite: LA675a. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 959i Trinity Law Clinic - 1-2 Hours
The Trinity Law Clinic provides students the opportunity to participate in an off-campus poverty law clinic while earning elective credit. The program is a partnership with the Orange County Rescue Mission and primarily serves the residents of the mission. The program is designed to give students hands-on experience providing legal advice and services to the poor of Orange County under the direction and supervision of a Trinity Law School professor and licensed attorney. Students will observe and conduct client interviews, research legal issues, complete and file court forms, and in various ways assist clients in pursuing resolution to their legal issues. Legal issues vary widely, but often include family law, criminal law, and debt collection relief. Students participating in the clinical program are expected to be present at the Village of Hope in Tustin every Friday during the semester from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to meet with Rescue Mission clients. Occasionally, meeting times may vary due to data entry or appointments that require more attention. Select students may participate in this program, and are chosen through an application and interview process. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 959j Trinity Law Clinic - 1-2 Hours
The Trinity Law Clinic provides students the opportunity to participate in an off-campus poverty law clinic while earning elective credit. The program is a partnership with the Orange County Rescue Mission and primarily serves the residents of the mission. The program is designed to give students hands-on experience providing legal advice and services to the poor of Orange County under the direction and supervision of a Trinity Law School professor and licensed attorney. Students will observe and conduct client interviews, research legal issues, complete and file court forms, and in various ways assist clients in pursuing resolution to their legal issues. Legal issues vary widely, but often include family law, criminal law, and debt collection relief. Students participating in the clinical program are expected to be present at the Village of Hope in Tustin every Friday during the semester from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to meet with Rescue Mission clients. Occasionally, meeting times may vary due to data entry or appointments that require more attention. Select students may participate in this program, and are chosen through an application and interview process. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 959k Trinity Mobile Legal Clinic - 1 Hour
The Mobile Legal Clinic provides students the opportunity to participate in an off-campus poverty law clinic while earning elective credit. The program is a partnership with the Orange County Rescue Mission and operates as a ?law office on wheels,? primarily serving the residents of the Mission?s facilities around Orange County. The program is designed to give students hands-on experience providing legal advice and services to the poor of Orange County under the direction and supervision of a Trinity Law School professor and licensed attorney. Students will observe and conduct client interviews, research legal issues, complete and file court forms, and in various ways assist clients in pursuing resolution to their legal issues. Legal issues vary widely, but often include family law, criminal law, and debt collection relief. Select students may participate in this program, and are chosen through an application and interview process. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 959n Trinity Religious Liberty Clinic - 1 Hour
This clinical course is a partnership with the Pacific Justice Institute and operates on the campus of Trinity Law School. PJI is a non-profit providing pro bono legal services to churches and individuals primarily in cases involving the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. This research and writing-intensive clinic is designed to give students the unique opportunity to hone legal writing skills while under the supervision of an attorney specializing in Constitutional law. Students are exposed to writing various trial and appellate level documents including complaints and amicus briefs for current cases. Students' research and writing will directly contribute to important religious freedom matters. Course meets practical skills requirement. Prerequisites: LA 600 and LA 601. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 959o Trinity Religious Liberty Clinic - 2 Hours
This clinical course is a partnership with the Pacific Justice Institute and operates on the campus of Trinity Law School. PJI is a non-profit providing pro bono legal services to churches and individuals primarily in cases involving the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. This research- and writing-intensive clinic is designed to give students the unique opportunity to hone legal writing skills while under the supervision of an attorney specializing in Constitutional law. Students are exposed to writing various trial and appellate level documents including complaints and amicus briefs for current cases. Students' research and writing will directly contribute to important religious freedom matters. Course meets practical skills requirement. Prerequisites: LA 600 and LA 601. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 959t Trinity Mediation Clinic - 3 Hours
This clinical course operates in conjunction with the Orange County Superior Court and Waymakers. It is designed to give students hands-on experience providing mediation services to the disputants and operates under the direction of a Trinity Law School professor who is a professional mediator and licensed attorney. As mediators, the students act as third- party neutrals to help the litigants facilitate a resolution of their pending lawsuits. This clinic equips students who may be interested in entering the field of alternative dispute resolution or those who would like to integrate peacemaking principles into their own legal practice. Course meets practical skills requirement. Prerequisite: LA 675a. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 959u Trinity Religious Liberty Clinic - 3 Hours
This clinical course is a partnership with the Pacific Justice Institute and operates on the campus of Trinity Law School. PJI is a non-profit providing pro bono legal services to churches and individuals primarily in cases involving the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. This research and writing-intensive clinic is designed to give students the unique opportunity to hone legal writing skills while under the supervision of an attorney specializing in Constitutional law. Students are exposed to writing various trial and appellate level documents including complaints and amicus briefs for current cases. Students' research and writing will directly contribute to important religious freedom matters. Course meets practical skills requirement. Prerequisites: LA 600 and LA 601. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 959v Trinity Immigration Clinic - 3 Hours
The Trinity Immigration Clinic provides an opportunity for students to address immigration issues for underserved populations. Under the supervision of a Trinity Law School professor and supervising attorney, this clinic works with non-profit non-government organizations (NGO) to provide legal services in areas such as asylum, Temporary Protected Status, Adjustment of Status, removal, and other immigration-related issues. The clinic includes instruction on representation, case analysis, interviewing, case preparation, and generally on serving client needs. Course meets practical skills requirement. Prerequisite: LA 995f. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor. Remote/Online.
LA 960 Administrative Law - 3 Hours
This course covers the basic principles of administrative law, including issues of delegation of legislative and executive power to agencies, statutory and constitutional due process, statutory interpretation by agencies, standards of judicial review of agency decisions, and the prerequisites of judicial review. This class is especially useful for understanding the rights of individuals, interest groups, and regulated business entities when they confront rules or enforcement actions by regulatory agencies (e.g., Evironmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Social Security Administration, Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, and Bureau of Indian Affairs). Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 962d Intellectual Property - 1 Hour
This course is a survey of Intellectual Property. This course examines patents, copyrights, trademarks, unfair competition, rights of publicity, trade secrets, and protection of designs. The course analyzes the rights and remedies associated with each type of intellectual property that it covers, as well as the relationships between different types of intellectual property. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 970 Independent Study/Guided Research - 1-6 Hours
This course offers individualized research on an approved topic under the supervision of a law professor. The Registrar must approve any independent study. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 982a Law and Literature: Revenge, Justice, and Mercy - 1 Hour
This course examines the nature of law and justice through the medium of literature. We will explore how literature addresses revenge and mercy, and their place in the pursuit and achievement of justice, particularly in our legal system. Readings will include Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, Aeschylus' Agamemnon, short stories from Flannery O'Connor and Andre Dubus, and selections from Holy Scripture. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 984c Religion and the Law - 3 Hours
This is an advanced course that examines critical issues of law and religion, including the theological foundation of law and the legal foundation of theology, the relationship between church and state, religious civil liberties, religious discrimination and accommodation, and the principles of law and regulations relating to churches and religious organizations. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 984d Law, Religion, and Public Policy - 3 Hours
This course surveys the interaction between law, religion, and public policy as a basis for forming individual patterns of public engagement and establishing habits toward good citizenship. Topics range from the interaction of law and religion, the role of faith in forming legal judgment, and the public engagement of the church in the contested public square. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 988a Criminal Law and Psychology - 1 Hour
This course covers the psychology of criminal trial practice, encompassing the strategy of evaluating and presenting criminal cases. It will discuss the science and practice of preparing a criminal case, from arraignment through sentencing, incorporating both the prosecution and the defense perspective. Topics include initial case assessment; interpersonal dynamics between clients, victims, and witnesses; using experts; selecting case theory; and the psychology of jury selection. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 988b Domestic Violence Law - 1 Hour
This course provides an overview of domestic violence issues, teaches critical thinking through analysis of domestic violence topics, and demonstrates how the issue of domestic violence arises within a variety of legal settings, through examining both the historical aspects and the latest developments in each of these settings. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 989 Moot Court - 1-2 Hours
This course allows students to gain practical advocacy skills through researching, drafting, and arguing an appellate brief. The course may not be repeated for credit. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 991 Law Review - 1-3 Hours
This course allows students to participate in the publication of The Trinity Law Review. The Trinity Law Review is a legal journal that the student members edit and publish. Members are selected on the basis of academic achievement and a writing competition. Students receive credit for demonstrable competence in scholarly writing and editing. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 991a Law Review - 1 Hour
This course allows students to participate in the publication of The Trinity Law Review. The Trinity Law Review is a legal journal that the student members edit and publish. Members are selected on the basis of academic achievement and a writing competition. Students receive credit for demonstrable competence in scholarly writing and editing. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 992a California Dependency Law - 1 Hour
This course focuses on the principles of California?s Juvenile Dependency law system as found in the Welfare and Institutions Code, particularly section 300 filings. There are evidentiary, civil procedure, constitutional law, and criminal law crossovers. This course extensively covers the WIC code and all relevant case law; child welfare and foster care system; Due Process rights of families in that system; and the specific roles of parent?s counsel, minor?s counsel, and county counsel. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 992b California Dependency Practice - 1 Hour
This course focuses on the practices of California?s Juvenile Dependency law system as found in the Welfare and Institutions Code, particularly section 300 filings. Students demonstrate knowledge of the Due Process rights of families in that system and the specific roles of parent?s counsel, minor?s counsel, and county counsel by presenting evidence and arguments in mock proceedings of detention hearings, jurisdictional and dispositional hearings, statutory review hearings, and hearings to terminate parental rights. Prerequisite: LA 992a. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 993F Fundamentals of Federal Taxation - 3 Hours
This course examines the basic structure of federal income taxation. The course examines in detail the definition of gross income, fringe benefits, ordinary tax rates, and other tax policy considerations. In addition, the course examines the characterization of gains and losses from property and relevant deductions. The course also provides an overview of federal taxation of real estate transactions, taxation of business entities, estate and gift taxes, international taxation, and other related areas of federal taxation. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 994b Employment Law - 3 Hours
This course explores fundamental employment rights, public policies, and laws that regulate the workplace. The aim is to provide students with basic employment law concepts and vocabulary that will permit them to be sufficiently knowledgeable to identify employment law issues and engage in initial risk analysis. Topics will include employee and employer status, employment-at-will, employment contracts, disparate treatment, disparate impact, sex-based harassment/stereotype sex discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, disability and leave laws, retaliation/whistleblowers, public policy/employment torts, privacy, employment duties, wage and hour, procedural matters, and remedies. The focus of the course will be on federal law such as Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination and Employment Act (some California laws will be highlighted as well). The final project will require students to analyze a substantive legal issue and provide a damages assessment. Please note: This course does not cover traditional labor law (e.g., collective bargaining or labor-management relations) or employee benefits. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 995al Accounting for Lawyers - 1 Hour
This course covers the methods, standards and procedures utilized by the accounting profession in the preparation and issuance of financial and accounting documents. The objective of the course is the familiarization of legal professionals with the nomenclature and processes incorporated in accounting reportage and to enable legal professionals to become conversant with accounting principles so as to be more effective in interpreting financial reports and advising clients. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 995f Immigration Law - 3 Hours
This course explores the foundation of immigration law and policy. The student will examine statutes, regulations, policy, and cases which form the basis of the law. The course emphasizes both a substantive understanding and practical application of the law with a review of the historical and legislative evolution of U.S. immigration law and policy. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 995nb Negotiation for Law and Business - 2-3 Hours
This course will survey negotiation skills in general including the areas of strategy, tactics, and planning. Specifically, the course will also consider relationships between the parties; multi-party negotiations; information bargaining; initial proposals; how to narrow differences; closure; competitive, cooperative and problem solving tactics together with negotiation counseling, alternative dispute resolution and identities in the context of culture, gender and race. Students will be called upon to complete reading assignments and prepare for and participate in in-class negotiation exercises. Course meets practical skills requirement. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 995np Law of Nonprofit Organizations - 3 Hours
This course is a study of nonprofit firms and the nonprofit sector. Topics include a survey of the role of nonprofits, theories and justifications of the nonprofit form, nonprofit statutes and other laws pertaining to nonprofits (e.g., the regulation of charitable solicitations), the formation, operation and dissolution of nonprofits, and tax and tax policy issues related to nonprofits. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 998b Domestic Violence - 1 Hour
This course provides an overview of domestic violence issues, teaches critical thinking through analysis of domestic violence topics, and demonstrates how the issue of domestic violence arises within a variety of legal settings, through examining both the historical aspects and the latest developments in each of these settings. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 998e Advanced Exam Approaches and Skills - 3 Hours
This skills-oriented course is designed to enhance the development of approaches to the essay, performance-style, and multiple choice components of the California Bar Exam. Emphasis is on the Multistate Bar Exam-tested subjects, the refinement of skills employed in identifying issues, utilizing effective approaches, and organizing answers for purposes of essay exam writing, joined with tactical approaches to selecting best responses to multiple-choice questions, the non-multiple-choice essay, and performance style subjects tested on the California Bar exam. The students are given the opportunity to build their skills in approaching the issues and organizing effective answers through participation in practice exams and workshops. This course is specifically NOT a substitute for bar-review courses undertaken near the end of, or after the conclusion of, the student's law studies. Rather, these courses are offered as a substantive course for advanced students to further develop and refine their exam issue spotting, analysis, organizational, and writing skills. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 999cr 42 USC Section 1983: Civil Rights Violations - 1 Hour
This course examines 42 U.S.C. section 1983, which allows individuals to sue the government for civil rights violations. We will discuss when and how one can sue the government and which governmental immunities may preclude lawsuits against it. We will explore the topic through doctrinal analysis, popular literature, and cinema. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 999g Civil Disobedience and the Christian Lawyer - 1 Hour
This course briefly covers which law binds the conscience of a Christian by an exploration of biblical exegesis and philosophical theology. We will discuss whether one ought to obey unjust laws through the study of ancient literature and film. Students will have an opportunity to study what happens when the legal institutions themselves are under attack both domestically and abroad. Questions will be explored such as whether a lawyer can or should engage in civil disobedience from an ethical and pragmatic standpoint; and, if civil disobedience is undertaken, under which circumstances it should be undertaken and how one should prepare oneself and one?s clients for such an undertaking. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 999w Workers' Compensation - 3 Hours
This course presents general statutory principles of workers' compensation theories throughout state jurisdictions. Content includes the history of the workers' compensation system, the nature of work injuries including accident and disease, compensation and benefits delivery, and courts and administrative rules and procedures. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 999y Civil & Criminal Sexual Misconduct - 1 Hour
This program covers a broad range of conduct that can qualify as civil or criminal sexual misconduct. From words, to actions, to electronic communication and social media, it examines a variety of different ways in which misconduct could subject a person, entity, or agency to legal liability. This program discusses the different internal and legal remedies for different types of sexual harassment and the accompanying behavior, along with how each process is initiated and the potential hurdles, including Statutes of Limitations and jurisdictional issues. This program discusses the blurred lines between sexual harassment and sexual assault, both behaviorally and legally. It discusses both verbal and physical boundary violations including personal questions, physical contact, inappropriate requests, and online boundary probing. Participants learn how to spot red flags and warning behaviors before conduct progresses to sexual assault. This program also covers the red flag relational dynamics involved in both types of invasive behavior, and how sexual harassers often graduate to committing sexual assault through insidious boundary violations. This program also addresses best practices to ensure a safe, harassment-free workplace for everyone through early detection, effective investigation, and an environment of empowerment and support. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.
LA 999z Reading People & Judging Credibility - 1 Hour
This course will reveal in an entertaining and interactive format, how to perceive the most important clues about other people, what it means, and how to use the information you glean in the practice of law. Delivery Mode: Traditional Juris Doctor.