Required courses
The required curriculum is designed to give law students a firm foundation for success in the practice of law. Success on the bar examination should also flow naturally from diligent study at Elon. It is expected that the required courses will be substantially as indicated below; however, the curriculum, particularly the second and third year requirements, is subject to change as the Dean and faculty evaluate, develop and make enhancements to the academic program.

First-Year Courses

Civil Procedure (LAW 610) - 4 hrs. Fall.
A basic procedure course which explores the techniques for attaining judicial enforcement of substantive rights. Topics such as venue, pleadings, joinder of claims and parties, discovery, res judicata, trial and appellate review will be covered. Federal and state jurisdiction will also be examined, including the Constitutional aspects of such jurisdiction.

Contracts I and II (LAW 620 and 621) – 2 hrs.; 3 hrs.
A comprehensive study of the creation, transfer and termination of contract rights and duties. Fundamental common law principles such as capacity to contract, mutual assent, consideration and legality of subject matter will be addressed. Pertinent portions of the Uniform Commercial Code, particularly Article 2 dealing with sales, will be covered.
Property I and II (LAW 640 and 641) – 3 hrs.; 2 hrs.
A study of property rights and interests in personal property and real property. Topics covered include the acquisition of rights in property, possessory and non-possessory interests, estates in land, concurrent ownership, landlord-tenant relations and land-use regulation.

Torts I and II (LAW 650 and 651) – 3 hrs.; 2 hrs.
A study of the legal rules which determine whether non-contractual civil liability arises from conduct resulting in harm to others. Topics covered include intentional wrongs, negligence and strict liability, as well as defenses commonly asserted in tort actions.

Criminal Law (LAW 630) – 3 hrs. Spring.
A study of substantive criminal law, including an examination of crimes and their elements. Specific common law and statutory crimes will be covered. Available defenses will also be explored.

Legal Research and Writing (LAW 660) - 2 hr. Fall.
This course introduces students to various legal authorities and instructs them in the skill of conducting research. Students will also learn how to cite the sources they rely upon in their legal writing using the citation format prescribed by The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. The course also provides an introduction to legal analysis, research, and writing through the preparation of legal memoranda and/or other written assignments. This course emphasizes the basic skills and tools of analysis and research, and the fundamentals of good writing.

Issues in Lawyering and Leadership (LAW 680) - 1 hr.; 1 hr.
This course is an introductory course in which subject matter will be taught using the problem method, lecture, simulation, discussion and other forms of active learning. These methods are intended to stimulate discussion of the law, the theory behind the law and the legal environment and the practice of law. Knowledge of one’s environment is an essential component of leadership and legal competence. Ideally, problems will be drawn from cases students are preparing for other classes and exercises will be informed by progress in other classes to create integration of the substantive study of law with theory and practice.

Upper-Level Courses

Constitutional Law I (LAW 720) & II
A study of the principles of American constitutional law. The course will examine the concept of judicial review as well as other specific provisions of the Constitution, including the Due Process Clause and the First Amendment.

Criminal Procedure
A study of state and federal criminal procedure. The course will cover the state and federal constitutional and statutory rules that dictate the criminal justice process, including pre-trial, trial, and post-conviction practice.

Commercial Law I and II
A study of the rules of law applicable to commercial transactions under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). Article 2 of the UCC, dealing with sales of goods, is covered. In addition, Articles 3 and 4, applicable to negotiable instruments, and Articles 8 and 9, dealing with secured transactions, are explored.

Evidence (LAW 730)
The aim of this course is to develop familiarity with the techniques by which evidence of controverted facts is presented in litigation before judicial tribunals. The Federal Rules of Evidence, North Carolina Rules of Evidence, and common law rules will be examined.

Business Organizations (LAW 710)
A study of basic corporate law, including formation, management, and dissolution of corporations, and the rights and duties of those involved with corporations. The law related to business organizations such as partnerships and limited liability companies (LLC) will also be covered.

Trial Advocacy
This course will focus on basic trial skills. Through lectures and role playing in simulated courtroom situations, students will learn various aspects of trial advocacy including, but not limited to, the preparation of a case for trial, preparation of witnesses, jury selection, the use of experts, direct and cross-examination, introduction of documents and other evidence, courtroom techniques, and opening and closing arguments

Global/International Law
An orientation to global legal and socioeconomic environments, including aspects of public and private international law.

Professional Responsibility
A study of the professional obligations of attorneys imposed both by regulation and the noble traditions of the legal profession. The course will utilize hypothetical fact situations and problems likely faced by attorneys to reinforce the model rules and to develop a commitment to ethical decision-making in students.