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 Required Courses

Civil Procedure I and II (LAW 610 and 611) – 3 hrs.; 2 hrs.
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.  Civil Procedure II is a continuation of Civil Procedure I.

Contracts I and II (LAW 620 ad 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.

Contracts II is continuation of the study of the creation, transfer, and termination of contract rights and duties. Fundamental principles relating to performance, enforceability, contract defenses, and remedies will be addressed.  

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.

Lawyering, Leadership & Professionalism (LAW 684) – 2 hrs.; Winter
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.

Legal Method & Communication I (LAW 668) – 2 hrs; Fall.
This course introduces students to the essential skills of legal analysis and legal research, and to the unique requirements of written and oral communication in the legal profession.  Topics include reading legal authorities, understanding the structure of legal rules, rule-based reasoning, case synthesis, factual analysis, and common law and statutory analysis.  Students write a number of assignments of increasing complexity on which they receive comprehensive individualized feedback.  Students also learn to conduct legal research using both print and electronic research resources, how to develop a research strategy and chose among available research tools, and how to cite legal authorities.

Legal Method & Communication II (LAW 669) – 2 hrs; Spring.
A continuation of Legal Method & Communication I, this course introduces students to advanced analytical and writing skills such as persuasive writing techniques, classical rhetorical devices, types of legal argument, and various forms of legal drafting.  Students consider the effect that lawyers’ ethical responsibilities have on their written assignments.  Students also practice and deliver at least one oral research report or in-class presentation, and at least one formal oral argument on a motion or appeal.  As in the first semester course, students receive comprehensive feedback on a number of increasingly complex written assignments.

Legal Research and Writing (LAW 660) – 1 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.

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.  Property II is a continuation of Property I.

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 and negligence, as well as defenses commonly asserted in tort actions.  Torts II is a continuation of Torts I and its consideration of the legal rules which determine whether non-contractual civil liability arises from conduct resulting in harm to others.

Upper-Level Required Courses

Business Associations (LAW 710) – 4 hrs; Fall.
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. 

Constitutional Law I and II (LAW 720 and 721) – 2 hrs; 3 hrs.
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.    Constitutional Law II is a continuation of Constitutional Law I.

Criminal Procedure – (LAW 732) – 2 hrs; Spring.
The major constitutional restraints upon the criminal justice process are the focus of this course.  Particular attention is given to the provisions of the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the United States Constitution, including such specific issues as arrest, search and seizure, interrogations and confessions, the exclusionary rule, and the right to defense counsel.  Overall consideration is given to the impact of Fourteenth Amendment Due Process requirements throughout state and federal criminal justice systems.

Evidence – (Law 730) – 4 hrs; Fall.
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. 

Professional Responsibility (LAW 682) – 2 hrs.
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.

Public Law and Leadership (LAW 751) – 2 hrs; Winter
This course combines leadership and law to offer an introduction to leadership theory as it applies to collaborative legal problem solving in the public law context.  Students are asked to apply leadership and substantive law theory to an experiential group project concerning a particular public law issue.