The Law Center constantly strives to design its curriculum so that graduates will be well prepared to meet the demands of a challenging legal profession now and into the future. Although Louisiana is a civil law jurisdiction, the principles, doctrines, and jurisprudence of the common law tradition are strongly integrated into the curriculum.

New courses are added to the curriculum periodically to meet the needs of students and the Law Center.

400    TORTS I. Three hours.

401    TORTS II. Two hours.

The evolution of the concept of fault as the basis of delictual responsibility, negligence, fraud and deceit, duties of care, defamation, malicious prosecution, product liability, abuse of legal proceedings and public authority, and invasion of the rights of privacy.

402    CONTRACTS. Three hours.

A study of basic principles of the Anglo-American law of contracts pertaining to the creation and enforceability of contracts.

404    CRIMINAL LAW. Three hours.

An analysis of the subject, including a study of the various crimes and the general principles of culpability and justification, with special attention to the analysis of the Louisiana Criminal Code and prior jurisprudence in Louisiana and elsewhere.

405    BASIC CIVIL PROCEDURE. Two hours.

Structure and operation of judicial systems, functions of basic procedural devices and remedies, including pleadings, joiner of claims and parties, discovery devices, and pretrial and the appellate processes.

406    FAMILY LAW. Three hours.

A study of the civil law of marriage; annulment; divorce; spousal and child support; filiation, including adoption; minors, their custody and the administration of their estates; tutorship; emancipation; interdiction and the curator ship of interdicts, and community property.

408    LEGAL RESEARCH. One hour.

An intensive study of the use of legal materials and research methods. Practical problems in research will be assigned.

411    AGENCY AND PARTNERSHIP. Two hours.

General principles of the law of agency and mandate; creation and characteristics of the principal-agent, master-servant relationships; undisclosed principals; liability of the principal or master; independent contractors; ratification of agents’ and servants’ acts; irrevocable powers; termination of agency and employment; civil and common law partnerships, including general partnership, limited partnership or partnership in commendams, and limited liability partnership; limited liability companies, and comparison with other business associations.

412    CONSTITUTIONAL LAW I. Two hours.

413    CONSTITUTIONAL LAW II. Three hours.

A study of the leading principles and doctrines of United States constitutional law, based primarily upon decisions of the United States Supreme Court.

415    CIVIL LAW PROPERTY. Three hours.

Covers the Louisiana Civil Code subjects of things, ownership, usufruct, servitude, occupancy, possession, and prescription.

417    OBLIGATIONS. Three hours.

A study of the civil law theory and principles of the law of obligations, with emphasis on conventional obligations.

419    CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. Four hours.

Pretrial and trial procedure, including search and seizure, arrest, preliminary examinations, bail, pretrial motions, jury trials, and post-verdict proceedings in the trial court. The Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure is basic in this course.

421    LEGAL WRITING I. Two hours.

An introduction to the fundamentals of legal writing. The course emphasizes how general standards such as clarity and organization can contribute to the effectiveness of objective writing done by lawyers. The students’ writing and problem-solving skills are sharpened through assignments that are increasingly difficult and complex. Attention is also given to subjects such as correct citation form.

423    LEGAL WRITING II. Two hours.

A continuation of Legal Writing I. While the teaching of clear and effective legal writing style remains as a basic goal, more intensive consideration is given to persuasive writing and oral advocacy. This course includes an exercise in writing a pretrial memorandum, in addition to other kinds of writing such as letters, opinions, and memoranda.

426    ADVANCED LEGAL WRITING I. One hour.

427    ADVANCED LEGAL WRITING II. One hour.

An upper-level required writing course. This requirement must be completed in order to graduate.

456    TECHNIQUES OF ADVANCED RESEARCH. One hour.

A continuation of 408 Legal Research. Emphasis on concentrated study of primary and secondary sources of the law. Some legal writing required with in-depth attention to correct citation form.

500    JURISPRUDENCE. Three hours.

A study of the structure and nature of law.

501    LOUISIANA ADMINISTRATIVE LAW. Two hours.

This course is an examination of the Louisiana Administrative Procedures Act and other state statutes, rules and jurisprudence that deal with rule making, agency adjudications and the judicial review of agency actions.

502    EVIDENCE. Three hours.

A study of the general character of the law of evidence, including real and circumstantial evidence, qualifications and impeachment of witnesses, expert testimony, corroboration, admissions, confessions, the “best evidence” rule, the “hearsay” rule and its exceptions, privileges, and authentication of documentary evidence.

504    CIVIL PROCEDURE I. Three hours.

Examines the principles of justifiability, jurisdiction, venue, service of process, parties, pleading, cumulating, default, defense mechanisms, discovery, trial, judgments, and modification of judgments in the trial courts. The emphasis is on litigation as it occurs in ordinary practice.

505    CIVIL PROCEDURE II. Two hours.

Examines the principles of appeal, supervisory review, nullity, res judicator, execution of judgments, and judicial sale. The course concludes with an examination of the special rules applicable to executor process and other creditors’ remedies (attachment, sequestration, and garnishment), and to particular categories of proceedings: injunctions, mandamus, habeas corpus, separation and divorce matters, real actions, concourses, tutorship, interdiction, succession and probate proceedings, and other specialized areas.

506    ADMINISTRATIVE LAW. Three hours.

A basic course in the law governing administrative agencies. Although the course materials focus on the development of federal administrative law, the legal principles studied have wide applicability in the governance of state and local agencies. Among the several themes pursued in the course are judicial review of agency action; the balance between procedural fairness and the efficient accomplishment of legislative purposes; the exercise of administrative power through rule-making and adjudication; and the implications for administrative law caused by a major shift in activity from economic regulatory agencies to benefit-conferring agencies.

507    SECURITY DEVICES. Three hours.

Examination of the theory and practical uses of the various security interests available under the Uniform Commercial Code, the Louisiana Civil Code and ancillary statutory systems. The principal subjects covered are surety ship, mortgage, registry, security interests in movable and immovable property, privileges associated with the construction industry, and the Codal scheme of special and general privileges.

509    SALES AND LEASES. Three hours.

An intensive study of sale, exchange, lease, rents, and annuities using the Louisiana Civil Code and

other materials.

511    CORPORATIONS. Three hours.

Designed to serve as a comprehensive introduction to the structure and characteristics of the modern business corporation. While attention is given to the large publicly held corporation, detailed consideration is given to the closely held enterprise. Opportunities are also presented to compare and contrast the corporate form of doing business with the partnership, limited partnership, and more recently developed forms like the limited liability company and the registered limited liability partnership. Specific topics covered include the promotion and organization of corporations; the manner in which corporate powers are exercised by shareholders, directors, and officers; the limitations upon corporate powers imposed by the fiduciary principle; the combination of corporations; and the methods for protecting shareholders’ rights through derivative suits and otherwise. The Louisiana Business Corporation Law (which is similar to various model acts and the laws of other jurisdictions) serves as the primary statutory focus.

515    COMMERCIAL PAPER. Three hours.

Closely analyzes the structure and content of the modern law of negotiable instruments as embodied in revised articles 3 and 4 and relevant portions of article 1 of the Uniform Commercial Code. Its coverage includes the formal requirements for negotiability, the holder-in-due-course concept and its limitations, liabilities and rights of parties and holders. Also examined are problems arising in connection with bank deposits and collections, particularly in the context of the bank-customer relationship. Problems concerning forgery and the allocation of losses resulting from wrongdoing and error are examined. Wire transfers governed by article 4A are considered.

516    ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE. Two hours.

Consists of the study of the criminal process from an arrest to trial, and of the rights of an accused in the administration of the process under the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Louisiana.

518    APPELLATE ADVOCACY I. Two hours.

An introduction to appellate practice, focusing on brief writing and oral argument followed by the assignment of moot court problems.

519    PRE-TRIAL LITIGATION. Two hours.

This course provide the student with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the art of advocacy prior to trial.

520    APPELLATE ADVOCACY II. Two hours.

A continuation of appellate practice, focusing on brief writing and oral argument followed by the assignment of moot court problems.

521    TRIAL ADVOCACY. Two hours.

A detailed study of the art of trial practice and advocacy followed by the assignment of simulated trial problems.

523    PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (ETHICS). Two hours.

Designed to acquaint law students, as potential lawyers, with the honor, dignity, principles, and integrity expected of them in the practice of law. Includes such topics as the history and organization of the bar; the right to practice; the substantive and procedural “law” involved in disciplining lawyers; the lawyer’s devotion and fiduciary responsibility to clients; the lawyer’s responsibility to the courts, the legal profession, and fellow attorneys; the problems of fees, solicitation, and advertising by lawyers, and the lawyer’s responsibility to the community.

600    SUCCESSION AND DONATIONS. Three hours.

An intensive treatment of the Louisiana Civil Code: Titles I and II of Book III, Successions and Donations Inter Vivos and Mortis Causa: Title III of Book I, Absentees; and Chapter 3 of Title VII, Book I, Article 214, Adoption. The Louisiana Trust Code is treated in connection with Chapter 4, Title II, Book III, and Dispositions Reprobated by Law in Donations Inter Vivos and Mortis Causa. Also includes treatment of pertinent areas of Community Property.

601    FEDERAL JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE. Four hours.

A study of the jurisdiction and functioning of the federal courts, the distribution of authority between federal and state courts, and the roles of federal and state law in the federal system. In addition, the course offers a complete study of the procedural rules that govern the conduct of legal disputes in a federal forum. The problems faced from the commencement of an action through its ultimate disposition on appeal are discussed.

604    INTERNATIONAL LAW SEMINAR. Two hours.

An intensive study of selected topics in public international law, especially emphasizing the role of the International Court of Justice (or World Court) and the rule of law engagement in the evolving international legal order. Course requirements stress development of research skills, culminating in a term paper.

605    INTERNATIONAL LAW. Three hours.

The general principles of public international law, treating the legal relations of the state and the individual as developed by positive agreement, by common usage, and by diplomatic practice and the conduct of nations.

606    INSURANCE LAW. Three hours.

History, nature, and development of the general principles of the law of insurance as applied to the various forms of insurance contracts.

608    WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. Two hours.

A study of the problems involved in the application and interpretation of modern workers’ compensation acts, with emphasis on Louisiana statutes and decisions.

609    LABOR LAW. Three hours.

The organization and structure of labor organizations; the negotiation, construction, and enforcement of the labor agreement; and the relation of the union member to his union, with particular reference to the provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act.

610    PRODUCTS LIABILITY. Two hours.

A survey of the historical development of the American law of products liability in general, and within Louisiana in particular. Consideration is given to the inter-relation of general tort law in Louisiana with the developing law, i.e., liability of manufacturers, distributors, sellers, users, and possessors of products that cause injury or death.

611    CONFLICT OF LAWS. Three hours.

Domicile revisited; jurisdiction of courts; comparison of in personam and in rem jurisdiction; effect of foreign judgments, both sister-state and foreign-country; comity; full faith and credit; issue preclusion and collateral estoppel; forum non conveniens; choice of law in tort, contract, and family law.

612    SEMINAR IN LABOR LAW. Two hours.

An intensive study of current problems in labor law and labor relations.

613    INCOME TAX. Three hours.

A basic course in the fundamentals of federal income taxation with limited attention to federal estate gift taxes and Louisiana inheritance, gift, and income taxes.

614    LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAW. Three hours.

A study of the legal structure for the government of urban areas with emphasis on the relationship of local governments to one another and to the state and national governments.

615    MINERAL RIGHTS. Three hours.

An intensive study of the Mineral Code of the State of Louisiana.

616    MATRIMONIAL REGIMES. Three hours.

A study of the principles and rules governing the ownership and management of the property of married persons as between themselves and toward third persons. Particular emphasis is placed upon the acquisition and classification of marital property; matrimonial agreements and interspousal contracts; debts of the spouses; dissolution of the various regimes, and the partitioning of marital property.

618    EQUITY. Three hours.

A study of the procedural and substantive rules developed by the Chancery Courts of England, including those relating to prohibitory and mandatory injunctions, fraud, mistakes, trusts, balancing of equities, specific performance of contracts, adequate and inadequate remedies at law, and the conventional maxims of equity.

619    LAW AND POVERTY. Two hours.

The social, economic, political, and legal implications of poverty with emphasis on the legal problems and remedies of the indigent, including protection, welfare law, security rights, the law of bankruptcy, and housing and employment laws.

621    ADMIRALTY. Two hours.

A comprehensive study of maritime law and admiralty jurisdiction, including personal injury and workers’ compensation rights of maritime workers; maritime collisions; shipping and statutory regulation of the cargo-carrier relationship; the maritime lien, and the peculiarities of in rem procedure. It includes the substantive and procedural principles and rules of liability, and marine insurance, general average, and salvage.

622    OFFSHORE PERSONAL INJURY LAW. Two hours.

This course covers extensively the law applicable to maritime personal injury litigation to include admiralty jurisdiction; the scope of the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers Compensation Act; remedies, and the extent of damages recoverable in various kinds of action.

623    TRUSTS. Two hours.

An intensive study of the Louisiana Trust Code together with a historical review of the development of trust law in Louisiana.

625    ADVANCED CONSTITUTIONAL LAW. Two hours.

A study of particular problems of federal constitutional law with emphasis on current decisions that affect local community life.

626    ESTATE PLANNING. Two hours.

Course studies various estate-planning arrangements with emphasis on minimizing resulting tax considerations.

632    COMMON LAW OF REAL PROPERTY. Three hours.

An examination of the modern law of real property. The course seeks to place the development of contemporary rules within their appropriate historical context. Specific topics include interests in real property; landlord-tenant relationships; fixtures; some aspects of real estate transactions, and certain attributes of the ownership of real property (e.g., freedom of alienation and freedom of use).

633    CIVIL RIGHTS. Two hours.

Study of underlying problems in the protection and enhancement of Civil Rights; the development, meaning, and implementation of these rights through law. Problems of discrimination with respect to voting, education, housing and employment are given special emphasis. A written term paper is required.

634    BANKRUPTCY. Two hours.

An intensive study of bankruptcy law and proceedings together with a review of debtors’ and creditors’ rights.

635    HUMAN RIGHTS IN A CHANGING WORLD ORDER. Three hours.

Study of legal protection of human rights provided by customary international law and treaties. The course includes examination of the development of international human rights and protections by United Nations instruments, as well as by regional human rights systems such as the European and African systems.

637    CONSUMER LAW. Two hours.

An examination of the rights of consumers in the state of Louisiana, including private remedies, and related problems.

639    SEMINAR IN URBAN LEGAL PROBLEMS. Two hours.

A comprehensive study of current urban problems with reference to the legal structure within which they exist.

641    LAW REVIEW WORKSHOP. One hour.

Open to law review editors and members, to enhance the quality of article publication and law journal management. Students may earn one semester hour of credit per semester.

642    CLINICAL EDUCATION I. Three hours. (Third year law students only)

Under Rule XX of the Louisiana Supreme Court Rules, senior law students engage in a limited law practice under supervision. Students represent indigent clients in administrative, criminal, juvenile, elder law, income tax, and domestic violence matters.

644    Moot Court Advocacy Workshop. One hour.

Open only to Moot Court Board Members. The focus of the first semester involves skills training in the structure of a moot court competition, structuring arguments, knowing the issues and facts, and preparing oral arguments and strategy. The second semester will focus on brief writing skills and preparation for submission of the brief. Oral advocacy skills training will continue into the second semester.

652    CLINICAL EDUCATION II. Three hours. (Third year law students only)

A continuation of Clinical Education I.

659    LAW OFFICE PRACTICE. Two hours.

Law office administration and the preparation of various legal documents.

662    LEGAL DRAFTING. Two hours.

Emphasizes the art and techniques of drafting legal documents.

663    SEMINAR IN COMPARATIVE LAW. Two hours.

A comparative study of legal systems of the world.

664    SOCIAL LEGISLATION. Three hours.

A study of the legislative means by which society deals with problems of Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment.

675    JUVENILE JUSTICE. Two hours.

Course studies issues relating to the rights and responsibilities of children in relation to parents, society and institutions.

678    ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Two hours.

Examines the validity of the basic criticism directed at the adversarial mode of dispute resolution in terms of various criteria (e.g., costs, delay, and formality). A major focus of the seminar will be the study of particular alternative ways of resolving disputes, such as arbitration, mediation and negotiation; problems taken from a number of areas (e.g., property, family law, criminal law, and commercial disputes) will provide an illustrative context for this part of the discussion.

680    SEMINAR IN LEGAL NEGOTIATION. Two hours.

Designed to provide a systematic analysis of negotiation theory and practice as they relate to the work of lawyers. The course will examine ideas and theories about negotiation, along with the methods of negotiation.

681    LEGISLATIVE LAW. Two hours.

Course studies the formulation of legislation with primary focus on the state legislative process.

683    LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING SEMINAR. Three hours.

Students will gain the practical knowledge of techniques in drafting legislation on the local, state and national level.

684    EDUCATION LAW. Two hours.

The course covers the general principles and laws governing elementary, post-secondary, and higher education.

685    EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION LAW. Three hours.

Course analyzes the statutory, constitutional, administrative, and judicial responses to discrimination in the workplace.

686    PUBLIC OFFICE LAW. Two hours.

A comprehensive study of laws affecting persons seeking and holding public office. This course will include but not be limited to an extensive study of the Louisiana Campaign Finance Disclosure Law; the Louisiana Election Code; the Voting Rights Act, and the Code of Governmental Ethics.

690    AFRICAN LAW. Three hours.

Course studies the legal systems of select African countries.

695    IMMIGRATION LAW. Two hours.

Course examines the immigration and naturalization process in the United States.

700    SPORTS LAW. Two hours.

Course explores how the law impacts the sports industry, both amateur and professional. Particular aspects of sports law, including agency, contracts, torts, labor law, antitrust, taxation, constitutional law, and civil rights are studied. Significant segments of the course are devoted to the governance of sports with emphasis on intercollegiate sports governed by the NCAA. The role of the sports agent in the representation of athletes is brought to life through a negotiation project.

702    ENVIRONMENTAL LAW II. Two hours.

A continuation of in-depth study of federal and state environmental regulatory law.

703    CONSTRUCTION LAW. Two hours.

This course covers the general principles and laws governing building of commercial and residential structures.

704    LAW OF TOXIC TORTS & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE. Three hours.

Course studies select problems of regulatory, procedural and evidentiary matters in pursuing toxic tort litigation.

705    INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW. Two hours.

Course analyzes the methods and practices of protecting literary, artistic and other creative ideas and works.

706    International Environmental Law & Policy. Three hours.

This course will provide an introduction to the international treaties and other legal mechanisms created in response to specific global environmental problems, such as climate change; ozone destruction; wildlife extinction and loss of biological diversity, and the containment of air, land, and water. It will also examine the conflicts that arise in addressing these problems due to the differing perspectives and goals of the world’s nations, including the conflicts that arise between wealthy, industrialized countries and developing countries seeking to escape the cycle of poverty through economic growth. Focus will also be placed upon the intersection of international environmental law with other fields, such as trade, human rights, and corporate codes of conduct.

714    TAX PROCEDURE AND LITIGATION. Two hours.

Class and materials will examine how the IRS functions and its organizational structure, IRS procedures of determining tax liability limitations and rights of the IRS concerning the assessment and collection of taxes, tax return auditing, choosing a tax litigation forum, refund litigation, and criminal tax.

716    ENVIRONMENTAL LAW I. Two hours.

This course provides an overview of federal and state environmental regulatory law.

768    HEALTH LAW. Three hours.

The course will focus on the regulation of the medical profession, the law of medical malpractice, and problems in medical and legal ethics.

779    MENTAL DISABILITY LAW. Three hours.

This course is offered online and covers civil/constitutional issues (involuntary civil commitment, institutional rights, the right to refuse treatment, deinstitutionalization, and the Americans with Disabilities Act). The course also covers criminal issues (competencies, the insanity defense, Federal Sentencing Guidelines, sexually violent predator acts, the importance of mental disability in criminal trial process issues such as confessions and the privilege against self-incrimination, and the death penalty).

458, 459 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH. One or two hour(s).

Approval for academic credit of student independent research will be granted on a selective basis.