Course Catalog

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LAW 6573 ABA Arbitration Competition 1 hour

The ABA Law Student Division Arbitration Competition promotes greater knowledge in arbitration by simulating a realistic arbitration hearing. Participants prepare and present an arbitration case, including opening statements, witness examinations, exhibit introductions, evidentiary presentations, and summations. In addition, students are required to prepare and develop responses to questions from the arbitration panel, akin to a hybrid moot court scenario. Further, the participants meet at least two to three times per week for in person instruction. Practices range from two to three hours. Students are required to prepare and work on arbitration materials for a minimum of 42 hours during the semester, which would be the equivalent time for one semester of in class instruction. Graded S/U.

LAW 431 Accounting for Lawyers 2 hrs

Prerequisites: 2Ls and 3Ls.

This course will provide students with an understanding of basic accounting principles and their practical applications to the practice of law. This course is designed to be accessible to everyone and will focus on the mechanics of accounting, the analysis of financial statements, the role of Certified Public Accountants and Auditors, and emerging issues for the accounting field. The purpose of this course is to help students learn to spot financial related problems for their clients and understand basic accounting principles. Performance will be evaluated based on class participation, completion of assignments, and a final exam. This course satisfies 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. Numerically graded.

LAW 406 Administrative Law 3 hrs

This course will examine the largest branch of government administrative agencies. It will discuss agencies’ legal authority to act and the limitations on that authority, including constitutional and statutory constraints. It will also examine administrative procedure. Students will learn administrative law through a practice orientated approach that will require them to apply their knowledge throughout the semester to various hypothetical fact scenarios. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate.

LAW 469 Advanced Income Tax 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Income Tax.

A more detailed study of areas which were touched upon, or not covered at all, in Income Tax, such as nonrecognition provisions, net operating losses, limitations on loss deductions (at-risk rules, passive activity losses, etc.), original issue discount, and advanced capital gains.

LAW 643 Advanced Legal Research 2 hrs

Prerequisite: 3Ls only during Fall semester. 2Ls only during Spring semester.

The purpose of the course is to develop research skills in both print and electronic legal research resources. Through exercises and projects, which may include class presentations, students have the opportunity to select, use, and evaluate a wide range of legal and law-related resources. The course covers state and federal judicial, legislative and administrative materials as well as the use of finding tools, legal commentary, forms and trial preparation resources. Research strategies and efficient and cost-effective use of online legal research sources, including free and low-cost resources as well as Lexis, Westlaw and other subscription online services, are emphasized. This course satisfies 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement and it satisfies the requirement of the Advanced Writing Certificate Program. Enrollment limit of 24.

LAW 534 Advanced Litigation Drafting 2 hrs

This course will explore technical and strategic issues in the drafting of litigation documents such as briefs, complaints, answers, written discovery, affidavits, discovery schedules, pretrial orders, jury charges, releases and correspondence. The course will discuss the use and misuse of form books, and the viability of the “plain English” movement. The course will review some basic rhetorical strategies for maximizing the effect of favorable law and facts, or for minimizing the import of adverse law and facts. The course will examine good legal writing from the perspective of the Bench, and the Bar. In the context of litigation drafting, the course will offer students practical instruction about litigation practice in general. The course will provide students with form litigation documents for their future use. This course will satisfy either the Advanced Writing requirement, or 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. This course will also satisfy the drafting requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. Enrollment limit of 24.

LAW 666 Advanced Persuasive Writing 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Legal Writing II.

The course will satisfy the advanced writing requirement and will also satisfy the advanced drafting requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. Enrollment limit of 15. Numerically graded.

LAW 1016 Advanced Trial Advocacy 2 hrs

Prerequisite: 3Ls only.

(Formerly titled Pre-Trial Advocacy–Law 563) The course focuses on advanced instruction on the planning, preparation and execution of a case at trial by instruction on the significant components of a trial and preparation and use of a Trial Notebook. A course problem allows students to construct and execute a case theory by creating Witness Lists, Exhibits Lists, Opening Statements, Direct and Cross Examinations, Closing Arguments, as well as other components of a trial and Trial Notebook. Students will be asked to participate in demonstrations of major components of a trial. This course satisfies 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. Enrollment limit of 30.

LAW 3016 Advanced Trial Advocacy (Winter Intersession) 2 hrs

Prerequisite: 3Ls only.

LAW 536 Advanced Trial Practice 2 hrs

Pre-Requisites: Evidence and Trial Practice

A continuation of the skills addressed in the basic Trial Practice course using the same methods. Graded S/U. Enrollment limited to 24.

LAW 661 Advanced Writing Group 1 hr

Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program.

Sections of this course consist of approximately 5 students and meet one hour a week. Most weeks the group will respond to a piece of writing, sometimes a piece written by a group member and sometimes a piece written by a lawyer or other author. The group will read examples of good writing; read and edit examples of weak writing; work on selected topics of grammar and style; and study advanced writing techniques. Numerically graded.

LAW 2010 Agricultural Law Seminar 2 hrs

This seminar will explore the intersection of agriculture, food production, and the law. Students will deepen their understanding of the intricate relationship between legal regulations, agricultural practices, the food supply chain, and the physical world. The course will touch upon several substantive areas of law that impact agriculture, such as administrative law, environmental law, intellectual property, international trade, and biotechnology. Students will have the opportunity to think critically about the role lawyers play in the food system, and contemplate ways in which they might use their legal skills to advocate for agricultural policies in the future. This course will satisfy the Advanced Writing requirement and will also satisfy the Seminar requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 150 American Constitutional System 4 hrs

This course focuses on significant cases interpreting the Constitution of the United States. The course examines the way in which the Constitution has been interpreted to distribute the power of decision-making in our governmental system among the branches of our federal government, the state governments, and individuals. Numerically graded.

LAW 403 Antitrust Law 3 hrs

Federal antitrust laws, and parallel state laws, were passed to provide a “comprehensive charter of economic liberty aimed at preserving free and unfettered competition.” Three main federal antitrust laws, the Sherman, Clayton, and FTC Acts passed in 1890 and 1914, amended by the Robinson-Patman Act in 1936, have renewed significance today in many economic sectors. Those areas include healthcare and pharma, online searching, social media, sports, communications, phones, air transportation, computer operating systems, real estate appraisal, telemarketing, false advertising, timeshares – that is, throughout the economy, in big business and business niches too. The laws outlaw monopolistic practices through raw market power, conspiracies, agreements among competitors, “vertical” restraints, tying arrangements, predatory pricing, and more. The laws can be enforced by governmental agencies as well as aggrieved individuals and businesses. Sophisticated business lawyers are expected to appreciate antitrust laws, whether defensively or offensively.

LAW 457 Appellate Practice & Procedure 2 hrs

This course will cover topics of appellate procedure, including standards of review, timeliness, ripeness, harmless error, writs, preservation of error, preparation of the record, and court rules. Using a simulated Georgia record, students will draft the procedural documents relevant to an appeal, such as a Notice of Appeal, a Designation of Record, a Request for Oral Argument, an Enumeration of Errors, opening, responsive and reply briefs. Students will make at least one oral argument. This course may satisfy either the Advanced Writing Requirement, or 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. The course also satisfies the drafting requirement of the Advanced Writing Certificate Program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 16.

LAW 1022 Asylum & Human Rights Clinic 4 hrs

Prerequisites: Enrollment by application and permission of the professor.

This clinic will represent clients regarding asylum, refugee, or other claims based on international human rights treaties and the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Students will learn the basic law of asylum, refugees, Convention Against Torture (CAT), and other relevant human rights law and immigration procedure in class discussion, readings, and while representing clients. Most students will represent clients on appeal before the BIA. The Clinic occasionally may also accept federal petitions for review, amici curiae briefs, or cases before asylum officers, and it may conduct “know your rights” events or workshops.

Students will learn advanced legal writing techniques, including appellate strategies, persuasive storytelling, the use of expert reports, and effective argument within complex legal frameworks. Under the close supervision of the professor(s), clinic students will work in teams to complete the tasks necessary to zealously represent their clients, including intensely reviewing transcripts of hearings before an immigration judge, interviewing the client (sometimes using interpreters), unearthing new facts about the client’s case, researching domestic and international law and country conditions, developing a theory of the appeal, filing administrative motions and petitions, and drafting an appellate brief, affidavits, and motions. In doing so, students will develop a deep understanding of the complex law governing immigration, humanitarian relief in removal proceedings and asylum, as well as collaboration, cultural competency, and self-evaluation. Students will also acquire practical skills, including advanced persuasive writing techniques and cross-cultural client communication.

At the outset of the course, students may elect for the course to meet the advanced writing requirement or to count towards the Experiential Learning requirement. It also satisfies the drafting course requirement for students pursuing the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. It also satisfies hours required for students pursuing the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 8.

LAW 440 Bankruptcy 3 hrs

This course is an overview of debtor-creditor relations. While issues under state law will be considered, the overwhelming emphasis of the course will be on federal bankruptcy law. The rights and obligations of both debtors and creditors under bankruptcy law will be examined, with particular focus on the strategic decision-making process of parties involved in a bankruptcy proceeding.

LAW 673 Bar Preparation Course 3 credits

Prerequisite: 3Ls only.

The course will build on what students have learned about the seven Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) subjects, essay writing, and multiple-choice test taking throughout law school. It focuses only on those subjects and not on the state-specific portions of the Bar.

The course will consist of a combination of substantive review from full-time doctrinal faculty and testing techniques for the multiple-choice portion of the Bar Exam (MBE), essay exam, and Multistate Performance Text (MPT). Included will be practice and substantive review of MBE questions, as well as practice and insights into how Bar Exam essays should be written and will be graded. The course is intended to supplement and not replace the commercial review courses. Graded S/U.

Note: Required for students whose cumulative GPA is less than 86.00 at the time of registration for Spring semester of their third year.

LAW 412 Business Associations 3 hrs

This course focuses on the law of agency, general partnerships and corporations with some attention to limited partnerships and limited liability companies. Coverage includes the choice of business form and the formation, management and dissolution of each of the principal business forms. Also introduced is federal securities law as it pertains to shareholder suffrage, proxy contests, hostile takeovers and secondary securities transactions.

LAW 659 Business Drafting 2 hrs

Prerequisite or Corequisite: Business Associations.

This course will explore issues surrounding the drafting of business-related documents. During the course students will draft different documents including corporate formation documents, documents used in the sale of a business, employment agreements, deeds, loan documents and general business contracts. The course will explore the use and misuse of form books, the importance of language in this type of drafting, the role of the business attorney, and the viability of the “plain English” movement. The course will offer students practical instruction about various areas of general business practice. This course will satisfy either the Advanced Writing requirement, or 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. This course also satisfies the drafting requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 24.

LAW 632 Case Settlement Negotiation 2 hrs

Students will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their hypothetical clients’ cases and attempt to negotiate a favorable settlement with the opposing party. May not be taken simultaneously with Negotiations. This course satisfies 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. Enrollment limit of 16.

LAW 1032 Civics Field Placement I 2 hrs

Prerequisites: Enrollment by application, submission of background check to applicable school district and permission of faculty supervisor.

Field Placement I is the first part of a two-semester course sequence. Both semesters are required. Field Placement I will meet weekly as a two-hour seminar on advanced constitutional law, exploring how both state and federal constitutional law affects the lives of secondary school students and the intersection between constitutional and education law. Students will also receive instruction on secondary education teaching methods. Students will be expected to complete substantial reading assignments and participate in classroom discussion. Students will write a seminar paper that draws upon course materials and may be used as basis for lesson plans in Field Placement II. This course may satisfy the advanced writing requirement. It also satisfies hours for the Public Service Certificate Program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 8.

LAW 1033 Civics Field Placement II 3-4 hrs

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Field Placement I

Field Placement II is the second part of a two-semester course sequence. Both semesters are required. In Field Placement II, students who have successfully completed Field Placement I will be placed in teaching pairs and assigned to teach civics classes in a local public school. Students will work under the supervision of law school and public school faculty and be expected to complete at least 30 hours of teaching at the secondary school during the course of the semester. Students will also meet for two hours each week to discuss and practice practical skills for relaying complex legal information. Students will receive regular feedback from their supervisor(s) and will be required to submit self-evaluations and written reflections on their teaching experiences.

Field Placement II will satisfy 3 or 4 of the 6 required credits for experiential learning under ABA Standard 303. It also satisfies hours required for students pursuing the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 8.

LAW 203 Civil Lawsuits 3 hrs

This course covers the process of civil litigation, from the filing of a lawsuit to entry of final judgment, through appeal. It covers the rules regulating pre-pleading investigation, pleadings, discovery, pretrial motions including those under Rule 12 and dispositive motions, trial, post-trial motions, and appeals. In addition, the course introduces alternatives to litigation, including arbitration, mediation, and settlement. The course includes examination of litigation documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery materials.

LAW 611 Civil Rights Law 3 hrs

Prerequisites or Corequisites: American Constitutional Law, 2Ls and 3Ls.

This course introduces the fundamentals of civil rights litigation. It will focus primarily litigating constitutional and statutory claims against public officials and local governments under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, but it also considers actions against federal officials that are authorized by Bivens v. Six Unknown Agents of Fed. Bureau of Narcotics, 403 U.S. 388 (1971). Students will learn about absolute and qualified immunities; government liability for the acts of individual officials; damages; and the intersection of federal and state law. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate.

LAW 4007 Class Actions 1 hr

Open to 2L and 3L students. This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the intricacies of class action litigation. The course will provide students with a thorough exploration of the principles, strategies, challenges, and ethical considerations that shape the realm of class action litigation. It will allow students to study discrete aspects of class action litigation that would not otherwise be covered in the standard law school curriculum. The class will meet for 13 class hours during one week of the regular semester, typically scheduled on a Friday and Saturday. Readings and materials will be assigned before and/or after the class meetings (scheduled according to the instructor’s preference). Students will be evaluated on the basis of a final paper, which will be in the form of a client legal/strategy memorandum. Graded S/U.

LAW 415 Client Counseling Competition 2 hrs

During the Spring Semester, Mercer Law students compete for the honor of representing the school in the National Client Counseling Competition sponsored by the American Bar Association. The students selected are given intensive training by one of our faculty members using the school’s video systems for observations and evaluation of counseling techniques. The team competes against other law schools regionally for the opportunity to compete for the national championship. Graded S/U.

LAW 3002 (Winter Intersession) Client Counseling II 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Intro to Client Counseling.

In the mandatory Introduction to Client Counseling course, second year students learn the most basic counseling skills: active listening, initial client interview techniques, and helping a client make a decision. In Client Counseling II, students will learn more advanced client counseling skills and techniques. Using a similar model to the Introductory course (lecture, small group discussion, and simulated client interactions), students will learn and practice more advanced (yet still inevitable) counseling circumstances: bringing a client bad news; counseling clients in complex litigation; engaging the client who becomes frustrated or disappointed during the course of the representation; and similar topics. This course will also delve deeper into ethical considerations in client counseling, including discussions of privilege, confidentiality, and perjury. This course satisfies 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. The course also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 20.

LAW 422 Conflict of Laws 2 hrs

The principal focus of the course is “choice of law” — the methods used by courts in the United States to decide the applicable law in cases that, in their parties or events, involve more than one state or country. The course also briefly examines the respect owed a judgment of a court of another state or country. Numerically graded. Rev. 12/05/2024

LAW 1030 Consumer Bankruptcy Externship (Part I) 2 hrs

LAW 1031 Consumer Bankruptcy Externship (Part II) 1-2 hrs

Prerequisites: Bankruptcy; Law of Lawyering; Evidence; and satisfactory completion of all first-year courses.

This externship program is a one semester course that combines a classroom component with students working on real chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. Students enrolled in this program will represent actual clients in federal bankruptcy proceedings (as permitted by Rule 91 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia and Local Rule 83.4 of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia). The classroom component will examine the legal, social and ethical dimensions of consumer bankruptcy law practice and it will also include instruction in the necessary legal skills and knowledge involved in consumer bankruptcy practice; such as, client interviewing, legal analysis, drafting legal documents, arguing motions, legal ethics, relief from the automatic stay, and objections to discharge. Note: Any student taking this course will not be allowed to also take the Consumer Bankruptcy Practice course.

3-4 credits. 2 numerically graded classroom credits (LAW 1030) and up to 2 credits graded S/U (LAW 1031) for work representing clients. This course will satisfy 3 or 4 out of the 6 required credits for experiential learning under ABA Standard 303. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Enrollment limit of 6.

LAW 519 Contract Drafting 2 hrs

The purpose of the course is to present students with a real-world approach to drafting contracts. Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental working parts of a contract and how the basic principles of contract law are memorialized in various types of agreements. The course will provide an overview of the issues and processes involved in drafting contracts and transactional instruments. It will enable students to analyze the basic structure of contracts and other deal documents and to develop techniques used to efficiently create instruments with precision and clarity. Students will explore principles for understanding the common structures of transactional documents and their provisions, including their applicability to specific transactions. Contracts drafting will combine lectures with drafting exercises and two to four graded drafting assignments. The course will introduce the students to foundational concepts, including representations and warranties, covenants, rights, conditions, discretionary authority and declarations. Students will be exposed to how and why a drafter chooses a specific contract concept in terms of translating the business deal into the four corners of the agreement. The course will address the framework of an agreement and its various provisions, from the recitals to the signature lines, in each instance examining the business, legal and drafting issues that may arise. Students will learn approaches to good drafting and techniques to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity in the context of the business deal. Students will also learn how to look at a deal from the client’s perspective and how to add value to a transaction by identifying business issues. In addition, the course will address ethical issues unique to contract drafting. This course will satisfy either the Advanced Writing Requirement, or 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. This course will also satisfy the drafting requirement for the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 24.

LAW 107 Contracts 3 hrs

This course addresses the basic principles and significance of making, interpreting and enforcing contracts and gives attention to related theories of obligation, such as promissory estoppel and quasi-contract.

LAW 108 Contracts II 3 hrs

Prerequisite: Contracts I.

This course addresses principles of express and implied warranties, damages, conditions, good faith, sales, performance and related issues under the common law and Uniform Commercial Code.

LAW 579 Corporate Compliance & Ethics Fundamentals 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 1L Criminal Law course; 2L or 3L status

Pre- or co-requisite: Business Associations

This course provides an overview of an effective corporate compliance program to monitor organizational misconduct. This includes the design, implementation, and monitoring of corporate policies and procedures for reducing the risk of violations within a company. Among other things, students will be introduced to the concept of ethical business behavior and corporate culture; will review the role of compliance officers within the corporate structure and explore key challenges they face; and will focus on which individuals within an organization have responsibility for corporate compliance and how to evaluate a corporate compliance program’s effectiveness. The instructor will also cover internal enforcement and the civil and criminal liability that organizations can face when there is a corporate compliance and ethics program failure, or the program is not effectively implemented or administered. Coverage may include special compliance topics, potentially including risk management, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, how Covid-19 and remote working impacted corporate compliance and ethics across industries, employment law and social media.

The course will be taught using the problem method, and students will prepare a variety of documents designed to introduce students to skills used by compliance officers. The course will include a final exam. The course is an upper-level elective. Numerically graded.

LAW 1027 Corporate Counsel Externship I 3-12 hrs

Corequisites/Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all first-year courses.

This course combines a classroom component with students working in an in-house legal department under the guidance of an experienced supervising attorney. During the fall and spring semesters, students will attend a two-hour weekly seminar (a combination of in-person and synchronous, on-line classes) focused on in-house practice, which supplements the work experience with readings, discussion, written reflections, and practical skill assignments. Students will arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor. Due to the widespread adoption of remote working arrangements, we expect students to be able to complete much of the fieldwork remotely, especially during the fall and spring semesters. To receive credit, the student must not be paid for the fieldwork.

Credit Hours: 3 to 4 credits. For 3 credits, a student must complete fieldwork of at least 84 hours (about 6 hours per week); and for 4 credits, a student must complete fieldwork of at least 126 hours (about 9 hours per week). Third year students with a cumulative GPA of at least 83.00 at the time of registration may take the course for more than 4 credit hours, up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Each extra credit hour beyond 4 credits requires an additional 42 hours of fieldwork. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 20.

The course is approved for either in-person or synchronous, remote (distance) learning.

LAW 1029 Corporate Counsel Externship II 2-12 hrs

Corequisites/Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all first-year courses and Corporate Counsel Externship I.

Students who have already taken Corporate Counsel Externship I can register for Corporate Counsel Externship II. The requirements for Externship II are similar to Externship I, except that the class sessions meet one hour every other week instead of two hours weekly for a seminar (a combination of in-person and synchronous, on-line classes). Students will arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor. Due to the widespread adoption of remote working arrangements, we expect students to be able to complete much of the fieldwork remotely, especially during the fall and spring semesters. To receive credit, the student must not be paid for the fieldwork.

Credit Hours: 2 to 3 credits. For 2 credits, at least 100 fieldwork hours are required; and for 3 credits, at least 140 fieldwork hours are required. Third year students with a cumulative GPA of at least 83.00 at the time of registration may take the course for more than 3 credit hours, up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Each extra credit hour beyond 3 credits requires an additional 42 hours of fieldwork. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 20.

The course is approved for either in-person or synchronous, remote (distance) learning.

LAW 4005 Corporate Governance Trends 1 hr

Prerequisites or Corequisites: Business Associations, 2Ls and 3Ls.

This course will provide students with practical instruction on corporate governance issues facing companies today, with a focus on the most prevalent environmental, social and governance (ESG) proposals being made by shareholders. Students will review relevant state corporation laws, including Delaware and Georgia, the ABA’s Model Business Corporation Act and key provisions of the federal securities laws as well as recent, real-world examples of shareholders using these laws to force for-profit companies to become more socially responsible. The class will meet for 13 class hours during one week of the regular semester, typically scheduled on a Friday and Saturday. Readings and materials will be assigned before and/or after the class meetings (scheduled according to the instructor’s preference). Evaluated on the basis of a final project or exam. Graded S/U.

LAW 521 Corporate Issues Seminar 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Business Associations.

The seminar focuses on the theoretical and practical nature of the corporate entity (with occasional attention to other business forms), its historical development, sociological and political influence, and social responsibility. In spring 2019, the seminar will focus on selected cases of corporate wrongdoing, such as the massive accounting and securities fraud perpetrated by Enron. This will require some attention to federal securities law. Students will write and present a research paper on a related topic of their own choosing. This course will satisfy the Advanced Writing requirement and will also satisfy the seminar requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

Note: This material is not just for those contemplating a career in transactional law. It is also pertinent for future litigators. A very high percentage of cases filed in Georgia’s courts involve a corporate or business party.

LAW 110 Criminal Law 3 hrs

This first-semester course examines major criminal law concepts, including intent, criminal act, and justification and excuse for crimes, as well as exploring the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the criminal justice system.

LAW 671 Criminal Procedure–Constitutional Dimensions 3 hrs

This course focuses on the constitutional provisions that govern the conduct of criminal investigations, particularly the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments. The principal topics include the law of search and seizure, the law of interrogation, and the exclusionary rule. The coverage of this course complements the course entitled “Criminal Procedure: The Litigation Process,” but both courses are independent and neither course is a prerequisite of the other. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 670 Criminal Procedure: The Litigation Process 3 hrs

This course focuses on the law governing the various steps in the process of litigating a criminal case, including pre-trial, trial, and post-trial phases. Topics include bail, prosecutorial discretion, preliminary hearings, grand jury review, the drafting of charges, discovery, plea negotiations, speedy trial, double jeopardy, pre-trial publicity, jury selection, joinder of charges and defendants, various aspects of trial procedure, and general principles of appellate review. The coverage of this course complements the course entitled “Criminal Procedure: Constitutional Dimensions,” but both courses are independent and neither course is a prerequisite of the other. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 303 Disability Law 3 hrs

Prerequisite: 2Ls and 3Ls.

Students in this course will explore legal issues affecting people with disabilities in employment, government programs and services, and public accommodations (e.g., restaurants, hotels, theaters, doctor’s offices, retail stores, parks, etc.). To this end, the course will focus on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the case law interpreting Titles I, II, and III of the statute, its significant 2008 amendments, and its implementing regulations. The course will also examine other statutes, regulations, and case law affecting the rights of individuals with disabilities in the areas of education, housing, and federally funded programs. Grade based on student participation and a final exam. Numerically graded.

LAW 1026 Domestic Violence Clinic 4 credits

Prerequisites: Completion of Evidence and Law of Lawyering before the spring semester of the clinic. Open to 2Ls and 3Ls with a preference for 3Ls.

This two-semester course will provide students with a substantive background in domestic violence law and litigation. Both semesters are required, and each will be four graded credits. The fall semester will cover Georgia law surrounding the issuance of Protective Orders, as well as client interviewing and counseling, negotiation, and trial skills. In the spring, students will work in pairs to represent clients in Protective Order cases before the Bibb County Superior Court.

The fall semester will fulfill the advanced writing requirement and the spring semester will count towards experiential credit. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Enrollment limit of 8.

LAW 1000 Elder Law 2 hrs

This course will highlight the social and legal issues associated with an aging society, the distinct legal problems faced by elderly individuals, and government programs established for the benefit of elderly individuals. Examples of topics that will be covered include ethical issues and counseling elderly clients, capacity and consent, guardianship and protective services, planning for healthcare and financial decisions, elder abuse, long-term care, housing issues, and government programs relevant to elderly individuals such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. The course will include a final exam. Numerically graded.

LAW 451 Environmental Law 3 hrs

A survey of statutory regulations applicable to the protection of the environment. Attention is directed to the role of the EPA and other administrative agencies in the development and implementation of environmental policy. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 206 Evidence 3 hrs

This is a problems-based course designed to teach basic trial evidence using the Federal Rules of Evidence. The primary topics are relevance; opinion evidence; expert testimony; relevant, but inadmissible evidence; introducing real and documentary evidence, character evidence, impeachment, and hearsay. Numerically graded. Teaching modality (in classroom or distance learning).

LAW 206 DL (Distance Learning – Summer Semesters) Evidence 3 hrs

LAW 4002 Evidentiary Hearings 1 hr

Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Evidence; 2Ls and 3Ls.

This series of courses will allow students to study discreet, law practice-oriented topics not otherwise covered in the standard law school curriculum. This course will provide practical instruction on the use of state and federal rules of evidence in evidentiary hearings, including witness impeachment, hearsay, and proffers. The course will also include discussion of and practical guidance about preparing for evidentiary hearings. The course will fulfill ABA requirements for meeting minutes and student coursework work for one credit hour. The class will meet synchronously for 13 course hours during one week of the regular semester, typically scheduled on a Friday and Saturday. Readings and asynchronous materials will be assigned before and/or after the synchronous meetings (scheduled according to the instructor’s preference). Evaluated based on a final project or exam. Graded S/U.

LAW 634 Externship I 3-12 hrs

Prerequisites: Enrollment by application and permission of faculty supervisor.

This course is designed to offer students practical work experience in public service offices and in-house corporate offices while providing faculty supervision and guided reflection. In addition to field work, the course meets for two hours per week in a classroom. The course includes readings, reflective journals, and class discussion, all of which are designed to help students learn from their fieldwork experience. Throughout the course, students explore fundamental questions of meaning and purpose in living a life of service in the law. Students work in approved non-profit public interest offices, governmental offices, and legal departments of private, for-profit corporations; faculty for the course maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. Students arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Students must work in their field placement at least 86 hours for 3 hours of credit, or at least 126 hours for 4 hours of credit. Third year students with a cumulative GPA of at least 83.00 at the time of registration may take the course for more than 4 credit hours, up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Each extra credit hour beyond 4 credits requires an additional 42 hours of fieldwork. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Enrollment limit of 30 total students with a limit of 15 students per section.

LAW 635 Externship II 2-12 hrs

Prerequisite: Enrollment is by application and permission of the Director of Experiential Education.

This course is open to students who have completed Externship I. As in Externship I, students must work in approved non-profit public interest offices, government offices, and legal departments of private, for-profit corporations. The Director of Experiential Education will maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. Students must arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Students must work at least 100 hours for 2 hours of credit, or at least 140 hours for 3 hours of credit. Third year students with a cumulative GPA of at least 83.00 at the time of registration may take the course for more than 3 credit hours, up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Each extra credit hour beyond 3 credits requires an additional 42 hours of field work.

Although there is not a weekly classroom component as in Externship I, students will attend meetings every two weeks with other students in the class and the teacher of the course. Permission to enroll in Externship II will only be granted if the student will have significant learning opportunities in the field placement beyond those available in Externship I.

This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 8.

LAW 443 Family Law 3 hrs

This course offers an introduction to family law in the United States today. Examples of topics covered include: marriage, non-marital relationships, parent-child relationships, divorce, custody, support, and the law’s treatment of nontraditional families. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 461 Federal Courts 3 hrs

Prerequisite: 3Ls only.

An in-depth survey of the powers of federal courts under Article III of the United States Constitution. The course highlights and integrates constitutional topics of fundamental importance to any American lawyer: the respective powers of the three branches of the U.S. government; the function of federal courts within the constitutional system of checks and balances; the relationships between state and federal courts in civil and criminal litigation in a federalist republic; and state sovereignty and immunity under the Tenth and Eleventh Amendments. The course also provides an overview of common legal issues in federal courts, including: justiciability and standing; federal court subject matter jurisdiction; “Section 1983” claims alleging that agents of state or local government have violated federal constitutional or statutory rights; and federal habeas corpus actions. About 1/3 of final grade turns on class participation, including the student’s work as a leader of one of our classes during the semester. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded exam or paper option. Numerically graded.

LAW 653 Federal Tax Procedure 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Income Tax.

Federal Tax Procedure covers the chronology of tax litigation, from assessment by the IRS to final disposition of the case by settlement or court decision. The course will cover tax disputes, including IRS assessment authority, statutes of limitation on assessment, choice of forum, Tax Court jurisdiction, overpayments and refund procedures. Preparation of a short tax protest and Tax Court petition will be required. The course will be graded, with the grade based on an examination towards the end of the course that will be worth 60% of the final grade, and on evaluation of the writing projects. This course satisfies 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 25.

LAW 454 Federal Taxation of Wealth Transfers 3 hrs

A study of the statutes, regulations, and decided cases relating to the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes and to the income taxation of trusts and estates.

LAW 467 Georgia Civil Practice & Procedure 2 hrs

Prerequisite: 3Ls only.

This course is a detailed examination of Georgia civil practice. It is intended to prepare civil litigators for issues they will face from the day they start their practice. The course “walks” through a lawsuit, covering forum selection and venue requirements, pleadings, dismissals and renewals, pretrial issues, statutes of limitations and repose, and procedural aspects of trials and appeals. The focus is on practical issues, particularly tactical advantages that can be realized with a thorough knowledge of Georgia procedural law. There is a midterm examination and a final examination. The format of the examinations is that used by the Georgia Bar Examiners on the Georgia part of the bar examination. The instructor intends the course to be a primer for the bar examination. Limited to 35 students during fall semester.

LAW 466 Georgia Criminal Practice & Procedure 2 hrs

This course is a detailed examination of Georgia criminal practice with a focus on trial and pre-trial procedure. It is designed to be a hands-on, relevant exploration of Georgia-specific criminal law and procedure (including both prosecution and defense). Students are evaluated through in-class exercises and a final examination. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate.

LAW 675 Great Trials Seminar 2 hrs

Prerequisite: 3Ls only.

This seminar serves as a capstone course for students interested in becoming trial lawyers. Through in-depth study of famous trials and the lawyers who tried them, students will draw out the lessons that can be learned about trial practice and procedure, trial techniques, the law of evidence and ethical issues. The seminar also will expose students to some of the history of the trial process and the legal profession. With the advice and consent of the instructor, each student will select a significant criminal, civil, foreign or international trial to study. Each student will write a paper about the trial and make a presentation to the seminar class. This course will satisfy the Advanced Writing requirement and the seminar requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 15

LAW 306 The Habeas Project 4 hrs

Prerequisites: Criminal Law & American Constitutional Systems and enrollment by application and permission of the faculty supervisor.

This is a clinical course, and it is one of the few efforts in Georgia to provide pro bono representation in non-capital post-conviction matters (in Georgia, there is no right to counsel beyond one direct appeal). The Project provides client-centered representation, and the cases selected by the faculty supervisor allow students to grapple with important questions of constitutional criminal law.

Under close faculty supervision, students will meet their clients; investigate factual records; research legal issues; prepare a case theory; file appropriate petitions, motions, or briefs; and engage in oral advocacy in both trial and appellate courts.

In addition to working on cases, Habeas Project students may work on the following projects: drafting and updating sections of a Pro Se Habeas Corpus Manual; responding to legal questions from Georgia prisoners; and, on occasion, offering amici curiae briefs in important cases pending in Georgia’s appellate courts. Qualified law students may sign pleadings and participate in court proceedings as permitted under the Student Practice Rule.

Habeas Project students receive extensive training in procedural and substantive law, as well as written and oral advocacy skills.

May be taken up to two times. Strong preference for two semester commitment. Each semester, this course either satisfies the Advanced Writing requirement and the Drafting Course requirement for the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program or provides required Experiential Learning credit hours. Students must elect which of these requirements the course will fulfill at the start of each semester. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 8.

LAW 628 Health Care Compliance 2 credits

Pre- or co-requisite: Health Law is strongly recommended.

This course introduces students to the foundational principles of health care compliance. Students will develop an understanding of the laws and regulations encountered by compliance professionals in daily practice with specific attention paid to the federal regulatory infrastructure. The primary focus of this course will be the federally-required components of an “effective compliance program” as outlined in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. This course will also cover key topics including, but not limited to fraud and abuse laws, health care privacy, billing and coding regulations, internal and external investigations, audit and monitoring practices, the role of compliance programs and the responsibilities of compliance officers. Through case studies and hypotheticals, students will gain practical skills in designing, implementing and assessing compliance programs and responding to compliance issues. Students will consider the role of the Compliance Officer and compare/contrast with the role of the General Counsel of a health care organization. Final exam or paper at the instructor’s discretion. Numerically graded.

LAW 1015 Health Care Law 3 hrs

This course examines problems in health care delivery from the perspectives of consumers and providers. The major issues explored are: (1) quality of care including licensing and malpractice; (2) organization of the health care system including professional relationships and new organizational structures; (3) financing of medical care through private insurance and public programs and; (4) access to care including legal obligations to provide care. We will explore the traditional common-law response to these issues and contrast it with statutory and regulatory reforms as well as proposals advocating free market reforms. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate.

LAW 1025 Immigration Law 3 hrs

This course examines the law and procedures for noncitizens to obtain immigration benefits under the regime for “legal migration” to the United States, as well as the law and procedures for removing noncitizens from the United States. The course will focus, then, not only on representing clients who seek to become properly documented and on developing and implementing strategies necessary to achieve the client’s objectives within the framework of the law by getting things to “go right” as far as possible. It will also focus on representing clients in immigration enforcement proceedings and on developing and implementing strategies necessary to defend the client when things have “gone wrong” or, perhaps more accurately, “seriously wrong,” such as where the client is undocumented or, although documented, becomes deportable. The course will cover the following topics: a brief, introductory overview of the area of U.S. immigration and nationality law; the structure of relevant administrative agencies; immigrant and nonimmigrant admission categories; inadmissibility grounds; admission procedures; criminal convictions and other grounds for removal; relief from removal (excluding asylum and other forms of humanitarian relief); removal proceedings; a brief overview of immigration crimes; and an introduction to naturalization. Constitutional dimensions of U.S. immigration law will also be addressed, as will (largely though independent reading) historical, moral, and policy dimensions. The course provides students with a basic exposure to the field of immigration and nationality law and develops knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for “thinking like an immigration lawyer.” The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 202 Income Tax 3 hrs

This course is a study of the fundamental principles of the Federal income tax system as applied to individuals, including the concepts of income, allowable deductions and limitations on deductions, and the characterization of gains and losses. The course stresses reading and applying the Internal Revenue Code. Other course materials include Treasury regulations, administrative pronouncements, and decided cases. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 474 Independent Research & Writing 1- 3 hrs

Prerequisite: Approval of a full-time faculty member.

A student may register for independent research and writing after completing the first year. An independent research and writing project is normally undertaken for two hours credit, but in appropriate cases the supervising faculty member may approve registration for one or three hours credit. A student may register for only one independent research and writing project per semester and no more than two projects will be approved for any student. Credit will be awarded, in the discretion of the supervising faculty member, on either a graded or pass/fail basis, upon the completion of a written product suitable for submission for publication. At the discretion of the supervising faculty member, credit may be awarded to the fulfillment of the Advanced Writing requirement. Also at the discretion of the supervising faculty member, credit may be awarded to satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U.

LAW 1474 Independent Research & Writing 1- 3 hrs

Prerequisite: Approval of a full-time faculty member.

LAW 486 Intellectual Property 3 hrs

An overview of laws that secure rights in, and provide for the marketing of, patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, publicity rights, and personal data. Open to all upper-class students.

LAW 652 Intellectual Property Licensing 2 hrs

This is a practical course designed to introduce upper class law students to the realities of licensing intellectual property. This course focuses on intellectual property licensing, which is the primary wealth generation and maximization tool available to the owner of an intellectual property. Through theoretical discussions and practical exercises, we will examine the many facets of the licensing process, including basic to advanced licensing concepts and strategies for various types of intellectual properties; royalty analysis and audits; negotiating strategies; and policing and enforcement. The final grade will be based on class participation, periodic written assignments, and a final exam. Enrollment limit of 20. (Synchronous video conferencing).

LAW 4003 International Child Custody Disputes 1 hr

Prerequisite or Corequisite: Family Law, 2Ls and 3Ls.

This course will provide practical instruction on the issue of resolving international child custody disputes. Students will learn about both international and U.S. legal regimes regarding child abduction and repatriation, as well as Georgia specific laws concerning child custody disputes involving non-U.S. parents. The course will fulfill ABA requirements for meeting minutes and student coursework work for one credit hour. The class will meet synchronously for 13 course hours during one week of the regular semester, typically scheduled on a Friday and Saturday. Readings and asynchronous materials will be assigned before and /or after the synchronous meetings (scheduled according to the instructor’s preference). Evaluated on the basis of a final project or exam. Graded S/U.

LAW 1024 International Human Rights 3 hours

This course examines international treaty and customary law protecting fundamental human rights against abuse by governments or other international actors. The major international systems studied will be the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Organization of American States. Readings will include judicial and administrative opinions by international and U.S. bodies, treaties, and studies by human rights groups and scholars. The principle international human rights instruments (i.e., the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights) will be thoroughly examined. Individual case studies will be evaluated throughout the term. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate.

LAW 1024 DL (Distance Learning – Summer Semesters) International Human Rights 3 hrs

LAW 481 International Law 3 hrs

An introduction to public international law. The substantive coverage of the course includes peaceful settlements of disputes, international agreements in international and domestic law, the evolving law of the sea, human rights, and international attempts at controlling the use of armed force. Particular attention is paid to the differences in the evolution and enforcement of rules in decentralized systems. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate.

LAW 200 Introduction to Counseling 1 hr

This one-week workshop focuses on how lawyers interview, counsel and otherwise assist clients to identify and solve problems. Grade is based upon full attendance, participation and completion of simulations. This course satisfies 1 credit of the Experiential Learning requirement. Graded S/U.

LAW 2008 Introduction to Disaster Law Seminar 2 credits

This course is designed to teach the basic overview of disaster law and highlight systemic legal issues in a post disaster world. Students will understand the role of FEMA and interplay between state government, volunteers, and local agencies. Students will also study the concepts of risk reduction, preparedness, and their effects on vulnerable populations.

Learning Objectives:

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to:

Learn the context for “legal preparedness” to include specific steps how lawyers, courts and citizens best prepare for a disaster.
Understand the structure of response through the published guidelines of the National Response Framework and the interplay between agencies.
Identify legal needs in the post disaster context to include the new standards for FEMA benefits outlining details of the Individual Household Program.
Understand disaster outreach and the role and responsibility of FEMA, the launch of bono attorneys, and the responsibility of the American Bar Association, the State Bar to coordinate a response.
Study best methods for outreach efforts to those impacted by disaster including the most vulnerable in our society and the role of attorneys as leaders to rebuild and provide service.

Proposed Course Texts

Required

FEMA-Disaster Operations Legal Reference Manual-Version 3.0
Additional required readings will be available on the Canvas course site.

Course Assignments

This course consists of a variety of assignments. The assignments will range from in-class peer assignments, homework reading assignments, client interviews, and a final project consisting of individual/university/non-profit small business disaster planning.

This course satisfies the Advanced Writing requirement and the seminar requirement of the Advanced Writing Certificate Program.

LAW 300 Introduction to Dispute Resolution 1 hr

This one-week workshop explores the many alternative ways of resolving disputes, particularly negotiation. This course satisfies 1 credit of the Experiential Learning requirement. Graded S/U.

LAW 100 Introduction to Law 1 hr

This one-week course presents each incoming student with an initial understanding of the methods and goals of the law school classroom. The course simulates and examines the typical first-year classroom experience, including an exam, to prepare each student to get the maximum benefit from the courses that begin the second week. Grade is based upon attendance, participation in class meetings, and completion of the final exam. Graded S/U.

LAW 103 Introduction to Legal Research 1 hr

A legal research course that meets in fall semester. The classes are taught by the professional librarians and cover print and electronic formats used for researching state and federal judicial, administrative, statutory and secondary sources. The course requires assignments, class attendance, and assessments. Numerically graded.

LAW 442 Judicial Field Placement (Through Fall 2024) 3 – 4 hrs

Prerequisites: Enrollment is by application and permission of the faculty supervisor.

One section of Public Interest Practicum I each semester will be comprised of the students who are working for judges. These students will perform research and writing assignments for their judges and are expected to attend hearings, trials, and other proceedings. In addition to field work, the course meets for two hours per week in a classroom. The course includes readings, reflective journals, and class discussion, all of which are designed to help students learn from their fieldwork experience. Students must work in their field placement at least 86 hours for 3 hours of credit or at least 126 hours for 4 hours of credit. Preference will be given to students who register for 4 credits. The hours are exclusive of class time and travel time. Students arrange a regular work schedule with their judges and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U.

LAW 442 Judicial Externship (Eff. Spring 2025) 3 – 4 hrs

Prerequisites: Enrollment is by application and permission of the faculty supervisor.

One section of Externship I each semester will be comprised of the students who are working for judges. These students will perform research and writing assignments for their judges and are expected to attend hearings, trials, and other proceedings. In addition to field work, the course meets for two hours per week in a classroom. The course includes readings, reflective journals, and class discussion, all of which are designed to help students learn from their fieldwork experience. Students must work in their field placement at least 86 hours for 3 hours of credit or at least 126 hours for 4 hours of credit. Preference will be given to students who register for 4 credits. The hours are exclusive of class time and travel time. Students arrange a regular work schedule with their judges and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U.

LAW 151 Jurisdiction & Judgments 3 hrs

This course covers the key requirements for the exercise of federal judicial power: subject matter jurisdiction, including both original and supplemental subject matter jurisdiction, personal jurisdiction, notice and the opportunity to be heard, and proper venue. In addition, the course explores the procedures to remove cases from state to federal court, to transfer of venue, and to bring a declaratory judgment. The course will also address the Erie doctrine, and it will fully explore the rules governing joinder of claims and parties to pleadings. Finally, the course examines the law governing whether an earlier judgment can preclude the relitigation of claims and issues. Numerically graded.

LAW 492 Jurisprudence 3 hrs

This Perspectives course will trace the historical development of general jurisprudence, or the philosophy of law, from ancient times to the present day. Using court cases and other primary legal materials to illustrate the practical application of jurisprudential ideas, we will ask how seminal thinkers, and their associated jurisprudential schools and movements, have sought to answer fundamental, and sometimes overlapping, questions about law and legal systems, law and morality, freedom, democracy, justice, rights, legal reasoning, and adjudication from an analytical (conceptual), normative (moral), or critical (skeptical) perspective. Our inquiry will consider, specifically, some ancient ideas about law, classical natural law, natural rights, common law theory, legal positivism, utilitarianism, modern natural law theory, American legal realism, and law and economics, plus one or more of the following: critical legal studies, critical race theory, feminist legal theory, and legal phenomenology. We will also ask how cultivating a particular legal philosophy of our own is relevant for the professional identity of lawyers. Graded final exam. Numerically graded.

LAW 494 Juvenile Court Practice & Procedure 2 hrs

Delinquency, deprivation, status offenses, and dependency in Juvenile Court. History of Juvenile Court, evolution of children’s rights, and trends in juvenile justice. Seminar format with special emphasis on practical aspects of litigation. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 20.

LAW 302 Law of Lawyering 3 hrs

Law of Lawyering is primarily concerned with the ethical and legal regulation of the legal profession covering such topics as conflicts of interests, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, malpractice, lawyer-client decision-making, and other similar issues. The various rules studied are the rules most frequently encountered by all practitioners. In addition to studying ethical and legal regulation, this course also addresses the ethics of our practice more generally and, most especially, the question of what we mean when we say that someone is a good lawyer. This course is required by the Law School, by the Georgia Supreme Court, and by the American Bar Association. Numerically graded.

LAW 513 Law Review

Members of the Mercer Law Review staff and Editorial Board earn academic credit for each year served on the Review. Upon satisfactory completion of the writing, editing, and other work required for each category of Law Review membership, credit will be awarded in the Spring Semester by the faculty advisor upon recommendation of the Editor-in-Chief. Credit hours vary. Completion of a case note or comment will satisfy the Advanced Writing requirement.

LAW 2009 Lawyers as Leaders Seminar 2 hrs

This seminar will explore the nature of leadership, including moral leadership and the role of character, with a particular focus on the role of lawyers as leaders. This seminar will draw on a broad range of interdisciplinary research, biographical profiles, and empirical studies. The seminar will emphasize moral leadership and the ways that lawyers can advance their professional formation and the public interest. It will also cover topics such as collaborative decision-making, conflict management, effective communication, and diversity in leadership. Students will write a seminar paper that draws upon research and also includes personal reflection on leadership issues that the students expect to encounter in their careers in the law. Successful completion of the course will satisfy the advanced writing requirement. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 511 Legal Ethics Seminar 2 hrs

This seminar explores a wide variety of issues in legal ethics selected, in consultation with the professor, by each enrolled student to respond to his or her anticipated future employment situations or own personal questions about the role of the lawyer. The issues explored in these research projects can vary from philosophical or theological matters to very specific ethical regulatory questions and all areas in between. A general theme, attempting to unite these research projects, will be offered by the professor through lectures, in class exercises, and round table discussions. Attendance is required. Graded based on the quality of the student’s participation in discussions, several required work-in-progress presentations of the projects, weekly or bi-weekly journaling with the professor regarding the student’s project, and one paper or formal presentation of the project to the class. The course satisfies the Advanced Writing requirement, and also satisfies the seminar requirement for the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 3003 (Winter Intercession) Legal Letters 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Legal Writing II.

This course focuses on the drafting of legal letters. The audience, purpose, content, organizational structure, role of authorities, role of facts, voice, and style of a variety of legal letters will be examined. Students will analyze and write a variety of legal letters consistent with the nature of the letters and his or her professional responsibility. The writing assignments will include, but are not limited to, a client advice letter, a demand letter, an engagement letter, a letter of intent, a transmittal letter, and a withdrawal letter. This course satisfies either the Advanced Writing requirement, or 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. This course also satisfies the drafting requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 24.

LAW 118 Legal Process 1 hr

This course covers formulating a rule of law from one or more legal authorities, placing the rule in a rule-structure, analyzing the application of that rule to a set of facts and organizing a written legal discussion of that analysis. It requires completion of weekly exercises and attendance at all classes (or make-up of any absences). Numerically graded.

LAW 152 Legal Writing I 3 hrs

Legal Writing I covers research strategy, forms of legal reasoning, professionalism, and predictive legal writing. The course teaches writing as a constructive process and requires completion of multiple writing assignments consistent with the goals of the course.

LAW 207 Legal Writing II 3 hrs

Prerequisite Legal Writing I.

Legal Writing II continues coverage of research strategy, forms of legal reasoning, and professionalism, but now in the context of a new form of discourse–persuasion. Course requirements include completion of at least two major persuasive writing assignments.

LAW 522 Local Government Law 2 hrs

The nature, powers and liabilities of cities, counties and other units of local government and their relationship to state and federal governments. Specific attention is given to liability of local governments and officers, public land acquisition, local government contracts, government financing, limitations and restrictions on powers.

LAW 1021 Low-Income Tax Clinic 3 – 4 credits

Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Law of Lawyering and either Federal Income Tax or Federal Tax Procedure. Enrollment is by application and permission of the instructor.

Students in the Tax Clinic will represent low-income taxpayers primarily in controversies with the Internal Revenue Service. Students will take the lead in interviewing and counseling clients, conducting factual investigations, determining alternatives for resolving disputes, advocating on the taxpayer’s behalf, and negotiating agreements with the IRS. Students may have an opportunity to represent taxpayers in litigation in the United States Tax Court. Students may also participate in community outreach and education on taxpayer issues.

The course will include a classroom component. The classroom portion of the course will cover tax practice and procedure and relevant substantive law along with basic lawyering skills. The class will meet weekly for two hours. During class sessions discussions of specific taxpayers’ issues will take place. Students will also meet weekly to discuss assigned cases with the clinic director or supervising attorney.

Because the Tax Clinic teaches lawyering skills applicable across numerous practice areas, students are encouraged to enroll whether they have an existing interest in tax law and practice or simply seek an immersive law practice experience through which they can learn valuable skills and provide pro bono representation to those in need.

The clinic will be offered starting spring 2022 with a maximum enrollment of 10 students with plans to increase enrollment in the future. Cases will come from a variety of sources including Legal Aid and Middle Georgia Justice.

Course credits: 3 or 4 credit hours. (Students must work at least 86 hours to receive 3 credit hours and at least 126 hours to receive 4 credit hours.) The course satisfies hours required for experiential learning. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 629 Managing Law Practice 2 hrs

This course explores the organizational setting of law practice through student simulations and guest appearances by practicing lawyers. Special attention is given to the management of law firms with fewer than ten lawyers. Subjects include partnership structure, client relations, malpractice insurance, computer applications, billing, financial planning, marketing, specialization, compensation, and the hiring process. One session is devoted to solo practice. This course satisfies 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. Enrollment limit of 24.

LAW 546 Medical Malpractice 2 hrs

Prerequisite: 2Ls and 3Ls.

This course will survey the law of medical malpractice. Topics to be covered include the standard of care, causes of action, the physician/patient relationship, defenses, consent to treatment, statutes of limitation, fraud and misrepresentation, the complaint, summary judgment and trial issues, discovery, directed verdict, hospital-setting liability, and trial practice. Grades based on class participation and written assignments. The course satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 612 Mergers & Acquisitions 3 hrs

Pre-requisite/Co-requisite: Business Associations

This class is designed to provide law school students who intend to practice transactional law with some of the basic practical skills required to counsel companies with respect to business combinations, including asset acquisitions, mergers, tender offers, and leveraged buyouts. Students in the course will learn to identify the key drivers of mergers and acquisitions activity, as well as the factors involved in a typical business combination (directors’ duties and tax and accounting rules peculiar to merger and acquisition activity, among others), the roles of the parties and the relevant documents. It will also address applicable federal and state law (principally that of Delaware) relating to business combinations, both friendly and contested.

LAW 307 Military Law 2 hrs

This course will provide a broad overview of the system of military justice in the United States. Specific topics addressed include the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), the Constitutional rights of military members, and the Law of War under US and International Law. Throughout the course, attention is given to military legal procedures and jurisdiction as well as to the functions of the military lawyer and the military commander. Numerically graded.

LAW 520 Moot Court Competition 3 hrs

All second-year students are eligible for membership on the Moot Court Board. Students are selected to membership each year based primarily on their performance in Legal Writing II. Board members, in both their second and third years, represent the Law School in various state, regional, and national moot court competitions. The Law School has been quite successful with its competition teams, having won at the state, regional and national levels. Students on competition teams receive invaluable training and experience. In addition, each member of a competition team receives three hours of pass/fail academic credit in the semester in which the competition takes place. Graded S/U.

LAW 657 National Negotiation Competition 1 hr

Prerequisite: Mercer ADR Workshop, 3L’s only.

During the fall semester, Mercer Law students enter an intra-school competition for the honor of representing the school in the National Negotiation Team Competition sponsored by the American Bar Association. The students selected to represent the school in the national competition are given intensive training by one of our faculty members. Training includes observation and evaluation by the faculty member who is present during negotiations and observation and evaluative critiques by the team members who videotape some of their negotiation sessions and then view themselves in action. The school team competes against other law schools at the regional level in the first-round competition for the honor of advancing to compete against other regional winners for the national win. Graded S/U.

LAW 525 Negotiations 2 hrs

Prerequisites: Domestic Relations; 3Ls only; may not be taken simultaneously with Case Settlement Negotiations.

The course is designed to enable students to develop skills in negotiating settlement. Students will be divided into two-person law firms. The firms will be “retained” by a client (husband or wife) who wishes to divorce their spouse. Students will interview their clients, conduct discovery and then negotiate a settlement with opposing counsel. The course will begin with readings, lectures and class discussion on interviewing, counseling and negotiation techniques and strategies. Much of this professional activity will be videotaped and reviewed. There will be no exam in the course. Students will be graded on the quality of their class performance, practicum, terms of settlement, and the drafting of interrogatories and a settlement agreement. Offered spring semester.

LAW 1013 Oxford Human Rights Program 3 hrs

Prerequisite: Enrollment by permission of the instructor.

This class is an exploration of contemporary international conflicts. Areas of study include human rights in and after conflict, humanitarian action, conflict trends, human rights law, and peacemaking with a focus on recent armed conflicts. Students meet weekly from the beginning of the Spring semester until March, at which time they will attend an intensive week-long workshop at Oxford University (accompanied by the course instructor). The workshop in Oxford is a mix of seminars, working groups, and student presentations. The workshop is convened by members of the Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict at Oxford University. After returning from the workshop, students will complete a substantial paper on an issue related to the program. The course satisfies the Advanced Writing Requirement. The course will also satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate.

LAW 210 Patent Law & Litigation 3 hrs

This course will explore patent prosecution and the subsequent litigation of issued patents. We will learn patentable subject matter, utility, the conditions of patentability, unenforceability, infringement, and remedies. Along the way we will examine how complex issues of case law, regulation, statutes, and technology arise and are resolved by the courts. Grade based on class participation and a final exam. Numerically graded.

LAW 2006 Police Practices Seminar 2 credits

Mercer Law is an inaugural member of the ABA Legal Education Police Practices Consortium (the Consortium), whose mission is to “advance improved police practices at local, state, and national levels.” In addition to “advanc[ing] the widespread adoption of model police practices,” the Consortium intends to initiate other projects – including research – “designed to support effective policing, promote racial equality in the criminal justice system, and eliminate tactics that are racially motivated or have a disparate impact based on race.”

This seminar is intended to create a body of research in furtherance of the Consortium’s mission to support effective policing and promote racial equity in the criminal justice system. The course will begin with a broad orientation to the issues, and initial readings will include works by Paul Butler, Michelle Alexander, and the late William Stuntz. Students will then develop paper topics in consultation with the instructor (working in consultation with the Consortium on research needs), participate in roundtable discussions and workshops with their classmates, complete a substantial research paper, and present the final results of their research to their classmates. Although all topics will focus on police conduct (or misconduct) and the promotion of effective, nondiscriminatory policing, legal subject areas may vary: for example, some papers may focus on qualified immunity, while others may concern more traditional criminal procedure issues. Some student research projects will have a Georgia-specific focus.

Finally, in addition to drafting a final research paper, students may undertake other academic activities related to the Consortium’s mission.

This course satisfies the Advanced Writing requirement and the seminar requirement of the Advanced Writing Certificate Program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 569 Post-Conviction Practice & Remedies (Eff. Spring 2025) 2 hrs

This course explores the various avenues for case review available in the context of criminal post-conviction law, often the last chance at relief for those whose convictions or sentences were obtained through unconstitutional or unjust practices.

Beginning after the direct appeal process is completed, the course explores the various procedural mechanisms and substantive claims available to persons challenging unlawful detention, convictions, or sentences through traditional post-conviction litigation in state and federal courts, parole advocacy, and newer, innovative methods such as collaboration with prosecutor Conviction Integrity Units.

Students will examine and analyze relevant policy considerations underlying the post-conviction process, and will learn to effectively identify, initiate, and defend a variety of post-conviction legal issues. Using a simulated record, students will gain practical experience by researching, drafting, and editing post-conviction litigation documents, such as petitions for writ of habeas corpus, responsive pleadings, and proposed judicial orders. Students will also be evaluated on in-class exercises and a final case study project.

The course may satisfy either the Advanced Writing Requirement or provide two (2) Experiential Learning credit hours. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 24.

LAW 2007 Poverty & the Law Seminar 2 hrs

This course will examine the interaction between poverty and the legal system in our society. Students will learn about the ways in which governmental programs, the civil legal system, and the criminal legal system respond to individuals and communities living in poverty. The course will touch upon several substantive areas of law that impact impoverished individuals every day, such as housing law, public benefits, and health law. Students would select a topic related to the course material, research that topic thoroughly, draft, edit, and submit a formal legal paper, approximately twenty pages in length. This paper would satisfy the advanced writing requirement. Students will have the opportunity to think critically about the way the legal system interacts with individuals living in poverty, as well as the role that policy makers and lawyers should play in the future. This course satisfies the Advanced Writing requirement, and it also satisfies the seminar requirement for the Advanced Writing Certificate Program. The course will also satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 484 Problems in Insurance Litigation 2 hrs

The identification and correlation of the various types of insurance benefits found in personal injury and wrongful death actions, to include automobile no-fault, uninsured motorists, collision, medical payment, liability (public liability and private automobile, homeowners, and business premises liability), hospitalization, and workers compensation. Emphasis on Georgia law. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 20.

LAW 640 Problems in Trial Evidence 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Evidence.

Students will research, brief and orally present courtroom arguments of relatively to highly complex evidentiary issues as they might arise in the pre-trial and mid-trial stages of civil and criminal cases. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 20.

LAW 3640 (Winter Intercession) Problems in Trial Evidence 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Evidence.

LAW 116 Property 4 hrs

This course examines the history and development of the Anglo-American system of real property rights, estates in land, possessory and non-possessory interests and assorted legal doctrines, both ancient and modern, involving real and personal property interests.

LAW 548 Public Defender Externship (Through Fall 2024) 5-12 hrs

Prerequisites: 3Ls only, with priority given to students enrolling for the full year. Enrollment by application and permission of the instructor.

The Public Defender Externship is a hybrid clinic in which students work on behalf of clients in criminal cases who cannot afford private representation. Students assist with cases under the joint supervision of staff attorneys in local public defender offices and a professor responsible for the quality of the educational experience. The course includes a weekly two-hour seminar requiring time sheets, reflective journaling, and other reading and assignments as appropriate. Students are sworn in under the Student Practice Rule and may appear in court under the supervision of an attorney.

In the fall semester, students must work in their placement at least 168 field hours for 5 hours of credit. In the spring semester, students with a cumulative GPA of at least 83.00 at the time of registration may take the course for more than 5 credit hours, up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Each extra credit hour beyond 5 credits requires an additional 42 hours of fieldwork.

Students in the course receive experiential credit for their successful completion of the externship. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 548 Public Defender Externship (Eff. Spring 2025) 3-12 hrs

Prerequisites: Open to 2L and 3L students, with priority given to students enrolling for the full year. Enrollment by application and permission of the instructor.

Students must work in their field placement at least 86 hours for 3 hours of credit, or at least 126 hours for 4 hours of credit. Third year students with a cumulative GPA of at least 83.00 at the time of registration may take the course for more than 4 credit hours, up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Each extra credit hour beyond 4 credits requires an additional 42 hours of fieldwork. May be taken up to two times.

This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 15 students.

LAW 544 Public Health Law 2 hrs

A study of the law governing the practice of public health by state, local, and federal agencies, as well as health care professionals and institutions. Current issues and their effect on public health law, including AIDS, bioterrorism and privacy legislation, will be discussed. The course will satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 540 Real Estate Transactions 3 hrs

A study of the basic elements of a real estate transaction, the methods of financing the purchase of residential property, priority of claims at common law and under the recording system and other methods of title assurance, transfers of interests in encumbered real property, and mortgage foreclosures, concluding with a study of the elements of a commercial real estate transaction.

LAW 542 Remedies 3 hrs

Prerequisite: 3Ls only.

A survey of remedies available through the avenues of equity, restitution, and damages. Emphasis is accorded to the relationships among these areas, and to the difficulties involved in applying “established” rules to actual situations.

LAW 430 Scientific Evidence & Expert Witness 2 hrs

This advanced evidence course will consider common issues involving scientific evidence and expert witness testimony in federal court. Rule 702 and Daubert will be discussed in depth covering specific types of experts and specific methods used by experts. We will review hearsay and exceptions to the hearsay rule that commonly arise at trial with expert witnesses, and also Rule 703, dealing with a specific exception for expert witnesses. The course will involve practical application of the legal principles learned in class, including simulated pre-trial conferences and the direct examination and cross examination of an expert witness. The course will satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Enrollment limit of 20.

LAW 556 Securities Regulation: Issuers 2 hrs

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: Business Associations.

This course introduces students to the laws and regulations governing the offering and sale of securities by companies (issuers). The primary focus is on the core principles and practical aspects of the exemption, registration and disclosure requirements for companies. Students will learn many of these requirements using hypotheticals to discuss issues that they are likely to face as corporate lawyers. We will also incorporate role-playing and prospectus-drafting exercises. The relevant statutes are the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A student cannot take this proposed course and the Securities Regulation course. Numerically graded.

LAW 4008 Securities Regulation: Overview for Transactional Lawyers 1 hr

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: Business Associations.

This pop-up course introduces students to the key concepts and provisions of the federal securities laws and regulations with a focus on the most common issues encountered by corporate and transactional lawyers. The class will incorporate role playing and document drafting exercises. The relevant statutes are the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A student cannot take this course and Law 556 Securities Regulation: Issuers course.

The in-class component will take place over two full days (either a Friday and a Saturday or successive Fridays two weeks apart), and the out-of-class work will be sufficient to comply with ABA requirements for course time. Graded S/U.

LAW 428 Secured Transactions 3 hrs

This is a course on secured transactions and commercial lawyering. Emphasis will be on the creation, perfection, and maintenance of security interests under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. We will also address in depth issues of priority which result from the creation of security interests. (Formerly Commercial Transactions)

LAW 4004 Selected Topics in Advanced Legal Research 1 hr

This course will provide detailed substantive specific research instruction to complement upper-level courses, seminars, and clinics such as bankruptcy, immigration, tax, foreign & international law, and/or health law. Students will be introduced to advanced research techniques, tools, databases, and print resources to enhance their basic legal research skills from Introduction to Legal Research or Advanced Legal Research. Advanced vendor training in these substantive specific topics will include litigation and analytic tools.

Course will be conducted over a two-day period to meet the one-hour requirement for credit.

Nationally recognized experts in the various topics will be included where the schedule permits such as Ira Kurzban, Gail Richmond, Lindsay Wiley, and Lyonette Louis-Jacques.

Credit will be given for attendance, participation, and final paper or project on a topic of the student’s choice and approved by instructor. The course may be repeated for credit for different subject matter topics. Graded S/U.

LAW 500 Selected Topics in Modern Family Law Seminar 2 hrs

This seminar will provide an in-depth examination of a number of today’s most salient family law issues. Early in the semester, each student, after consulting with the professor, will select a modern family law issue about which he or she will become the “class expert.” Each student will then prepare materials for and lead a one-hour class session on the legal issue he or she has chosen. In addition, students will write a substantial paper on a topic that falls within his or her chosen modern family law issue. A wide variety of topics are available to students, including marriage and alternative relationships, intra-family violence and abuse, assisted reproduction, parental rights and duties, how family law addresses issues related to gender, race, class, and sexual orientation, and more. This course will satisfy the Advanced Writing requirement and will also satisfy the Seminar requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. The course will also satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 397 Sexuality and the Law Seminar 2 hrs

The class will examine laws and regulations relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, and the effects of other laws on sexual minorities. We will review the history of persecution of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people; the legal and social struggle for recognition of LGBT rights; and social phenomena such as “passing” and gender and sexual identity as reflected or constructed by laws and legal doctrine (e.g., constitutional and statutory protection or denial of rights, familial recognition, and comparative legal treatment of sexual minorities.) In the process, the course will examine how social movements are reflected in legal development and vice versa. Ideally, this will provide students with a model for achieving social or legal change in this and other contexts. This course will also provide some practical guidance to future attorneys who may represent members of sexual minorities after graduation, by offering creative approaches to couples and individuals whose needs are not recognized under current legal paradigms. (Entitled Sexual Orientation and the Law through spring 2010.) This course will satisfy the Advanced Writing requirement and will also satisfy the Seminar requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. The course will also satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 154 Statutory Law & Analysis 2 hrs

This course will cover the fundamental skills involved in reading, understanding, and applying statutory language to the resolution of a legal issue. The students will learn about methods of statutory interpretation and will be required to apply these skills throughout the semester to various hypothetical fact scenarios. The course will cover the parts of a statute, the interrelationship between statutes and other sources of law, and the methods of reading and interpreting statutes.

LAW 216 Summary Judgment Practice 2 hrs

Designed for students with an interest in litigation, this course builds upon legal writing skills developed through the core curriculum. Working with documents from an actual court case, students will read pleadings and depositions to identify relevant issues of fact useful in analyzing a contract and/or tort dispute. Using the identified facts, and working as advocates, participants in the class will then draft a brief in support of a motion for summary judgment, a brief in opposition to the motion, and orally argue the motion. The goal of the course is to familiarize students with litigation practice while simultaneously enhancing written advocacy skills. Students selected for law review and/or participating in a moot court competition are cautioned that this class contains written assignments with several deadlines that fall early in the semester. These deadlines may conflict with other responsibilities. This course will satisfy either the Advanced Writing requirement, or 2 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. This course also satisfies the drafting requirement of the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 14.

LAW 602 Summer Externship 2 – 3 hrs

Prerequisites: Enrollment by application and permission of the faculty member in charge of the course.

Students work in approved non-profit public interest offices, governmental offices, and legal departments of private, for-profit corporations under the supervision of a practicing attorney and the general supervision of a faculty member. In addition to the field work, students are required to participate in two two-hour class sessions: the first takes place at the end of the Spring semester and prepares students for their field placement experience; the second takes place at the beginning of the Fall semester and gives students the opportunity to reflect on the experiences together. Students also participate in a web-based, faculty-led guided discussion board concerning issues common to all field placements. Students also turn in regular reflective journals and weekly timesheets to the faculty supervisor. Students must work at least 120 hours for 2 hours of credit or at least 180 hours for 3 hours of credit. Students may not earn more than 3 credit hours in one summer, but the course may be repeated for credit one time, for a maximum total credit over two summers of six hours. The instructor, working in consultation with the Director of Experiential Education, will maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. It also satisfies hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U.

LAW 1017 Survey of the First Amendment 3 hrs

Prerequisite: American Constitutional System.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive survey of a vital and interesting field of American Constitutional law: The First Amendment. The course will cover freedom of expression (including freedom of speech and of the press) and freedom of religion (including the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause). The course will satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded.

LAW 488 Taxation of Pass-Through Entities 2 hrs

Prerequisite: Income Tax.

This course is an introduction to the taxation of pass-through entities, including partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and S corporations. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving. Numerically graded.

LAW 4001 Technology and Law Practice 1 hr

Prerequisite: 2Ls and 3Ls.

This course provides students with an introduction to technology skills lawyers use in everyday law practice, including creating spreadsheets in Excel, creating tables of contents in Word, mastering e-filing, and managing e-mail ethically, competently, and efficiently. The course will fulfill ABA requirements for meeting minutes and student coursework work for one credit hour. The class will meet synchronously for 13 course hours during one week of the regular semester, typically scheduled on a Friday and Saturday. Readings and asynchronous materials will be assigned before and/or after the synchronous meetings (scheduled according to the instructor’s preference). Evaluated on the basis of a final project or exam. Graded S/U.

LAW 149 The Legal Profession 3 hrs

The Legal Profession course is an exploration of lawyer professionalism. Students learn about what “professionalism” means for lawyers and why it matters. They see what pressures the practice of law places on professionalism in different settings. The students explore the many ways in which the legal profession seeks, imperfectly, to create and perpetuate the conditions that promote professionalism. This course also examines the extraordinary challenges and opportunities that come with a life in the law, and the students study ways in which professionalism contributes to the satisfaction that lawyers find in their calling. In addition, to class readings, discussions, guest speakers, and an exam, the students write two papers reflecting on their career goals. They also visit in small groups with experienced lawyers to discuss life in the legal profession, and they read a biography of a famous lawyer or judge and discuss it in a small group setting. Graded S/U.

LAW 2002 The Religion Causes of the First Amendment Seminar 2 hrs

This seminar provides both an introduction to, and a detailed examination of, the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. The issues that arise under the Religion Clauses–prayer in public schools, state aid to parochial schools, religious displays on public property, religious claims for individual exemptions from generally applicable laws, and more–have been among the most heavily litigated and hotly contested constitutional issues of the past fifty years. In the early part of the semester, the seminar meets to discuss assigned readings, which primarily include the key U.S. Supreme Court cases in the area. The class meetings in the latter part of the semester are devoted to discussions of each student’s seminar paper. Each student is required to submit a substantial paper on an approved topic, which may include topics not specifically covered in the assigned readings. In addition, each student is assigned to write brief written critiques of two other students’ papers and to lead, with one other student, the class discussion of those papers. This seminar satisfies the Advanced Writing requirement and the seminar requirement of the Advanced Writing Certificate Program. The course will also satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 656 Tort Law Seminar 2 hrs

Prerequisite: 3Ls only.

The seminar will focus on selected current issues in the law of torts in the context of the classical principles of civil liability. Reading assignments will include in-depth analytical treatments of landmark judicial decisions in the law of torts, as well as contemporary cases and statutes. Students will prepare individual research papers on topics chosen with the approval of the instructor and will present the results of their research to the class in the latter weeks of the course. Grading will be based on the quality of the research paper, the oral presentation of that paper, and class participation. The seminar will satisfy the Advanced Writing requirement and the seminar requirement of the Advanced Writing Certificate program. Numerically graded. Enrollment limit of 15.

LAW 119 Torts 4 hrs

This course examines the principles underlying the law of civil wrongs to persons and property. Studying common law cases on liability for negligent conduct, students in this course explore principles of compensation, deterrence, and risk allocation. The course begins with a consideration of intentional torts and ends with an introduction to the concepts of liability for abnormally dangerous activities and defective products.

LAW 560 Torts II 3 hrs

Pre-requisite: Torts.

This course addresses selected topics in the law of civil liability that are not covered in depth in the first-year Torts course. Torts II addresses products liability, defamation, nuisance, damages, and business torts (including fraud, misrepresentation and interference with contractual relationships), and includes common defenses and immunities.

LAW 564 Trial Practice 3 hrs

Prerequisite or Corequisite: Evidence.

The course is designed to develop trial skills through the preparation and role-playing of various trial tasks using simulated cases and simulated trial situations. The class sessions consist of one hour of lecture and demonstration and two hours of small section meetings in which each student will practice a particular skill. Each performing student is given an intensive critique by a member of the faculty. After ten weeks of preparation on specific trial tasks, the students participate in both a bench trial and a jury trial. This course satisfies 3 credits of the Experiential Learning requirement. The course will also satisfy hours required for the Public Service Certificate. Graded S/U. Enrollment limit of 18 per section.

LAW 4006 White Collar Crime 1 hr

Prerequisite: Criminal Law.

Recommended: Business Associations, Criminal Procedure (Constitutional Dimensions).

This pop-up course addresses various schemes often classified as “White Collar” Crimes and discusses how and why these crimes are investigated and prosecuted. Although it touches on substantive federal criminal law, the course requires no prior knowledge of federal practice. The principal focus will be on federal prosecution of white-collar crimes, including trends in federal prosecution priorities, corporate and individual liability, the punishment of white-collar crimes relative to other types of federal crimes, and related topics. The class also will address corporate compliance programs, and may be of interest to future corporate lawyers, in addition to future criminal lawyers. Assignments will include a final project to be completed after in-person instruction has concluded.

LAW 254 Wills, Trusts & Estates 3 hrs

This course covers the basic concepts of the gratuitous transfer of wealth, including intestate succession; the general law of wills, including the formalities of execution, testamentary capacity, grounds for challenge, revocation, and revival; will substitutes, including gifts and joint tenancies; the general law of trusts, including creation, management, modification, and termination; health care planning; and miscellaneous issues concerning the administration of estates.

LAW 571 Workers’ Compensation 2 hrs

This course reviews the compensation systems for industrial injuries and occupational diseases. Assigned reading will be from the Georgia courts and workers’ compensation statute. No textbook is required. Emphasis will be on the practice of workers’ compensation law, including student participation in witness examination exercises and case strategy. The course will also look at the medical aspect of injuries when evaluating and preparing for litigation in this area. Assigned cases will be briefed in class as called on by the instructor. Numerically graded.

Previous Versions of Course Descriptions

LAW 673 Bar Preparation Course 2 hrs

The course will build on what students have learned about multistate bar subjects and test taking throughout law school. The focus will be on knowledge, skills, and attitudes that have been shown to be helpful in passing the multistate multiple choice exam (MBE) and essay exam. Included will be practice in writing bar essay exams using some of the six multistate topics, insights into how bar exam essays are graded, and practice on MBE type exams. The course is intended to supplement and not replace the commercial review courses. The course will be a one-unit course that is graded pass/fail, has no prerequisites, and has no enrollment limit. 3Ls only.

LAW 415 Client Counseling Competition (Eff. through SP2022) 1 hr

During the Spring Semester, Mercer Law students compete for the honor of representing the school in the National Client Counseling Competition sponsored by the American Bar Association. The students selected are given intensive training by one of our faculty members using the school’s video systems for observation and evaluation of counseling techniques. The team competes against other law schools regionally for the opportunity to compete for the national championship.

LAW 1027 Corporate Counsel Externship I (Part I) 2 hrs Eff. only Fall 2022

LAW 1028 Corporate Counsel Externship I (Part II) 1-2 hrs Eff. only Fall 2022

LAW 1029 Corporate Counsel Externship II 2-3 hrs Eff. only Fall 2022

This externship program would offer Externship I and II courses, consistent with the existing externship program. These courses combine a classroom component with students working in an in-house legal department under the guidance of an experienced supervising attorney. During the fall and spring semesters, students in Externship I will attend a two-hour weekly seminar (a combination of in-person and on-line classes) focused on in-house practice, which supplements the work experience with readings, discussion, written reflections, and practical skill assignments. The requirements for Externship II are similar, except that the class sessions meet one hour every other week instead of two hours weekly.

The courses are approved for either in-person or remote (distance) learning.

Credit Hours: 2 to 4 credits. For Externship I, a student can receive either 3 or 4 credits. For 3 credits, a student must complete fieldwork of at least 84 hours (about 6 hours per week); and for 4 credits, a student must complete fieldwork of at least 126 hours (about 9 hours per week). Students who have already taken Externship I can register for Externship II for either 2 or 3 credits. For 2 credits, at least 100 fieldwork hours are required; and for 3 credits, at least 140 fieldwork hours are required. Students will arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor. Due to the widespread adoption of remote working arrangements, we expect students to be able to complete much of the fieldwork remotely especially during the fall and spring semesters. In Externship I, the two credit hours for the classroom component (LAW 1027) will be numerically graded and the remaining credits for the fieldwork (LAW 1028) will be pass/fail. Externship II (LAW 1029) is entirely pass/fail. To receive credit, the student must not be paid for the fieldwork.

Corequisites/Prerequisites: Business Associations (prerequisite or corequisite) and satisfactory completion of all first-year courses.

Enrollment Cap: 12 students.

LAW 1027 Corporate Counsel Externship I 3-4 hrs Eff. Spring 2023

The course is approved for either in-person or synchronous, remote (distance) learning.

Credit Hours: 3 to 4 credits. For 3 credits, a student must complete fieldwork of at least 84 hours (about 6 hours per week); and for 4 credits, a student must complete fieldwork of at least 126 hours (about 9 hours per week). Students will arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor. Due to the widespread adoption of remote working arrangements, we expect students to be able to complete much of the fieldwork remotely especially during the fall and spring semesters. To receive credit, the student must not be paid for the fieldwork. Graded pass/fail.

Corequisites/Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all first-year courses.

Enrollment Cap: 20 students.

LAW 1029 Corporate Counsel Externship II 2-3 hrs Eff. Spring 2023

Students who have already taken Externship I can register for Externship II. The requirements for Externship II are similar to Externship I, except that the class sessions meet one hour every other week instead of two hours weekly for a seminar (a combination of in-person and synchronous, on-line classes). Students will arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor. Due to the widespread adoption of remote working arrangements, we expect students to be able to complete much of the fieldwork remotely especially during the fall and spring semesters. To receive credit, the student must not be paid for the fieldwork. Graded pass/fail.

The course is approved for either in-person or synchronous, remote (distance) learning.

Credit Hours: 2 to 3 credits. For 2 credits, at least 100 fieldwork hours are required; and for 3 credits, at least 140 fieldwork hours are required.

Corequisites/Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all first-year courses and Corporate Counsel Externship I.

Enrollment Cap: 20 students.

LAW 303 Disability Law (Eff. through SP2022) 3 hrs

Students in this course will explore legal issues affecting people with disabilities. The course will examine statutes, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, and the Fair Housing Act, and how those laws impact a number of practice areas, including civil rights, education, employment, entertainment, housing, insurance, transportation, and more. Students will be assessed throughout the semester based on short written assignments, one longer written assignment, and practical projects. The course will not have a final exam.

LAW 634 Externship I 3 – 4hrs Through Fall 2022

This course is designed to offer students practical work experience in public service offices while providing faculty supervision and guided reflection. In addition to field work, the course meets for two hours per week in a classroom. The course includes readings, reflective journals, and class discussion, all of which are designed to help students learn from their fieldwork experience. Throughout the course, students explore fundamental questions of meaning and purpose in living a life of service in the law. Students work in an approved non-profit public interest or governmental office; faculty for the course maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. Students must work in their field placement at least 86 hours for 3 hours of credit or at least 126 hours for 4 hours of credit. Students arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Enrollment is by application and permission of the faculty supervisor. Limit of 30 total students; and a limit of 15 students per section. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement.

LAW 634 Externship I 3 – 4hrs Eff. Spring 2023

This course is designed to offer students practical work experience in public service offices and in-house corporate offices while providing faculty supervision and guided reflection. In addition to field work, the course meets for two hours per week in a classroom. The course includes readings, reflective journals, and class discussion, all of which are designed to help students learn from their fieldwork experience. Throughout the course, students explore fundamental questions of meaning and purpose in living a life of service in the law. Students work in approved non-profit public interest offices, governmental offices, and legal departments of private, for-profit corporations; faculty for the course maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. Students must work in their field placement at least 86 hours for 3 hours of credit or at least 126 hours for 4 hours of credit. Students arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Enrollment is by application and permission of the faculty supervisor. Limit of 30 total students; and a limit of 15 students per section. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement.

LAW 635 Externship II 2 – 3 hrs Through Fall 2022

This course is open to students who have completed Externship I. As in Externship I, students must work in an approved non-profit public interest or governmental office. The Director of Experiential Education will maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. Students must work at least 100 hours for 2 hours of credit or at least 140 hours for 3 hours of credit. Students must arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Although there is not a weekly classroom component as in Externship I, students will attend meetings every two weeks with other students in the class and the teacher of the course. Enrollment is by application and permission of the Director of Experiential Education. Permission to enroll in Externship II will only be granted if the student will have significant learning opportunities in the field placement beyond those available in Externship I. Enrollment limit: 8. The course is graded S/U. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement.

LAW 635 Externship II 2 – 3 hrs Effective Spring 2023

This course is open to students who have completed Externship I. As in Externship I, students must work in approved non-profit public interest offices, governmental offices, and legal departments of private, for-profit corporations. The Director of Experiential Education will maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. Students must work at least 100 hours for 2 hours of credit or at least 140 hours for 3 hours of credit. Students must arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Although there is not a weekly classroom component as in Externship I, students will attend meetings every two weeks with other students in the class and the teacher of the course. Enrollment is by application and permission of the Director of Experiential Education. Permission to enroll in Externship II will only be granted if the student will have significant learning opportunities in the field placement beyond those available in Externship I. Enrollment limit: 8. The course is graded S/U. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement.

LAW 152 Legal Writing I 3 hrs (Through SP23)

Legal Writing I covers research strategy, forms of legal reasoning, professionalism, and predictive legal writing. The course teaches writing as a constructive process and requires completion of at least two major writing assignments and a final examination consistent with the goals of the course.

LAW 307 Military Law (Eff. through SP2022) 2 hrs

This course explores the constitutional framework and historical basis for American military law and contrasting examples from other nations. The course uses the construct “Law of War, Law of War Powers, and Law of the Warrior” to analyze questions facing political leaders, combat commanders, and soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. Military Law draws from first-year courses, America’s founding documents, and current events to build a working vocabulary of military law terms. Military Law is also a platform for developing legal presentation skills, as students select topics for research and presentation to the class. These presentations are a primary means of teaching and learning relevant material on the law of armed conflict. Previous topics have included such matters as prisoners of war, rules of engagement, the Geneva Conventions, suspension of habeas corpus and martial law, civilian casualties, insurrection, media coverage and classified material, robots and drones in combat, bars to military service, chain of command, courts martial, and many more. The course typically includes a field trip to Andersonville National Monument and POW Museum. Graded pass/fail.

LAW 548 Public Defender Externship (Through Fall 2023) 4 hrs

Students will assist in the defense of felony cases under the joint supervision of staff attorneys in local public defender offices and a professor responsible for the quality of the educational experience. The Clinic includes a mandatory seminar component. Students will be sworn in under the Supreme Court of Georgia Student Practice Rule and will be able to appear in court under the supervision of an attorney. Training will be provided by the staff attorneys in local offices, by professors at the law school, and by other experts as available. The Clinic will be offered in the fall and spring semesters and requires an average of fourteen hours of fieldwork per week, in addition to outside classroom preparation and reflective journaling. Enrollment is limited to 15 third-year students. Permission of the professor is required to enroll. S/U. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement.

LAW 1010 Semester in Practice I 1 – 12 hrs Through Fall 2022

This course is designed to offer students practical work experience in public service offices while providing faculty supervision and guided reflection. In addition to field work, the course meets for two hours per week in a classroom. The course includes readings, reflective journals, and class discussion, all of which are designed to help students learn from their fieldwork experience. Throughout the course, students explore fundamental questions of meaning and purpose in living a life of service in the law. Students work in an approved non-profit public interest or governmental office; faculty for the course maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. The amount of credit hours is allocated based upon the number of field work hours. Students arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Enrollment is by application and permission of the faculty supervisor. Limit of 30 total students; and a limit of 15 students per section. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. A minimum GPA of 83 is required to participate in this program. Formerly titled Externship I (Atlanta) prior to Spring 2021.

LAW 1009 Semester in Practice II 1 – 12 hrs Through Fall 2022

This course is designed to offer students practical work experience in public service offices while providing faculty supervision and guided reflection. In addition to field work, the class meets for one hour every other week in a classroom. The course includes readings, reflective journals, and class discussion, all of which are designed to help students learn from their fieldwork experience. Throughout the course, students explore fundamental questions of meaning and purpose in living a life of service in the law. Students work in an approved non-profit public interest or governmental office; faculty for the course maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. The amount of credit hours is allocated based upon the number of field work hours. Students arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Enrollment is by application and permission of the faculty supervisor. Limit of 30 total students; and a limit of 15 students per section. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. A minimum GPA of 83 is required to participate in this program. Formerly titled Externship II (Atlanta) prior to Spring 2021.

LAW 1010 Semester in Practice I 1 – 12 hrs Eff. only for Spring 2023

This course is designed to offer students practical work experience in public service offices and in-house corporate offices while providing faculty supervision and guided reflection. In addition to field work, the course meets for two hours per week in a classroom. The course includes readings, reflective journals, and class discussion, all of which are designed to help students learn from their fieldwork experience. Throughout the course, students explore fundamental questions of meaning and purpose in living a life of service in the law. Students work in approved non-profit public interest offices, governmental offices, and legal departments of private, for-profit corporations; faculty for the course maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. The amount of credit hours is allocated based upon the number of field work hours. Students arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Enrollment is by application and permission of the faculty supervisor. Limit of 30 total students; and a limit of 15 students per section. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. A minimum GPA of 83 is required to participate in this program. Formerly titled Externship I (Atlanta) prior to Spring 2021.

LAW 1009 Semester in Practice II 1 – 12 hrs Eff. only for Spring 2023

This course is designed to offer students practical work experience in public service offices and in-house corporate offices while providing faculty supervision and guided reflection. In addition to field work, the class meets for one hour every other week in a classroom. The course includes readings, reflective journals, and class discussion, all of which are designed to help students learn from their fieldwork experience. Throughout the course, students explore fundamental questions of meaning and purpose in living a life of service in the law. Students work in approved non-profit public interest offices, governmental offices, and legal departments of private, for-profit corporations; faculty for the course maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. The amount of credit hours is allocated based upon the number of field work hours. Students arrange a regular work schedule with their field supervisor and submit weekly time sheets and reflective journal entries to their faculty supervisor. Enrollment is by application and permission of the faculty supervisor. Limit of 30 total students; and a limit of 15 students per section. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement. A minimum GPA of 83 is required to participate in this program. Formerly titled Externship II (Atlanta) prior to Spring 2021.

LAW 602 Summer Externship 2 – 3 hrs Through Summer 2022

Students work in an approved public interest or governmental law office under the supervision of a practicing attorney and the general supervision of a faculty member. In addition to the work in the public interest law office, students are required to participate in two two-hour class sessions: the first takes place at the end of the Spring semester and prepares students for their field placement experience; the second takes place at the beginning of the Fall semester and gives students the opportunity to reflect on the experiences together. Students also participate in a web-based, faculty-led guided discussion board concerning issues common to all field placements. Students also turn in regular reflective journals and weekly timesheets to the faculty supervisor. Students must work at least 120 hours for 2 hours of credit or at least 180 hours for 3 hours of credit. Students may not earn more than 3 credit hours in one summer, but the course may be repeated for credit one time, for a maximum total credit over two summers of six hours. Enrollment is by application and permission of the faculty member in charge of the course. The public interest faculty will maintain a list of approved placements, but students may petition for a placement to be added. The course is graded S/U. This course provides required hours for the Experiential Learning requirement.