Intro to Law Syllabus

Introduction to Law - LPSC 1101

Fall 2012, Sep 6th through Dec 3rd

Monday & Thursday, 11:45 AM to 1:25 PM

Location: Snell Library, 033

Instructor: Frank Addivinola, Esq., MBA, LL.M.

Office location: 330 Holmes Hall

Office hours: M & Th 11:15-11:45 am & 1:25-1:55 pm (or by appointment)

E-mail: addivinola.f@neu.edu, info@fjalaw.com (add this email to your “contacts / whitelist”)

Course Description:

What is “law” and where does it come from? Law does not only exist in a courtroom and law is not only created by legislators. Law is all around us and is under constant transformation. This class will focus on the many different meanings of law and the role of law in modern life. In this course we will examine the functions of law in society from a constitutional, statutory, and judicial perspective, noting the role each of these has played in shaping the current legal framework in the U.S. This class introduces the relationship between law, societal organizations (both nongovernmental organizations and not-for-profit organizations), the private sector, and the separate branches of government (the judiciary, congressional, and executive branches).

Throughout the semester we will explore the role of the citizen within the legal system and the effects that laws can have on society. We will discuss issues such as affirmative action, free speech, and tort reform. In this course we will examine how useful the law is in resolving disputes, to what extent our legal system either reflects or promotes social inequality, and whether our courts are living up to their democratic ideals. During this course, students will have the opportunity to learn how to analyze judicial opinions, to prepare case briefs and an appellate memorandum, to observe an actual courtroom, and to present an oral argument before a panel of lawyers acting as judges.

 Academic Policy:

In this class you are expected to be familiar with and abide...