MVV351K Introduction to the United States Legal System

Faculty of Law
Autumn 2022
Extent and Intensity
0/1/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Kristi L. Gray, JD (seminar tutor), prof. JUDr. Ing. Michal Radvan, Ph.D. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. Ing. Michal Radvan, Ph.D.
Faculty of Law
Contact Person: Mgr. Věra Redrupová, B.A.
Supplier department: Faculty of Law
Timetable of Seminar Groups
MVV351K/01: Mon 7. 11. 14:00–15:40 041, Tue 8. 11. 16:00–17:40 041, Wed 9. 11. 16:00–17:40 041, Thu 10. 11. 16:00–17:40 041, Mon 14. 11. 12:00–13:40 041, 14:00–15:40 041, Tue 15. 11. 10:00–11:40 041, Wed 16. 11. 16:00–17:40 041
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 29/30, only registered: 1/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 78 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This course will provide an overview of the structure of the United States Legal System, including civil and criminal matters in state and federal courts. This course will also include discussions of current events that are affecting the processes of the United States Legal System.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Understand the basic structure of the United States Legal System, including civil and criminal law and procedure.
2. Analyze fact patterns and explain how Constitutional rights might apply.
3. Discuss the unique aspects of jury trials.
4. Discuss the impact of current societal issues on the United States Legal System, such as tort reform and equality in the criminal justice system.
Syllabus
  • 1. AN OVERVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES LEGAL SYSTEM: A discussion of the three branches of government and how they relate to the existing legal system; State and federal legal systems and the jurisdictional issues of these respective systems; How the United States Constitution is a basis for the creation of existing laws and procedures within the court system; A discussion of the judicial branch and current issues and events, such as judicial independence.
  • 2. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS: A discussion of the rights created by the United States Constitution; Due Process; How rights under the United States Constitution are applied in state courts and additional protections afforded by state constitutions; A discussion of constitutional interpretation as it relates to current issues and events, such as 2nd Amendment and gun ownership rights.
  • 3. CIVIL LITIGATION: The rules governing Civil Procedure, including the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and state Rules of Civil Procedure; How civil cases are initiated; State and federal jurisdictional issues in civil litigation; The discovery process in civil cases; Civil jury trials; Alternatives to litigation, such as arbitration and mediation.
  • 4.TORT LAW: Overview of tort law and its purpose; The standard of reasonable care; Types of damages that can be awarded in tort litigation; Contributory negligence; Product liability and when manufacturers can be held responsible for injuries caused by its products; A discussion of how tort litigation and liability concerns shape the conduct of individuals and institutions, including an examination of the effects of several highly publicized tort cases.
  • 5. CONTRACT LAW: A discussion of what types of agreements constitute contracts and are therefore legally binding; The Statute of Frauds and requirements for some contracts to be in writing; Legal remedies for breach of contract; Unenforceable contracts.
  • 6. PROPERTY LAW: Ownership rights in distinct types of property, including real property, personal property and intangibles; Restrictions on use of property, such as zoning laws, deed restrictions and nuisance disputes; Succession of property after the owner’s death; How contract law relates to property ownership, as in mortgages and leases; Eminent domain; A discussion of current issues and events, such as the moratorium on evictions during the pandemic.
  • 7. CRIMINAL LAW: State and federal criminal statutes and jurisdictional issues related to certain types of criminal offenses; Culpable mental states in criminal offenses; Self-defense and other justifications; Mental health defenses.
  • 8. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: An overview of the criminal court process from the filing of charges to conclusion of the case; Constitutional rights of criminal defendants; Pretrial proceedings and litigation; Jury trial process; Appellate process and post-conviction proceedings; The death penalty; A discussion of current issues and events, including criminal justice reform and bail.
Literature
  • Law 101; Everything you Need to Know About American Law, Fifth Edition. Jay M. Feinman. NOTE: The teacher will use this book for her presentations, but students will not be required to read the text.
Teaching methods
Lecture and discussion
Assessment methods
A written exam during the final session that will consist of multiple choice, true/false and short-answer questions.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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