School of Law - Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree
The School of Law offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree as well as joint degree programs (see below). The J.D. degree requires successful completion of 88 credit hours.
The first-year program for the J.D. degree consists mainly of the required basic courses. In addition, in the spring semester students select a 3-credit elective course; the menu of first-year "perspectives" courses varies from year to year.
LAWS 123, Contracts (5)
LAWS 131, Criminal Law (3)
LAWS 132, Torts (4)
LAWS 151, Research, Analysis, and Writing I*
LAWS 103, Constitutional Law I (4)
LAWS 104, Civil Procedure (4)
LAWS 144, Property (4)
LAWS 152, Research, Analysis, and Writing II*
*LAWS 151 and LAWS 152 together represent 3 credits.
In the second year every student must take LAWS 375, Professional Responsibility (3). Otherwise, the curriculum is elective after the first year. As a requirement for graduation, every student must complete a substantial research paper.
For complete information about joint degree programs, consult the law school's Student Handbook (available from the registrar).
A joint degree program between the School of Law and the Weatherhead School of Management allows students to earn two degrees in four years. Students spend the first year in one school and the second year in the other. Once the required courses are behind them, they spend the third and fourth years taking electives at both schools. Five areas of law-management specialization have been approved by the two schools: international business, health systems management, corporate finance, banking and investment, and labor and industrial relations.
Together the School of Law and the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences offer a four-year program in law and social work. Students take the basic required courses in both schools and then have considerable flexibility in pursuing their particular interests and preparing themselves for different careers. Besides their time in the classroom, students gain practical experience in internships.
A 4-year program combining the J.D. degree with a master's degree in nonprofit organizations is offered in cooperation with the university's Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations. Housed in the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, which has long been noted as a training ground for administrators of nonprofits, the center is cosponsored by MSASS, the School of Law, and the Weatherhead School of Management.
J.D/M.A. (Legal History)
Enrolling in both the law school and the School of Graduate Studies, a student can study law and legal history and earn the two degrees in seven regular semesters or six semesters plus two summers.
Students in the School of Law may take up to nine hours of courses in the other graduate and professional schools of Case Western Reserve University and have such courses counted for credit toward the J.D. degree.
The LL.M. in U.S. legal studies is designed for graduates of foreign law schools who wish to spend an intensive year immersed in American legal education. LL.M. candidates take most courses with American J.D. candidates and have biweekly seminars with American lawyers. Degree requirements include 24 course credits (including LAWS 570) and satisfactory completion of a research paper comparing an aspect of U.S. law with the law in the student's home country. Each student's courses will be determined by the program director in consultation with the student and will be based on the student's prior legal education and interests. After completion of the degree requirements students may elect to spend a summer internship with a law firm or corporate legal department in the United States. Further information and admission materials may be requested from Professor Lewis R. Katz, Director of the LL.M. in U.S. Legal Studies.
The School of Law offers the LL.M. degree in taxation to qualified candidates who hold the J.D. degree. Candidates for the LL.M. must complete 24 credit hours at the 600 level (see list of courses below); the selection of courses will depend on the candidate's prior legal education and experience. Students may complete the LL.M. in one academic year or may enroll part time: the schedule of courses accommodates persons regularly employed. Classes are also open to qualified persons (such as accountants) who do not hold the J.D. degree and thus cannot be candidates for the LL.M. Further information and admission materials may be requested from Professor Thomas I. Hausman, Administrative Director of the LL.M. in Taxation.
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