The Program The Curriculum Georgetown Law Center Campus & Campus Living Program Dates, Tuition, & Housing Summer 2008 Schedule U.S. Legal Writing Program for International Lawyers Wire Transfer Information Travel from area airports Pre-arrival Information Local Hotel Information Obtaining a Cell Phone Health Care and Health Insurance Gewirz Student Center Opening a Bank Account Joining ZipCar (short-term car rental program)

The Curriculum

Common Law:

 The common law tradition is fundamental to American law. Many of our students come from a civil law system and must adapt to learning law through the concentrated study of judicial opinions-the "case law" method of legal education. This course will teach common law development and the judicial process through a study of traditional law school subjects, including property and contract law.

Constitutional Law and the Federal System:

 The U.S. Constitution, the oldest written constitution in the world, dominates both our legal heritage and our everyday life. The American governmental structure is complex, with power shared between the federal and 50 state governments, and among the judicial, legislative and executive branches of government. An understanding of constitutional history, civil rights, and the division of powers is basic to an understanding of law in America.

Law School Experience:

 The foreign lawyer must become comfortable in the American law school setting where faculty members use the Socratic method of discussion with students rather than lecturing to the class. Foundations helps students learn American legal terminology and refine their English language skills. There are class sessions on case briefing and exam preparation. Teaching assistants work in cooperation with full-time faculty members to help students strengthen their understanding of American law and the law school.

U.S. Legal Discourse:

 Success in law school and law practice requires mastery of legal research, writing and analysis. This course introduces students to the resources and methods of research and the analysis necessary for a well-written legal document. Students learn how to use the law library and receive an introduction to computer-assisted legal research.

Revised June 30, 2008 (mbj)