LAW - 501 Civil Procedure

(4 hrs.)

An introduction to the history of American legal institutions, with a consideration of the mechanics of civil litigation in contemporary state and federal court systems. The course also covers the mechanics of civil litigation and the process by which rights and duties studied in the substantive law courses are enforced. Topics may include court jurisdiction, venue, rules of pleading, discovery, joinder of claims and parties, pretrial and post-trial motions, appellate review, and the effects of former adjudication. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provide the focus.