An Introduction to American Law

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/american-law

Introduction

### Course Review: An Introduction to American Law on Coursera If you're curious about the intricacies of the American legal system, "An Introduction to American Law," hosted on Coursera, is a compelling and comprehensive choice. This course is designed for anyone interested in understanding the foundational elements of American law, regardless of their prior legal knowledge. #### Overview The course provides an enlightening overview of six vital areas of American law: Tort Law, Contract Law, Property Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Civil Procedure. Each module is expertly taught by distinguished professors who bring both academic rigor and real-world insight to their subjects. By the end of the course, you will gain a clearer understanding of how laws operate within society, the principles that govern legal practice, and the distinctive characteristics of American law. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Tort Law**: Professor Allen introduces tort law in a captivating way, exploring how individuals may seek compensation for harm through civil lawsuits. The module delves into historical cases, emphasizing concepts of negligence and liability—key aspects that shape our understanding of personal injury law. By the end of this module, students will appreciate how torts affect individuals and the legal dilemmas that arise. 2. **Contract Law**: Contract law is crucial to everyday interactions; this module, led by Professor Wilkinson-Ryan, demystifies contracts and their enforceability. Students will learn what constitutes a valid contract, the legal implications of contract terms, and the significance of 'consideration' in binding agreements. Real-world examples illustrate the importance of expectation damages in contract disputes, equipping students with practical understanding. 3. **Property Law**: In Professor Balganesh's engaging module, participants will explore the relationship between individuals and property. Drawing comparisons between property law and tort/contract law, the instruction covers various aspects, including adverse possession and landlord-tenant relationships. The unique attributes of U.S. property law, deeply rooted in common law traditions, will also be examined. 4. **Constitutional Law**: This module, hosted by Dean Ruger, is a deep dive into the U.S. Constitution—the cornerstone of American governance. Students will explore the historical context, the structure of government powers, and individual rights preserved by the Constitution. Additionally, comparisons with other nations' constitutions enhance a global perspective on governance and legal frameworks. 5. **Criminal Law**: Led by Professor Morse, this segment addresses the fundamentals of criminal law. From the rationale for punishment to the intricacies of proving criminal cases, students will gain insights into defenses available for criminal charges. This module’s design draws from popular culture, making the discussion of law both relatable and enjoyable. 6. **Civil Procedure**: Professor Wolff guides students through the rules governing civil court proceedings. Understanding civil procedure is critical, as it serves as the foundation for trial practices in civil cases. The module covers the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, providing students with a roadmap on how lawsuits are filed and managed. #### Final Thoughts "An Introduction to American Law" is not just about memorizing legal concepts; it is about thinking critically about how the law functions in society. The interactive nature of the course, coupled with its use of real-life examples and historical context, makes it an engaging learning experience. #### Recommendation I highly recommend this course for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of American law. Whether you're considering a career in law, wishing to enhance your knowledge for personal interest, or simply looking to engage in meaningful discussions about legal rights and responsibilities, this course will provide invaluable insights. Enroll in "An Introduction to American Law" on Coursera and equip yourself with an essential understanding of the legal principles that shape American society.

Syllabus

Welcome

Tort law governs how people may sue each other civilly (as opposed to criminally) in order to receive compensation for harms or injuries other people caused them. In this module, Professor Allen will explore the goals of tort law through a historic case. She will address what makes tort law distinct and issues surrounding negligence and liability.

Contract law governs how promises between two individuals are enforced. Few areas of law impact our daily lives as much as contract law, and in this module you will gain a deeper understanding of what a contract is and what makes it enforceable. Professor Wilkinson-Ryan will address what constitutes a contract, why the law enforces them, the legal meanings of words in contracts, and the important requirement of consideration. Expectation damages, or the amount a court orders someone who breached a contract to pay will also be explored, all through hypothetical and real cases.

Property law governs the relationship between individuals and things, known as property. In this module, Professor Balganesh will explore the differences between property and tort and contract law and about several specific examples of property law in action: adverse possession, landlord/tenant, and licenses. You will learn about what makes U.S. property law distinct - its origins in common law, imprint of legal realism, and pragmatism.

The study of constitutional law is among the most exciting parts of the law because it provides for the structure and functioning of the U.S. government. In this module, Dean Ruger will address the document itself, how it has been applied over time, the history of the document, and what makes it unique. The structure of the U.S. government as a government of limited, separated powers will be explored along with the important individual rights the Constitution provides and how the U.S. Constitution compares to others around the world.

In this module, Professor Morse will focus on the basics of criminal law, an area of law so exciting that countless TV shows and movies have been based on it. The major aspects of criminal law will be discussed - why we impose punishment, when we impose the most punishment, and how the state proves a criminal case. Defenses to criminal charges, which are divided into justifications and excuses will also be addressed.

In this module, Professor Wolff will introduce us to some of the major issues in civil procedure law. Civil procedure is the study of the rules of court that must be followed by the judge and parties in civil cases (as opposed to criminal cases – criminal procedure is a whole other area of the law, but law students learn civil procedure first because it gives the structure of typical trials). The essence of a law school civil procedure course is the study of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. A copy of these is linked in the syllabus for you to scan. The rules tell you how to file a lawsuit and how the court must function while it is considering a lawsuit. Professor Wolff will introduce you to the doctrinal area of procedure and will highlight some of the major modern issues in procedure law.