School of Law, Polictics and Development
U.S. COMMON LAW
A Minor for Students of Law
A degree in Law is certainly your most immediate goal. It will provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need to be a successful attorney in Ecuador. However, because commerce between the Spanish-and the English-speaking worlds continues to grow, there is an increased demand for lawyers who not only know Ecuadorian law, but also U.S.Common Law. The lawyer of the future who understands the elements and basic concepts of Anglo-Saxon Common Law will have a competitive advantage. The lawyer who has studied systems of Common Law, in addition to Ecuadorian Law, will undoubtedly be the preferred choice of regional firms which do business with the United States, England, Australia, and Canada.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the minor in U.S.Common Law is to provide students with a basic understanding of legal systems of the English speaking world.
MINOR IN COMMON LAW
In order to satisfy requirements of the minor in Common Law, students need to pass the following courses:
Código/ Materia/Sistema UEES/ Sistema SNCC
DEM 102 Elements of law I 3/4.8
DER 202 Elements of law II 3/4.8
DER 303 Property Law 3/4.8
DER 306 Contract law 3/4.8
DER 307 Torts 3/4.8
DER 309 Evidence 3/4.8
DEM 302 Business Law 3/4.8
DEM 451 International Law 3/4.8
Students with more than 100 credits may waive DEM 102 or DER 202.
In order to enrol in courses of the Minor in U.S.Common Law , students well need to consult with the staff of the School of Law, Policy and Development, and the International Careers Program division of the International College.
Pre-requisites for the courses in Common Law include
LNG 097 English Structure (or satisfactory scores on the International Careers
LNG 098 English Fluency and Accuracy Program English Entrance Examination )
LNG 100 Principles of Writing
RECOMMENDED
ING 436 Legal English I (3 credits)
ING 437 Legal English II (3 credits)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
DEM 102 Elements of Law I , Full Year, 3 Credits, Prerequisite : None
An introduction of the elements and basic concepts of Anglo-Saxon Common Law. This course will focus on History of Common Law, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Torts, Contract and Property.
DER 202 Elements of Law II , Spring II, 3 Credits, Prerequisite: None
A combinations study of the basic American constitutional law an introduction to civil litigation. The course will cover some structural aspects of the Constitution as developed particularly in light of the passage of the Civil War Amendments as well as the process of civil litigation from commencement of an action through disposition on appeal. Studied in the context of federal procedural system with some state procedural topics discussed. Special focus on federalism and the ascertainment of applicable law, jurisdiction, process and venue.
DER 303 Property Law , Winter I, 3 Credits, Prerequisite: DEM 102 or DER 202
An investigation of the law's protection of ownership, including the beginnings of property, estates in land, concurrent ownership, landlord-tenant relations and public and private regulation of land use.
DER 306 Contract Law, Spring I, 3 Credits, Prerequisite: DEM 102 or DER 202
An introduction to the nature, functions and processes of exchange, contract and contract law. The course focuses on the predominate rules and principles governing contract and related obligation, including the substantive reasons underlying the rules and principles.
DER 307 Torts, Summer, 3 Credits, Prerequisite : DEM 102 or DER 202
An introduction to the principles of civil liability in the tort field: intentional wrongs, negligence, strict liability. Attention is also given to the processes by which tort disputes are handled in our legal system.
DER 309 Evidence , Winter, 3 Credits, Prerequisite: DEM 102 or DER 202, DER 303, 306 and 307
The capstone course of the Common Law Concentration. The course matter deals with the rules of evidence in civil cases with emphasis on relevance, hearsay, authentication, witnesses, and experts. The course focuses on the Federal Rules of Evidence, with some attention to how they diverge from the common law and state rules. Students final will culminate in a moot court experience will students will be expected to present a case using the rules of evidence in a mock trial in an adversarial setting.
DEM 302 Business Law, 3 Bimesters a Year, 3 Credits, Prerequisite: DEM 102
An introduction to the business corporation laws affecting the rights and roles of corporate boards of directors, officers and shareholders. Emphasis on agency law, closed corporation issues, partnership and role proprietorships will also be covered. The course also considers directors and officers fiduciary obligations to shareholders, examining the operation of these duties in a variety of settings and transactions. Issues relating to the role of corporations within society are also addressed.
DEM 451 International Law, 3 Bimesters a Year, 3 Credits, Prerequisite: DEM 102
An introduction to International Law focusing mainly on the topics of The Nature of International Law, Sources and Evidence of International Law, Nation States, The Law of Treaties, International Responsibility and Remedies, Human Rights, Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, The Use of Force, The Law of the Sea and International Economic Law and Organizations. Classroom discussion of current events in relation to international law is also of paramount importance.
