Course Descriptions C-D

Course Credit Information

A – Usually offered during alternate years
CR/NC – Credit if course is passed; no credit if course is not passed
N – Not regularly offered
S – May be offered as a seminar
2-3 – Credit may vary between 2 and 3 credits
SK – Skills course
DL - Distance learning
*New course

399. ISSUES IN CANNABIS LAW - HEMP, CBD & MARIJUANA. 1.
Between state initiatives related to levels of legalizing marijuana – recreational to medicinal -, the emerging CBD market, and the 
legalization of hemp production nationwide, cannabis in all of its various forms is impacting all states and all aspects of the law. 
The myriad web of state and federal treatment of all of the cannabis forms are becoming more important for lawyers to understand, no matter the practice area of law.  

This course will be a survey course that touches on three main forms of cannabis (hemp, CBD, and marijuana), providing information 
on the differences between the three of just some of the federal, state and local laws and regulations impacting this growing and unique 
industry. From the licensing and regulatory aspects to employment law, zoning, criminal law, issues of discrimination and racism, 
intellectual property, agricultural support programs, financing and business structure, students will have an appreciation for the 
39complexity of this increasingly relevant topic and complete a survey of some of the key legal and regulatory issues.

550.CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPEAN LEGAL SYSTEMS. 1.
Derek Wilson, Lecturer, the Faculty of Law at the University of Nantes. Solicitor, Scotland
Craig French, Legal Advisor, Scottish Government. Law Tutor, University of Glasgow. Solicitor, Scotland

In the first part of the course we will look at the major disruption being caused both to the United Kingdom and the European Union by the referendum in June 2016 for the UK to leave the European Union in 2019 (Brexit). We will examine the reasons for this populist vote, and the impact it is having on the hithertofore stable legal and constitutional system of the United Kingdom, and even the threat it poses to the continued unity of the Kingdom.

The second topic to be addressed is that of the legal systems of European countries, which have been subject to pressure to change and converge in the context of the European Union. In this course we will look at how certain issues are developing in the legal systems of Scotland (which is a mixed system, based partly on English law traditions, and partly on Continental law tradition) and France. For example, we will compare the written constitution of France with the largely non-written UK constitution, and will examine the further devolution of legislative power in Scotland in the light of the 2014 independence referendum; increasing legislative power in Wales; and the devolution of power to the Conseil Régionaux in France. We will also examine other topical questions in the various justice systems.

280D. CHILDREN AND THE LAW. 2-3
This course explores issues involving children's rights, constitutional limitations on parental rights, child abuse and neglect, placement issues, termination of parental rights, legal representation of children, evidentiary issues in juvenile court hearings, and juvenile delinquency. Meets virtually.

504. CHILDREN RIGHTS CLINIC I. 6 SK
The Children's Rights Clinic is a semester-long course in which students have the opportunity to engage in children’s rights advocacy, including direct representation of children in administrative, school disciplinary, and juvenile court proceedings. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will be responsible for all aspects of representing their clients, including interviewing and counseling clients, engaging in fact investigation, conducting legal research, negotiating with the opposing party, drafting litigation documents, and appearing in juvenile court or other adjudicative bodies.
Additionally, students will participate in a community education project or support an advocacy effort aimed at improving outcomes for children. Through case rounds, a mandatory weekly seminar, and their case and project work, clinic students learn to work collaboratively, practice self-regulated learning and self-reflection, synthesize facts and legal principles, and develop transferrable lawyering skills.

Prerequisites: Evidence (Law 113) and Ethics and Professional Responsibility (Law 114). Limited to students who are eligible to receive a student practice license in Iowa.

505. CHILDREN'S RIGHTS CLINIC II. 1-4 SK
Students who have successfully completed the Children's Rights Clinic I (LAW 504) may take this course with faculty permission to continue work in the Children’s Rights Clinic for an additional semester. The number of credits is to be determined by the student and the faculty supervisor.

Prerequisite: Children's Rights Clinic I (LAW 504) [Enrollment by permission only]

622. CHILDREN'S RIGHTS CENTER INTERNSHIP. 1-3 CR/F
Students in this course will work on a variety of projects for the Drake Middleton Center for Children's Rights. Projects could include research and writing on topics of juvenile law, production of educational materials, work on the center website materials, etc.

103. CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCESS OF LITIGATION. 4
Course focuses on the phases of a civil lawsuit, including pleading by the parties, joinder of parties and claims, discovery and preparation for trial, devices for resolving disputes without trial, burdens of proof, instructions, verdicts, and post-trial motions.

324. COMPARATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL LAW. 2-3 S
This seminar examines the constitutional systems of other nations, and compares them with constitutional law in the United States. It will focus predominantly on examining diverse approaches to judicial review and to rights questions. Students can satisfy the advanced writing requirement.

803. COMPARATIVE INTERNATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE. 3
*This course is for Master of Jurisprudince students only*
This three (3) credit course addresses foundational principles of administrative law in select international locations and compares them to American administrative law procedures. Students will take a comparative approach to the staples of administrative legal procedures as they exist in various jurisdictions. Students will look at decision-making procedures that guide commercial operations and learn research methods to identify key risks associated with operating abroad. Students will learn how to create, implement and maintain a dynamic compliance program that meets standards set by international treatises and sovereign governments. Throughout the online modules, students will apply lessons learned to real-world dilemmas encountered by organizations engaging in business abroad.

210. COMPLEX LITIGATION. 3
An advanced civil procedure course that examines the problems peculiar to complex civil litigation. Topics may include joinder, class actions, disposition of duplicative or related litigation, discovery in large cases, judicial management of complex cases, claim and issue preclusion in complex litigation, and alternatives to litigation.

399. A COMPARATIVE SURVEY OF US AND ENGLISH LAW. 1
This course will expose students to English law, using a comparative approach. Students will spend six days at Harlaxton Manor, near Grantham, England.  Classroom time will include lecture and discussion regarding various aspects of English law, seen through the experiences of the fictional owner of a U.S. business who is expanding operations into England. Lecture by a Drake Law School professor and a local judge will be supplemented by local English solicitors, barristers, and other government officials.

802G. THE LAW OF COMPLIANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT. 3
This course covers the various legal issues that are handled by compliance professionals, such as regulatory and statutory compliance, supervision and enforcement, avoiding illegal activity, identifying and dealing with wrongdoing and corruption, conducting internal investigations, information security and ethical considerations.  Topics include development of compliance processes and controls, the role of various compliance professionals in organizations, internal investigations and processes, and external examination, such as supervision and enforcement.

239. CONFLICT OF LAWS. 3
A study of the problems that inevitably arise in a multi-sovereign community. The course examines horizontal choice of law, the constitutional restraints imposed on choice of law and state court jurisdiction, and the recognition of sister state judgments.

321. CONSTITUTIONAL CONTROVERSIES. 2
This seminar will explore advanced topics in constitutional law and interpretation. The topics that will be explored include methods of constitutional interpretation, judicial review, federalism, separation of powers, executive power, equal protection, enumerated rights, unenumerated rights, congressional enforcement of constitutional rights, and the First Amendment.  This is a paper course and students may use the class to fulfill their writing requirement.  Regular attendance and active participation is expected.  Come to class ready to discuss the assigned material.

112. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW I. 3
An analysis of the U.S. Constitution as a structuring factor in American government, including the processes of the Supreme Court and other federal courts, the balance of powers within the federal government, the relationship between the federal government and the states, and an introduction to due process under the 14th Amendment as a federal control on state action.

115. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW II. 3
Course focuses on the protection of individual rights. The 14th Amendment's equal protection and due process clauses and the First Amendment's guarantees to freedom of expression, association, and religion receive intensive analysis. Congress' ability to create additional statutory protections pursuant to the post-Civil War amendments is also explored.

330. CONSTITUTIONAL LITIGATION. 2-3 A S
An analysis of the most frequently utilized federal civil rights statute—42 U.S. Section 1983—the procedural or remedial device through which a person may seek relief for the deprivation of federal constitutional rights. The course covers the crucial litigation and quasi-jurisdictional issues regularly encountered in constitutional litigation, including the 11th Amendment, qualified and absolute immunity, exhaustion, and the various remedies available to redress constitutional violations. The 42 U.S. Sections 1981, 1982, and 1985 may also be covered.

109. CONTRACTS. 4
In this two-course progression, students learn the basics of the law of contracts. The courses examine contract formation, enforceability, breach, damages, and alternative theories of recovery.

326. CONTRACT DRAFTING. 2-3 SK
This course engages students in the practical experience of drafting contacts in the context of client representation. The focus is on developing the knowledge and skills to translate client interests into comprehensive contract terms. Through classroom discussion and writing assignments, students develop and practice drafting and learn the concepts of clear expressive writing of contracts. Prerequisites: Contracts I and II (LAW 109 and 110) and Civil Procedure I and II (LAW 102 and 103).

227. COPYRIGHT LAW. 3
This course covers the basic principles and policies of copyright law, including what materials are protected, the substantive requirements for protection, the procedures for obtaining protection, rights conferred, and remedies for infringement. The course also examines the role of copyright within the larger context of intellectual property law and policy—both domestic and international.

562. COMPARATIVE CORPORATE LAW-FRANCE.1
This course introduces students to the legal problems presented by corporations and related business associations. These problems include inherent conflicts between managers and shareholders, and conflicts between the corporation as a profit-seeking enterprise and third-party stakeholders. The course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the American legal system’s response to these problems by examining and comparing foreign legal systems’ responses to similar problems. The course also provides an introduction to comparative law and the benefits lawyers derive from its study.

399. CRAFT BREWING, REGULATORY & LEGAL ISSUES.1 Special Topic
Regulatory & Legal Issues in Craft Brewing, is a one-credit course open to all upper level students. Craft beer is a booming business in Iowa and the United States, but the issues surrounding starting a new business in this area are far from simple. With breweries starting up in small towns and big cities, and many home brewers considering taking the next step, it is important that attorneys have an idea of the complex web of laws and regulations that these businesses should be aware of before opening the taps. This course will provide an overview of some of the federal, state, and local laws and regulations impacting this growing and unique industry.  Including areas of law such as licensing, and regulatory requirements, employment law, zoning, labeling and trademarks, financing and business structure, students will have an appreciation for the complexity of this seemingly simple industry and leave with a survey of some of the key legal and regulatory issues. The class will be taught on an alternative schedule over one weekend.

108. CRIMINAL LAW. 3
Course covers the substantive law of crimes and criminal responsibility—emphasizing criminal law theory and its application—against a background of procedural and enforcement problems.

502. CRIMINAL DEFENSE CLINIC. 6 CR/F SK
This program allows students to experience criminal law work. Students begin by representing clients through the arraignment process, then over the semester advance to representing clients in hearings, depositions, negotiations, and trials, including possible jury trials. As with other clinical programs, student attorneys have primary responsibility for their clients. In addition, students participate in weekly classes and case rounds. Limited to students who have completed three semesters or more of law school who are eligible to receive a student practice license.

236. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE INVESTIGATION. 3
A detailed exploration of criminal practice and procedure in its various phases, including search and seizure, arrest, bail, right to counsel, self incrimination, plea bargains, grand jury, exclusionary rules, and trial rights. Includes some discussion of current theories of administration of criminal law.

238. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ADJUDICATION. 3
Covers prosecution and adjudication, including bail and pretrial release, discovery by defendants and the government, grand jury presentations, dismissal of indictments, joinder and severance of defendants and charges, plea bargaining, right to trial by jury, withdrawal by or disqualification of counsel, and sentencing.

331. CURRENT ISSUES IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE. 2-3 S
This is an upper-level course that provides an overview of current issues facing the food, agriculture and biofuel industries.  The course will focus on both domestic and international issues, including litigation concerns, trade barriers, and developing/current policy issues.  These are the key concerns that practicing lawyers, in law firms and in the private sector, are dealing with as they look at current needs and long-term planning of their clients and employers.  They are also the same issues that those in the regulatory industry are dealing with on a daily basis.  We will look at these issues from the viewpoint of a practitioner, focusing on developing the skills required to deal with a series of substantive issues surrounding litigation and regulation within these industries.

634. DISABILITY RIGHTS IOWA. 2-3 CR/F
Students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of disability law projects at Disability Rights Iowa, with a focus on the legal rights of children with disabilities. Students will interview potential clients, assist with monitoring restraint and seclusion practices at juvenile facilities, and do legal research and writing in support of litigation at DRI.

279. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. 3
This course is designed to provide legal and social science perspectives on the issues lawyers are likely to face in domestic violence cases. Topics to be covered include research on the dynamics of abuse, cultural differences, and special populations; investigation, prosecution, defense strategies, and sentencing; civil protective orders and domestic violence shelters; and the federal Violence Against Women Act.