Federal Pretrial Litigation
This is an introductory course in the litigation process. Students will represent plaintiff or defendant in a simulated public interest case set in a federal district court that raises complex issues of federal civil procedure, privacy, and first amendment law. Students will plan litigation strategy, draft pleadings, conduct discovery, write short briefs, and orally argue major motions for dismissal, class action certification, and preliminary injunctive relief. While developing students' written and oral advocacy skills, the course also focuses on substantive issues of civil procedure and constitutional law. Special Instructions: First day attendance is required. Missing the first day will cause you to be dropped from the class and the waitlist. Students will be required to participate in a small number of meetings outside the regular class hours to be arranged at a convenient time.