Latin American Legal and Judicial Systems

1 unit

Drop Deadline, Sunday, Jan. 21, 9:00 pm. This course will meet Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1. This course provides an overview of Latin American legal and judicial systems, training students to become globally oriented attorneys, prepared to represent clients and join international firms interacting with Latin American countries, and particularly accomplishing the following objectives: 1. Understand the Civil legal system based on codifications. 2. Gain a basic understanding of the constitutional structures of Latin American countries. 3. Learn and practice application of codes to cases. 4. Analyze court systems lacking Stare Decisis. 5. Understand the sources of law in Latin American growing economies. 6. Prepare themselves to master contract negotiation, drafting, and interpretation with Latin American parties involved. 7. Be able to comprehend litigation strategies suggested by local attorneys when directing or dealing with local Latin American attorneys or clients. 8. Train students to make legal decisions regarding transnational transactions, with enough arguments and information to seek for the best strategies, including but not limited to applicable law and jurisdiction. 9. Develop ability to interpret statutory provisions, recognizing legal hierarchy in Latin American countries. Attendance and Class Participation: Students are expected to be prepared for class. Readings will be assigned with enough anticipation. Computer and Phone Use: Laptop computers are permitted in class strictly for academic purposes related to the course. You may not use your phones during our class for any reason. Students who violate the computer or phone use policy may have their semester grades lowered. Exam and Course Grade: Grade will be determined by class participation and a final essay. The class will be graded on a modified pass/fail basis: HP (3.94), P, LP (2.98), F (2.50). 1 unit.