Curriculum & Course Descriptions
University of Honolulu School of Law
1609 Tully Road, Ste 4
Modesto CA 95350
Legal Analysis and Writing, 101, 102, 103, 104

This course, which is required for each year of instruction, consists of legal issue recognition, analysis and writing
techniques. The course enhances the student's ability to articulate and write concisely, and to structure appropriate
and clear written communication. The Legal Analysis and Writing course is to assist the student in acquiring experience
in writing practice law exams. Students will write exams similar to those given on the California Bar Examination as
outlined in the four year curriculum for each year of law study.


First Year Course Description

Introduction to Law (3)

This course is to familiarize the student with the study of law; to begin the development of certain basic skills such as
reading, analysis, and synthesis of legal decisions and interpretation of statutes; discuss fundamental aspects of the
legal process, e.g., how courts "make law," and the function of the courts with respect to statutory law.


Contracts (6)

This course covers the fundamental principles governing the formation, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of
contracts. In addition, special attention is given to the requirements of offer and acceptance, consideration, formal
requirements, public policy, and the problems of choosing a remedy in case of a breach. Some attention will also be
given to the Uniform Commercial Code.


Torts (6)

Liability for intentional and negligently caused injuries to person and property; strict liability; vicarious liability; ultra
hazardous activities; products liability; nuisance; invasion of privacy; defamation; defenses; and immunities; the impact
of insurance and risk distribution upon liability; accident compensation plans; damages; losses.


Criminal Law (3)

The basic concepts of substantive criminal law are presented. Crimes against persons, property, and public
administration are covered with special emphasis placed upon the law of homicide. Special attention is also paid to
criminality and statutory and common law defenses.


Second Year Course Description

Civil Procedure (6)

This course introduces the student to procedure in civil actions in the state and federal courts including venue,
jurisdiction, parties, pleading, discovery, and trial practice.


Evidence (6)

This course will explore the rules of evidence and their rationale, including relevancy, hearsay, impeachment, cross
examination, opinions and experts, documents and privileges.


Criminal Procedure (3)

This course will cover regulation of law enforcement conduct during the investigation of crimes, with special emphasis
on constitutional and statutory limitations; topics include search and seizure, confessions and incriminating statements,
electronic surveillance, entrapment, identification procedures, and remedies for improper police conduct.


Constitutional Law (6)

This course covers the general principles of federal constitutional law, including government authority and its
distribution under the constitution; the judicial function in constitutional cases; powers delegated to the national
government, and the reserved powers of the states in areas of federal authority; and intergovernmental relations;
rights, privileges, and immunities under the constitution; national citizenship; the contract clause; the federal constitution
and the amendments thereto.


Third Year Course Description

Real Property (6)

This course will focus on problems concerning the possession of land and chattels, with additional focus on the
bailments and other methods of acquiring title to real property, liens, pledges and fixtures, possessory and concurrent
estates, landlord and tenant problems. The course will also include historical introduction to real estate, including future
interests, real property covenants, conditions and restrictions, easements, land use planning and control.


Remedies (6)

This course will examine remedial and procedural problems arising from applications for specific relief, as opposed to
money damages. Special emphasis is placed on the injunctive'process, contempt power, the problems of interlocutory
relief, and relief in cases involving multiple jurisdictions.


Corporations (6)

This course will focus on the law and practice in the conduct of business in the corporate form. Additional focus will be
on the process of incorporation, control and management, duties of directors and controlling shareholders, close
corporations, and regulation under the federal securities law.


Wills (3)

This course covers the law of testate and intestate succession; construction and executing of attested, holographic,
and noncupative wills; testamentary capacity, fraud, and undue influence; revocation, repudiation; revival; incorporation
by reference, administration of decedents' limitations upon succession; probate and contest of wills; distribution and
settlement of estates.


Fourth Year Course Description

Trusts (3)

This course covers the creation of private and charitable trusts, duties of the trustee, lapsed legacies, widow's rights.

Community Property (3)

This course will cover the origin, development and operation of the community property system in California. It also
covers classification of property and problems in classification; control and management rights and creditors; additional
coverage includes transmutation, presumptions, commingling, tracing, vesting of rights, and disposition of property upon
the death of a spouse.


Legal Research and Writing (3)

This course is designed to acquaint students with the nature of legal research. Students will analyze judicial opinions;
apply legal concepts and rules; and learn correct legal citation and use of correct precedent. Special attention is given
to the mechanics of legal research, the techniques of writing memoranda and briefs.


Professional Responsibility (3)

This course will consider the nature of the legal professional and the Code of Professional Responsibility. It deals with
such things as conflicts of interest; confidences and secrets; advertising; solicitation; the contingent fee; and other
items contained in the Canons of Ethics.


Electives

Course Semester Hours

Family Law 4
International Law 4
Immigration Law 4
Labor Law 4
Bankruptcy 3
Administrative Law 3
Environmental Law 3
Entertainment Law 3
Juvenile Law 3
Workers' Compensation Law 3
Elective Course Description


Family Law (4)

This course considers law, policy, and consequences of illegitimacy, marriage, family relations, child custody, adoption,
and termination of marital status.


International Law (4)

The international legal system; territory; nationality; jurisdiction; claims; international agreements; force and war.

Immigration Law (3)

This course is designed to give the student an overview of U.S. immigration laws. Special emphasis is placed on the
practical aspects of immigration law, an examination of the substantive and procedural aspects of this practice, and an
historical analysis of the changes in our immigration laws and policies.


Labor Law (4)

This course will survey the labor relations law in the private sector. Development of legislative policy on unionism,
organization and representation of employees, union collective action, and collective bargaining.


Administrative Law (3)

This course will examine the purpose and functions of federal and state administrative agencies. Additional focus will
include an analysis of procedures and practices before such agencies, judicial review and control of agency use of
governmental power, and enforcement of agency decisions.


Bankruptcy (3)

This course will provide an overview of the theory and practice of bankruptcies, plans and reorganizations under the
Bankruptcy Code. The overview will also include history and philosophy of bankruptcy legislation, straight bankruptcy
proceedings, involuntary bankruptcy proceedings, dischargeability, partnership bankruptcies, and Chapters 7, 10, 11,
12 and 13.


Environmental Law (3)

This course focuses on the major laws and policies governing maintenance and restoration of environmental quality.
The course examines the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Water Act, state
programs and initiatives, and generic legal and administrative issues. Also covered includes administrative and judicial
decision making, legislative processes, and litigation techniques in the environmental area.


Entertainment Law (3)

This course will examine the legal and business problems of several entertainment industries, including motion picture,
television and music. Students also examine the interrelationships and complexities of the laws that govern these
enterprises.


Juvenile Law (3)

This course looks at the history and theory of the Juvenile Court system; its jurisdiction; investigation; detention and
hearing procedures; and constitutional rights of persons in the Juvenile Court. The role of the attorney is also included.


Workers' Compensation Law (3)

This course will analyze principles of workers' compensation legislation, including covered employees and accidents,
occupational diseases, social protection of employees, proving causation, independent causes after the accident, and
measures of compensation. Also examined are administrative acts, third party suits, and principles relating to conflicts
of law. Further analysis is given to financial security for aged and disabled workers, including social security and health
insurance.
Phone (209) 577-3161
uhlschool@sbcglobal.net