between the legislature, executive, and judicial branches of government. We will focus in particular on the role of the
Supreme Court and lower federal courts in defining the distribution of power among these branches of government.
Federal Income Tax -- Professor Schwidetzky
Content: This course examines Federal Income Taxation of the individual. It includes the basic principles of the federal
income tax, including the concepts of gross income, exclusions, deductions, capital gains and losses, gains and losses
from trade or business property, like kind exchanges, and the alternative minimum tax. Tax concepts and theory as well
as practical application are covered.
Trusts & Estates -- Professor Schwidetzky
Content: This course examines the gratuitous disposition of property, including transfers under (1) intestate statutes; (2)
wills, including the formalities of execution, testamentary capacity, undue influence, and fraud; (3) will substitutes, such
as gifts and joint tenancies; (4) trusts, including methods of creation and termination, rights and interests of beneficiaries,
and special problems relating to resulting, constructive, and charitable trusts. In addition, the course will examine the
growing body of law relating to the termination of medical treatment and health care powers of attorney.
Pretrial Practice -- Judge Stiven
Content: A practical course designed to familiarize students with three aspects of pre-trial practice: discovery; motion
practice; and trial preparation. The course will be a combination of lecture, discussion/case analysis and practical
exercises. Students will be given the opportunity to write discovery requests and responses, take a deposition and prepare
and argue pre-trial motions. The course will emphasize developing both written and oral advocacy skills as well as
practical application of those skills to actual litigation practice. There will, of course, be focus on the applicable statutes
and rules governing discovery and motion practice, with an emphasis on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Written
work, classroom participation and performance in exercises will all be considered in grading. There will be no final
exam.
STEPPS -- Ryan Williams Esq.
Content: The STEPPS course (Skills Training for Ethical and Preventive Practice and career Satisfaction) integrates the study of
Professional Responsibility, Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Lawyering Skills, and Problem Solving/Preventive
Law. As the title of the course suggests, it also examines issues of career satisfaction.
