Back again.

Wow, that week break went by really fast. I'm back in class today, starting off my new semester with an enthralling federal income tax class. Yea. Here are my classes:

Constitutional Law -- Professor Fink

Content:  This course surveys the basic “structural” issues in constitutional law, including the separation of powers 

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.