Introduction to American Law

Duration

24h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

François van der Mensbrugghe

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This introductory course to American Law is primarily aimed at students who intend to read law abroad in their future studies (as part of an Erasmus stay or in a post-graduate programme). Other students with a keen interest in the subject are also welcome to attend. The course spans key areas of American Law (Constitutional Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Civil Procedure). In terms of substance, particular emphasis is placed on the meaning of judicial precedent and common law reasoning. With a view to understanding recent constitutional developments in the United States, the course highlights the role of the United States Supreme Court, the delicate quest for a balance of power between the Federal government and the States, as well as recent cases delivered by the Supreme Court concerning individual rights.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1). present the fundamental rules, concepts, and trends of major areas of American Law (Constitutional Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Civil Procedure);
2). analyze precedent-setting court cases and summarize areas of contemporary American legal debate (jurisdictional problems, reproductive rights, privacy, ...);
3). develop informed judgment about the strenghts and weaknesses of American Law so as to convey this into reasoned advice to possible future clients.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

This course is devoted to the American legal system. Students are requested to have a comfortable command of the English language (B2 level). As such, this is not a "English legal terminology" course. The entire course, supporting material, and the exam are given in English, without any French translations.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course unfolds in weekly two-hour lectures. Lectures are given with the aid of a Powerpoint presentation, available online prior to the actual giving of the lectures.

Following the method of teaching given in Anglo-American law schools, students are kindly requested to read cases in advance.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Given in lectures, the course will unfold during the first semester, on Tuesday mornings, from 11:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m.

All classes will be given in person.

Classes take place at the Law Faculty (Sart-Tilman, building B-31), in "Séminaire 1". The first class will be given on Tuesday 23 September 2025.

The first class will begin with a short introduction, presenting the entire course.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

The course is primarily based on the following legal textbook: Gerald Paul McAlinn, Dan Rosen, and John P. Stern, An Introduction to American Law, Second Edition (Durham, North Carolina: Carolina Academic Press, 2010). Students may consult the book at the law library or purchase it through personal means.
Another reference book is: Erwin Chemerinsky, We the People: A Progressive Reading of the Constitution for the 21st Century (New York: Macmillan USA, 2018).
In addition, the course is based on extensive usage of a Powerpoint presentation, available on the website of the University ("myULg") at the start of the semester. A case-book is in the making.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam AND oral exam


Further information:

The form of the exam is primarily a written examination - in English.

The exam will consist of:

• four short questions;
• one case brief of a judgment seen in class
• one case brief of an unseen judgment.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Courses are given on Tuesdays, from 11:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m., starting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 (Sart-Tilman, building B-31, in "Séminaire 6").

Students are highly encouraged to participate throughout the classes.

Contacts

fvdmensbrugghe@uliege.be

Professor van der Mensbrugghe occupies shared office space at the Law School (the door next to "Séminaire 1")). Due to his infrequent time there, students are kindly requested to contact him by e-mail.

Association of one or more MOOCs

Items online