Course Descriptions V-Z

Course Credit Information

A – Usually offered during alternate years
CR/NC – Credit if course is passed; no credit if course is not passed
N – Not regularly offered
S – May be offered as a seminar
2-3 – Credit may vary between 2 and 3 credits
SK – Skills course
*New course

223. WILLS AND TRUSTS. 3
Examines execution, revocation, and revalidation of wills; descent of property; family protection statutes; probate; grounds of contest; creation, characteristics, and termination of trusts; rights of beneficiaries; and duties of the trustee. An overview of interpretation of will and trust provisions is provided, and will substitutes are briefly considered.

304. WOMEN AND THE LAW. 2
Seminar reviews how sex role understandings have affected various aspects of the law, including criminal law, employment, credit, and insurance discrimination, abortion and fetal protection, family law, and lesbian and gay rights. Standards of review for laws that discriminate on the basis of sex as opposed to other kinds of discrimination also are discussed, as is the issue of how women are treated in courts today with an eye toward students' future practice as lawyers.

244. WORKERS' COMPENSATION. 2
An examination of the system by which compensation is provided to those suffering workplace injuries. Course considers the employment relationship, the conditions of compensation, benefits provided, and the role of fault in workers' compensation programs. Consideration also is given to the availability of third-party actions and insurance issues.

506. WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS CLINIC 4-6.
Students  will  participate  in  the  representation  of  persons  who  have  been  convicted  of  crimes  and have  potential  claims  of  innocence. The WCC would  work  in  partnership  with  the  Midwest  Innocence  Project (MIP)  to  investigate  and  litigate  cases  in  state  post  conviction  proceedings  and  federal  habeas. The  course  emphasizes  teamwork  and  collaboration.  Students  typically  work  in  teams  of  two. Casework  includes  assisting  in  investigation,  writing  and  visiting  incarcerated  clients, researching  legal  issues,  and  writing  legal  pleadings.  Students  may  also  assist  counsel  during litigation.  
 
During  the  classroom  component  of  the  Clinic,  an  emphasis  will  be  placed  on  practical  skill development,  guest  speakers,  discussion  of  legal  topics  relevant  to  our  work,  and  student  case conferencing.