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 S
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.

522. ADVANCED WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS CLINIC. 4-6 SK
Students who have successfully completed the introductory semester of the Wrongful Convictions Clinic (LAW 506) may take this course with faculty permission to continue work in the Wrongful Convictions Clinic for an additional semester.

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. Corequisites: Evidence (Law 114) and Ethics and Professional Responsibility (LAW 113).

333. WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS LAW and POLICY. 3
Through classroom-based and project-based learning, students will be exposed to the substantive area of post-conviction and habeas law and learn to analyze the law and criminal justice policies as they affect the wrongfully convicted in Iowa. In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop lawyering and problem-solving skills in the areas of forensic science and expert witnesses, organizational representation and advocacy, legal research and writing, and policy and advocacy. Students will partner with the Wrongful Conviction Clinic and other Innocence Projects such as the Exoneration Project or the Midwest Innocence Project to identify and address challenges facing the wrongfully convicted innocence community and movement.