This course is designed to introduce international students in the Exchange and Advanced Degree Programs (LL.M. and SPILS) to the key principles of American law. The course provides an overview of distinctive features of the U.S. legal system, including its history and institutions. Topics include the role of precedent in the common law, distinctive elements of civil procedure and legal actions, the branches of the U.S. government and the separation of powers, federalism, due process, and equal protection. The course is offered before the start of the regular Law School quarter. Special Instructions: Required for LL.M. and SPILS but optional for Exchange Program students. Open to LL.M., SPILS and SLS Exchange Program students only. This course is taught on an accelerated basis over the course of three weeks between orientation and the beginning of the Fall Quarter classes. Class meets 9:LAW 30 a.m. to noon, from Monday, August LAW 31 through Wednesday, September LAW 16, with an in-class exam on Friday, September LAW 18. Elements used in grading: class attendance, participation, short written assignment, and final exam.
3 units · Law Mandatory P/R/F
This course is designed to introduce international students in the Exchange and Advanced Degree Programs (LL.M. and SPILS) to the key principles of American law. The course provides an overview of distinctive features of the U.S. legal system, including its history and institutions. Topics include the role of precedent in the common law, distinctive elements of civil procedure and legal actions, the branches of the U.S. government and the separation of powers, federalism, due process, and equal protection. The course is offered before the start of the regular Law School quarter. Special Instructions: Required for LL.M. and SPILS but optional for Exchange Program students. Open to LL.M., SPILS and SLS Exchange Program students only. This course is taught on an accelerated basis over the course of three weeks between orientation and the beginning of the Fall Quarter classes. Class meets 9:30 a.m. to noon, from Monday, August 31 through Wednesday, September 16, with an in-class exam on Friday, September 18. Elements used in grading: class attendance, participation, short written assignment, and final exam.
Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.