MVV109K Introduction to US Law

Faculty of Law
Spring 2013
Extent and Intensity
0/1. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Prof. Joseph Francis Vosicky (seminar tutor), doc. JUDr. Jiří Valdhans, Ph.D. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
doc. JUDr. Jiří Valdhans, Ph.D.
Department of International and European Law – Faculty of Law
Contact Person: Mgr. Věra Redrupová, B.A.
Supplier department: Department of International and European Law – Faculty of Law
Timetable of Seminar Groups
MVV109K/01: Mon 13. 5. 18:15–19:45 209, Tue 14. 5. 15:05–16:35 030, 18:15–19:45 208, Wed 15. 5. 16:40–18:10 133, 18:15–19:45 133, Thu 16. 5. 8:00–9:30 133, J. Vosicky
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/30, only registered: 0/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
  • Law (programme PrF, M-PPV)
Course objectives
This comprehensive course takes a flexible approach in including legal ethics and discussion of “stare decisis,” a significant element in the common law system, as well as introducing students to some important and more detailed aspects of legal process and litigation in the US.
Syllabus
  • Class #1 Personal Introduction • Communication (Written and Oral Argument) • Stare Decisis and Common Law System Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 130 S.Ct. 876 (2010) Erie R. Co. v. Tompkins, 304, U.S. 64, 58 S.Ct. 817 (1938)
  • Class #2 Litigation Process Toward Jury Trial Drafting Complaint, 735 ILCS 5/2-615 (Hovorka v. Central Federal) Marshall v. Burger King Corporation, 222 Ill.2d 422 (2006) Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 129 S.Ct. 1937 (2009) Notice Pleading (Federal) v. Fact Pleading (Illinois) Insurance Coverage Issues
  • Class #3 Pre-Trial Discovery Interrogatories (suggested; tailored), Ill. S.Ct. Rule 201 and 213 Riggs National Bank v. Cousin Marie Request to Produce Documents and Things, Ill. S.Ct. Rule 214 Depositions (Discovery; Evidence), Ill. S.Ct. Rule 212 Request to Admit Facts, Ill. S.Ct. Rule 216 Subpoenas – for Documents; for non-party Testimony Electronic Data Westbank v. Maurer, 276 Ill.App.3d 553 (2d Dist., 1995)
  • Class #4 Depositions – Examinations Before Trial Wide-Ranging, Relevant, but do not Invade Attorney-Client Privilege or Attorney’s Work Product, or use as Harassment Monier v. Chamberlain, 35 Ill.2d 351 (1966) Identify Weaknesses in Cases, Commit Party to Certain Set of Facts, Establish Background Facts and Any Inconsistencies, Criminal Past, Safety Manuals, other Witnesses, Prior Lawsuits, Prior or Subsequent Injuries, Extent of Damages (etc.)
  • Class #5 Jury Trial: Jury Selection (Voire Dire) Opening Statement Trial Testimony – According to Evidentiary Rules Closing Arguments Jury Instructions (Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions) Personal Juror Experience “Ensuring an Impartial Jury in the Age of Social Media” 11 Duke L. & Tech. Rev. 1 (2012)
  • Class #6 Students Conduct Depositions, Testimony, Oral Argument; Alternate Dispute Resolution; Arbitration; Mediation; Cost of Litigation
Literature
  • Study materials will be handed over to the students before and during the course.
Teaching methods
Lecture, discussion
Assessment methods
Students conduct Depositions, Testimony, Oral Argument; Alternate Dispute Resolution; Arbitration; Mediation; Cost of Litigation.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught only once.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2012, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2013, recent)
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