University of Pennsylvania
An Introduction to American Law
University of Pennsylvania

An Introduction to American Law

Theodore Ruger
Anita Allen
Shyam Balganesh

Instructors: Theodore Ruger

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197,825 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(4,951 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 11 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(4,951 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 11 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Assessments

7 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 8 modules in this course

What's included

3 readings

Tort law governs how people may sue each other civilly (as opposed to criminally) in order to receive compensation for harms or injuries other people caused them. In this module, Professor Allen will explore the goals of tort law through a historic case. She will address what makes tort law distinct and issues surrounding negligence and liability.

What's included

6 videos2 readings1 assignment

Contract law governs how promises between two individuals are enforced. Few areas of law impact our daily lives as much as contract law, and in this module you will gain a deeper understanding of what a contract is and what makes it enforceable. Professor Wilkinson-Ryan will address what constitutes a contract, why the law enforces them, the legal meanings of words in contracts, and the important requirement of consideration. Expectation damages, or the amount a court orders someone who breached a contract to pay will also be explored, all through hypothetical and real cases.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

Property law governs the relationship between individuals and things, known as property. In this module, Professor Balganesh will explore the differences between property and tort and contract law and about several specific examples of property law in action: adverse possession, landlord/tenant, and licenses. You will learn about what makes U.S. property law distinct - its origins in common law, imprint of legal realism, and pragmatism.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

The study of constitutional law is among the most exciting parts of the law because it provides for the structure and functioning of the U.S. government. In this module, Dean Ruger will address the document itself, how it has been applied over time, the history of the document, and what makes it unique. The structure of the U.S. government as a government of limited, separated powers will be explored along with the important individual rights the Constitution provides and how the U.S. Constitution compares to others around the world.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

In this module, Professor Morse will focus on the basics of criminal law, an area of law so exciting that countless TV shows and movies have been based on it. The major aspects of criminal law will be discussed - why we impose punishment, when we impose the most punishment, and how the state proves a criminal case. Defenses to criminal charges, which are divided into justifications and excuses will also be addressed.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

In this module, Professor Wolff will introduce us to some of the major issues in civil procedure law. Civil procedure is the study of the rules of court that must be followed by the judge and parties in civil cases (as opposed to criminal cases – criminal procedure is a whole other area of the law, but law students learn civil procedure first because it gives the structure of typical trials). The essence of a law school civil procedure course is the study of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. A copy of these is linked in the syllabus for you to scan. The rules tell you how to file a lawsuit and how the court must function while it is considering a lawsuit. Professor Wolff will introduce you to the doctrinal area of procedure and will highlight some of the major modern issues in procedure law.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

What's included

1 assignment

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (1,098 ratings)
Anita Allen
University of Pennsylvania
1 Course197,825 learners
Shyam Balganesh
University of Pennsylvania
2 Courses212,011 learners
Stephen Morse
University of Pennsylvania
1 Course197,825 learners

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