Reading Judicial Opinions
Learn how to read judicial opinions with an eye on the relationship between a case’s procedural posture and its substantive outcome.
Rules and Standards
Understand the distinction between bright line “rules” and more general “standards” like reasonableness.
Roles
Have a greater understanding of the relative roles of jury, trial court and appellate court, particularly including the distinction between questions of law and fact and the concept of a standard of review.
Common Legal Arguments
Recognize common legal arguments such as efficiency, fairness, distributional, precedent, slippery slope, problematic incentives, etc.
Differences
Understand the difference between the common law, statutes, and constitutional law.
Counter-arguments
Develop greater ability to offer counter-arguments and dissect claims and assertions regarding a particular law or policy.
Basic Understanding
Gain a basic understanding of the law of torts (personal injury), including the basic elements of, and defenses to, intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability.
Critical Thinking
Be able to think critically about competing approaches to compensating persons who suffer injuries in our society.
