PRLG 225

This course examines sample cases and follows them through the litigation process, where the strengths and weaknesses of the legal system will be identified. Alternative forms of process are examined and their utility assessed. The trial process is illustrated in a mock trial to demonstrate how courts reach decisions and to illustrate the form of reasoning used by judges and juries. Other related topics include the process of Discovery and its rationale, the trial process and the roles of the various actors within it, and the forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and their respective rationale and structures. Structured negotiation, arbitration, and mediation are examined, using current examples of functioning systems. General trends regarding the utility and efficacy of the various forms of civil and criminal law ADR and litigation are also discussed. -- Prerequisite -- PRLG 200 -- Corequisite -- None. -- Pre or Corequisite -- None. Section information text: This section is not available to all students. Department approval required prior to registration.