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University of Calgary Calendar 2022-2023 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION Course Descriptions L Law LAW
Law LAW

For more information on course descriptions, consult the Faculty of Law’s website at law.ucalgary.ca.

First Year Curriculum

All courses are compulsory.

Law 400       Constitutional Law
The basic elements of Canadian constitutional law. The nature of constitutions and constitutional processes; principles of constitutional interpretation; constitutional amendment; Federal-Provincial distribution of legislative powers including the federal general power, natural resources and public property, provincial property and civil rights, trade and commerce, provincial taxation, transportation, communications, and criminal law; the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms including principles of limitation, remedies, interpretation, application, fundamental freedoms, democratic and language rights, mobility rights, legal rights, equality rights, and aboriginal people's rights.
Course Hours:
5 units; (3-0)
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Law 402       Contracts
A legal and policy analysis of the basic principles and fundamental concepts of the law of contracts as they relate to commercial and consumer transactions. The formation of contracts including offer and acceptance, and consideration; estoppel; privity; terms of contract, including exemption clauses; standard form contracts; bailment; mistake, misrepresentation and unconscionability; termination, including the doctrine of frustration; breach and remedies for breach; dispute resolution processes. Emphasis is placed not only on a knowledge of rules and principles, their historical derivation, rationale, efficacy and social validity, but also upon their creative use to both avoid and resolve disputes.
Course Hours:
5 units; (3-0)
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Law 403       Legislation
The fundamentals of the legislative process: policy development, legislative drafting, public bill processes, statutory interpretation. The interaction of law and policy in the development of legislation and statutory interpretation. Substantive law connections are made with other first year courses. The functions of the lawyer within these processes are examined, including issues of professional responsibility. The course is taught through performance-based learning methods with emphasis on drafting.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 404       Property
An examination of the fundamental concepts of property law and the types of property interests recognized by Anglo-Canadian law. The historical evolution of property concepts; the basic concepts of possession, ownership and title; estates and other interests in land such as joint and concurrent ownership, easements, covenants, licences, mortgages, future interests and perpetuities; the landlord and tenant relationship; the land titles system of registration of title to land; the social constraints upon property use and disposition; and property rights of aboriginal peoples.
Course Hours:
5 units; (3-0)
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Law 406       Torts
An analysis and critique of the law of torts, primarily the law of negligence, with personal injury as the main focus, although other torts will also be introduced. The nature of tort law and its process; an anatomy of the law of negligence - the nature and extent of liability, defences, remedies, and the assessment of damages; intentional torts; economic torts; strict liability; bailment; the impact of private insurance on the tort system; alternative forms of compensation.
Course Hours:
5 units; (3-0)
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Law 407       Foundations in Law and Justice I
An introduction to: legal methods, systems and institutions; sources of law; legal and judicial reasoning; legal analysis, including case analysis and problem-solving skills; critical perspectives on the law, including legal theory and history; the role of the lawyer in system(s) of laws; access to justice. The course is taught on an intensive basis in the first three weeks of law school to provide students with foundational analytical and critical skills for the subsequent curriculum, and using performance-based learning methods.
Course Hours:
4 units; (3-0)
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 408       Foundations in Law and Justice II
The fundamentals of legal research, writing, communication and advocacy, including: developing research strategies; identification and assessment of legal and non-legal information appropriate to a legal problem or issue; drafting of memorandum and/or facta; oral advocacy, including mooting; legal communication, including client interviewing and counselling. This course is taught on an intensive basis in the first three weeks of Winter Term using performance-based learning methods.
Course Hours:
4 units; (3-0)
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 410       Crime: Law and Procedure
An anatomy of criminal conduct and the law's treatment of it utilizing a limited range of criminal offences. The designation of human conduct as criminal and a consideration of the social, cultural and political forces involved; the development of the criminal process in English common law, its translation to Canada and embodiment in the Criminal Code; the substantive elements of a criminal offence including both the physical and mental elements; the common law and code defences; procedural, tactical, ethical and evidential problems associated with criminal prosecution at both the pre-trial and trial stages; the sentencing process; the position at law of the victim.
Course Hours:
5 units; (3-0)
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Law 420       Foundations of Canadian Law
An introduction to: legal methods, systems and institutions; sources of law; legal and judicial reasoning; legal analysis, including case analysis and problem-solving skills; critical perspectives on the law, including legal theory, history, and Indigenous perspectives; the role of the lawyer in system(s) of laws; access to justice. The course provides students with foundational analytical and critical legal skills, and uses performance-based learning methods.
Course Hours:
4 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Admission to the Foreign Trained Lawyers Program post-bachelor’s certificate.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 430       Professional Development
Development of professional skills and competencies to facilitate integration into the Canadian legal profession. The course includes performance-based learning and assessment in relation to professional legal oral and written communication, marketing, advocacy, interviewing, client development and practice management. The course also examines the structure and organization of the Canadian legal profession, with a view to preparing students for entry into the Canadian legal services market.
Course Hours:
4 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Admission to the Foreign Trained Lawyers Program post-bachelor’s certificate.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Second and Third Year Curricula

Full-time students must take a minimum of 31 units to a maximum of 36 in each of their second and third years, including a minimum of 12 units to a maximum of 18 per session.

500-Level Courses
Law 503       Administrative Law
This course introduces students to the general structure of administrative decision-making in Canada: how public administrators obtain power and how that power is exercised both at the level of individual adjudication and at the level of the establishment of public policy. It also introduces students to the checks which courts place on the exercise of administrative power. The course discusses the procedures that courts require of administrative agencies and public officials as well as the substantive grounds on which courts may review the decisions of administrative agencies and public officials.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 505       Civil Procedure
A detailed examination of issues which arise in the progress of a civil action from first meeting the client through to judgment in the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench. The Alberta Rules of Court are set in the context of the values underlying them. What sort of civil litigation system do we want? What sort of system do we in fact have? Particular attention if paid to the linkages between the apparently discrete components of the process as set out in the Rules, linkages at the levels of both the underlying values and of actual practice. The use of procedures under the Rules to anticipate and resolve evidence problems that might arise at trial is stressed. Interprovincial and international aspect of the civil litigation process are also considered.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 507       Evidence
An examination of the fundamental concept of evidence law, including the traditional rules as compared to the emerging principled approach, and such core and primary topics as: the adversary system; relevance and discretionary exclusion; privilege; burdens of proof; character evidence; judicial notice; competence and compellability; examination of witnesses; hearsay; opinion evidence.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 508       Negotiation
Instruction in dispute resolution theory and practice with a focus on negotiation, mediation and topics such as collaborative law and judicial dispute resolution, and application of those processes to a substantive area of law. Taught in a three week intensive format through performance-based learning methods. Evaluation will include a mock negotiation and written exercises such as the preparation of a client-advising memo in the substantive area.
Course Hours:
4 units; (3-0)
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 509       Business Associations
The common forms of business organization, including the law of agency, partnerships, limited partnerships, and societies and corporations, with a focus on the corporation and the rights and responsibilities of shareholders and directors. Topics will include fiduciary relationships in a commercial context.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 510       Ethical Lawyering
An introduction to issues of legal ethics and professional responsibility. Students should become competent at ethical reasoning in the context of legal practice. To achieve this goal the course covers selected topic in the "law of lawyering" (e.g. the Law Society of Alberta's Code of Professional Conduct) but also address the general question of what it means to be an ethical lawyer. Students are expected to develop their awareness of the various moral values underlying the legal system, and to practice how to weigh and apply those values, and the law of lawyering, to ethical problems. The course also covers selected topics relating to the regulation of lawyers' ethics.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 511       Criminal Process
A survey and critical examination of core aspects of criminal process law. A focus on legislation relating to jurisdiction and modes of trial including obligations of and options available to prosecution and accused. Other topics include arrest, search and seizure, investigative detention, and right to counsel and silence, all within the context of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 515       Family Law
An analysis of the legal principles affecting the rights and responsibilities of the members of the family. Topics include constitutional issues, marriage, marriage contracts, common law marriage, child neglect and abuse, custody and access, guardianship, adoption, separation, divorce, nullity, spousal and child maintenance, and matrimonial property. Stress is placed on the process of family law and the appropriate role for lawyers and judges.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 519       Jurisprudence
A critical inquiry into the nature and functions of law and justice, including natural law, legal positivism, sociological jurisprudence, legal realism, and contemporary theorists.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 521       Real Estate Transactions
An examination of the estate transactions. Topics include the purchase and sale of property, mortgaging and other ways to finance land transactions, commercial leasing arrangements, and the Land Titles Act as it relates to land development.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 525       Bankruptcy and Restructuring Law
Receivership, consumer and commercial arrangements and bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Act and the Company Creditors Arrangements Act.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 527       Basic Tax Law
The basic language and concepts of taxation and identification of taxation issues. Topics include the unit of taxation, the meaning and taxation of income, taxation of benefits, the type and scope of deductions available for business income, and the taxation of capital gains including gains (and losses) on taxpayer assets.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 529       Biotechnology and the Law
The legal, ethical, and policy issues relating to biotechnology. Topics include genetically modified foods, animals and plants, synthetic genomics, animal-human combinations, xenotransplantation, human cloning, pharmacogenetics, biofuels, assisted human reproduction, stem cells, tissue engineering, genetic therapy, and genetic enhancement.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 530       Mining Law
The law governing the exploration, financing and development of minerals in Canada. Topics include mining legislation; title; aboriginal rights, including the duty to consult; environmental obligations; mining agreements; and, international transactions
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 531       Environmental Law
Legal theories, concepts, principles, and processes relevant to environmental protection. Topics include ecological and ethical dimensions, jurisdictional issues, common law rights and remedies, environmental assessment, public participation, contaminated sites, enforcement and compliance, economic approaches, endangered species and protected spaces, land use planning, and environmental dispute resolution.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 533       Wills and Estates
The preparation, execution, interpretation, and administration of wills; testamentary capacity; alteration, revocation and republication of wills; intestate succession; dependants' relief; and estate administration.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 535       Secured Transactions
The modern law of secured transactions and the financing of personal property, with a focus on Alberta's Personal Property Security Act. Other topics include Bank Act security, the Farm Implement Act, and the Fair Trading Act.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 536       International Criminal Law
The law related to international and transnational crimes.  Topics may include crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, aggression, extradition, terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, state sovereignty and impunity, money laundering, and organized crime.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 537       Sale of Goods
The sale and supply of goods, including an examination of the provincial Sale of Goods Act, consumer protection issues, and the Vienna International Sales Convention.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 543       Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property, including the law of patents, copyrights, and trade-marks.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 547       Human Rights Law
A survey of national and provincial human rights laws and practice as distinct from the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and an introduction to the main international and transnational human rights instruments and standards.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 549       International Law
The elements of public international law, including sources, the role of customary law, the law of treaties, recognition, state responsibility, and the roles and powers of international organizations.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 551       Unjust Enrichment
Unjust enrichment as an independent source of legal obligation. Topics include elements of the right of action and defences; restitution as the remedy, with particular emphasis on personal versus proprietary restitution; and disgorgement of wrongful gain, distinguished from restitution using breach of fiduciary obligation as the primary example.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 553       Insurance Law
The various types of insurance (e.g. fire, life, sickness and accident, motor vehicle, and liability). Topics include the nature and formation of the insurance contract, the role of insurance agents, insurable interest, misrepresentation and non-disclosure, and the rights of third parties against the insurer.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 557       Commercial Arbitration Law
Private (between individuals) and mixed (investor/state) arbitration. Coverage includes domestic and international arbitration rules, including UNCITRAL and International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) rules.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 559       Critical Legal Theories
An examination of critical theoretical perspectives on the nature and functions of law, and of the possibilities and limitations of law as a strategy for social change. Perspectives may include feminist legal theories, critical race theories, post-colonial theories, Aboriginal legal theories, critical disability theories, queer theories, and post-modernism.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 561       Employment Law
The law governing non-unionized workplaces in Canada. Topics include constitutional jurisdiction, defining the employment relationship and employer/employee status, the employment contract, implied rights and obligations, termination, reasonable notice of dismissal, constructive dismissal, cause for summary dismissal, human rights, and employment standards legislation.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 563       International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
International human rights law, covering the main global instruments (such as the International Covenants, as well as the regional human rights systems of the Americas and Europe), with an introduction to the principles and concepts of International Humanitarian Law. Topics include women’s human rights, death penalty, massive human rights violations, human rights and counter-terrorism, the rights of the child, the rights of Indigenous peoples and minorities, and the role of non-state actors.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 565       Internet Law
The Internet as a technology, a place for social interaction, and a marketplace. Topics include Internet governance, network neutrality, end to end and layered principles, the domain name system, peer production and distribution, information security and privacy, ISP regulation, regulation of Internet content, electronic commerce, VOIP regulation, and anti-circumvention law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 567       Law and Economics
An examination of the practical and theoretical implications arising from the application of economic reasoning to law. Topics include the economic method of legal analysis, the scope of its application, and the major critical responses in both traditional legal fields of economic influence (such as tort, contract and corporate law) and more novel areas (such as family and criminal law).
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 569       Law and Literature
The ways in which literary studies inform law and legal analysis, and the ways in which law and legal themes have informed literature.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 571       Oil and Gas Law
The upstream oil and gas industry. Topics include ownership of oil and gas and split estates; coalbed methane; the legal character of the private oil and gas lease; the anatomy of the various clauses of the oil and gas lease; and Crown disposition systems, including the Alberta (conventional and oil sands) and federal legislation and related policy question.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 573       Public Lands and Natural Resources Law
The protection, exploitation, and management of Crown-owned lands and renewable and non-renewable natural resources (other than oil and gas, and including forestry, rangeland, minerals, wildlife, fisheries, wilderness, recreational, and heritage). Discussion of the nature of public ownership, public and private values, economic approaches, and inter-jurisdictional management.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 575       Remedies
Judicial remedies at common law and equity for tort and breach of contract, including personal injury and property damage. Themes include compensating loss, disgorging gain, and punishing civil wrong; prohibiting and compelling defendant behaviour; loss-based, gain-based, and punitive damages; and injunctions and specific performance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 577       Tax Policy
Principles of tax policy (efficiency, equity, and simplicity) and applications related to income, sales, and payroll taxes. Topics include the economic and distributive effects of taxes, auditing and legal compliance, and political economy.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 579       Legal Theory, Selected Topics
Critical examination of the main theoretical writings in a major doctrinal area or group of doctrinal areas, such as private law (tort, contract and unjust enrichment); public law (criminal, Constitutional and administrative law); tort; contract; evidence; property; Constitutional; or criminal law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Law 581       Unsecured Creditors’ Remedies
The remedies available to the unsecured creditor for the collection of debts and the protections offered to debtors, including prejudgment remedies, garnishment, execution against real and personal property, fraudulent preferences and conveyances, and the regulation of collection and credit agencies.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 583       Water Law
Water resources and management, including the historical and current legal and policy frameworks governing surface and groundwater rights. Topics include responses to scarcity, alternative water management models and plans, industrial use and re-use of water, wetlands, protection of aquatic resources, aboriginal water rights, economic instruments, water as a human right, watershed approaches, and inter-jurisdictional or international issues.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 585       Alberta Court of Appeal Moots
The development of appellate advocacy and other lawyering skills in the context of preparation for and participation in the Alberta Court of Appeal Moot, in the areas of criminal law; civil law (contract, property or tort law); and constitutional law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 587       Kawaskimhon National Aboriginal Moot
The development of advocacy, consensus building, and other lawyering skills in the context of a non-competitive moot conducted in a circle arrangement and using a moot problem based on contemporary issues in Aboriginal-Government relations. Includes a writing requirement.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 589       Labour Arbitration Moot
The development of advocacy and other lawyering skills in the context of preparation for and participation in an arbitration conducted under a collective agreement. Includes a writing requirement.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 591       Provincial Court Clerkships
Placements in the Provincial Court performing research, preparing memoranda, and meeting and discussing with a supervising Judge. 
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 593       Health Law
The regulation, structure, and financing of the health care system. Topics include licensing and regulation of health care professionals (including medical malpractice claims as a form of regulation); regulation of biomedical research; approval processes for drugs; complementary therapies and medical devices; resource allocation and access to health care; market considerations; privatization and deregulation of health care; and consent and confidentiality.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 594       Indigenous Peoples and the Law
The law governing the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settler society. Topics include recognition of aboriginal laws and custom, self-determination and other applicable principles of international law, self-government, common law recognition of aboriginal title, treaties, the honour of the Crown, the fiduciary duty of the Crown, the Crown’s duty of consultation and accommodation, constitutional protection of aboriginal and treaty rights, application of provincial laws, the Indian Act, land surrenders, and exemptions from seizure and taxation.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 595       Canadian Legal History
Migration of European law in the colonial context and its impact in pre-Confederation Canada (settled and conquered colonies); the role of trading companies, particularly the Hudson’s Bay Company; the impact of the United States both before and after Confederation; Confederation and the development of Canadian legal culture and law. Jurisdictions may include British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 596       Feminist Legal Theory
A critical inquiry into the nature and function of law from a variety of different perspectives within feminist legal theory. Topics include the role of rights and of legal discourse, and the possibilities and limitations of law as a strategy for social transformation.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 597       International Trade Law
The public law framework for international trade, with emphasis on the WTO and NAFTA. Topics include national treatment, most favoured nation treatment, anti-dumping and countervail actions, and dispute resolution.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 598       Trusts
The concept of the trust and its development in equity and its relationship to other legal concepts. Topics include the various types of trusts; constituting, administering and terminating the trust; trustee duties and powers; variation of trusts; breach of trust; and the doctrine of tracing.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 599       Legal Practice, Selected Topics
A variety of subject matters related to the practice of law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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600-Level Courses
Law 601       Advanced Criminal Law
An in-depth examination of case authorities, primarily through an examination of case authorities, certain concepts in criminal law the understanding of which is essential for a criminal practitioner Topics covered may include mens rea, sexual offences, assault, sentencing, conspiracy, driving offences, and identification.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 602       Advocacy
A development of core competencies through the practice of advocacy. Each student will apply legal knowledge, critical analysis, communication and resolution skills as well as ethical understanding, to trial fundamentals situated in real trial scenarios. Participants will choose to represent parties in either a civil or criminal trial.
Course Hours:
4 units; (3-0)
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 605       Oil and Gas Contracts
Selected problems in oil and gas law including industry contracts (pooling, farmout, joint operating, purchase and sale and royalty agreements); fiduciary duties; and title review.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 571.
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Law 606       Moot in French
Preparation for and participation in a French language moot.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Notes:
Taught in French.
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Law 607       Advanced Legal Research
This course builds on legal research instruction in the first year of the program and affords further opportunities to learn and practice research skills. The course provides instruction in research methodology, citation, print and electronic research/databases, covering case law, statute law, texts, periodicals and web-based materials.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 608       Common Law en Français
The acquisition of French legal terminology through the study of general principles in criminal law, advocacy, language rights and business law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Notes:
Taught in French.
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Law 610       Internship in French
Participation in a French language clinical experience.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Notes:
Taught in French.
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 612       Advanced Private Law
Advanced issues in private law (property, contract, tort, unjust enrichment and equity), including contemporary controversies over appropriate rights and remedies when different causes of action either converge or intersect.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 402, 406 and 551.
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Law 613       Conflict of Laws
The doctrines and rules governing legal disputes cutting across provincial or national boundaries. Topics include jurisdiction, distinctions between substantive and procedural rules, the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, domicile, proof of foreign law, and the choice of law rules relating to private law (torts, contracts, property, succession and family law).

Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 614       Advanced Topics French Common Law
A deeper review of French legal terminology through contextual and experiential learning. Topics include family law, jurisprudence, private international law, and appellate advocacy.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Notes:
Taught in French.
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Law 615       Advanced Civil Procedure
The strategic use of the Alberta Rules of Court in civil proceedings with reference to related legislation and ethical requirements. Topics include commencement of proceedings, interlocutory and ex parte applications, discovery of persons and records, trial preparation, and the roles of the court.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 505.
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Law 616       Public Interest Theory
The seminar component of the Public Interest Law Clinic examines public interest lawyering with coverage of legal principles and process. Topics include defining the public interest, the role of morality and ethics of public interest lawyers, how structures in the legal system shape opportunities for strategic litigation, and varying perspectives on justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Law 620.
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Law 617       Alternative Energy Law: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
The renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. Topics include federalism, wind, small hydro, solar, biomass etc., energy conservation and demand side management, and access to energy infrastructure.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 503.
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Law 618       Corporate Finance Law
Legal aspects of corporate finance transactions, including applicable regulatory frameworks. Topics may include equity and debt financing, secured transactions, assess and/or share purchase and sale agreements, and takeover bids.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 509.
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Law 619       Estate Planning
Personal dispositions of property, both inter vivos and on death, to achieve estate and succession planning objectives. Topics include trusts, corporations, wills, life insurance, buy-sell arrangements, income splitting, estate freezing, and tax deferral plans.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 527.
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Law 620       Public Interest Practice
The practice component of the Public Interest Law Clinic offers experiential learning through supervised provision of legal services to clients dealing with public interest litigation and law reform matters. Lawyering skills developed include interviewing, legal research, advocacy, and file management.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Law 616.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D, or F.
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Law 621       Corporate Governance and Litigation
The principal concepts in corporate governance and their evolution in Canada; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange; the securities regulatory response of Canada to the adoption of Sarbanes-Oxley in the United States; and other current topics in corporate governance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 505 and 509.
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Law 622       Law of the Sea
An examination of the key legal norms, actors, and institutions that govern international relations concerning maritime affairs, focusing on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 623       Environmental Impact Assessment Law
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) law and practice in Canada. Topics include the role of EIA in the regulatory process and as a planning tool, federalism, triggers, equivalency, harmonization, joint assessment, implementation of assessment decisions, adaptive management, strategic environmental assessment, the role of traditional knowledge, and public participation.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 503.
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Law 624       Environmental Law and Ethics
The ethical underpinning of environmental law, with a consideration of various views, including the land ethic, deep and shallow ecology, instrumental and utilitarian approaches, and inherent value.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 625       Intellectual Property Transactions
Intellectual property transactions and strategies in a variety of industries in energy, information technology, and life sciences. Topics include open source IP, IP governance, management and best practices, valuation, ownership, improvements, co-ownership and collaboration, patent pools and standard setting organizations, software licensing and IT transactions, licensing, infringement management, and warranties.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 543.
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Law 626       International Development Law
The role of law in promoting social and economic growth, with a focus on the rule of law as an instrument of development and the dialogue between the developed and less developed worlds through international agreements. Topics include the rules of international trade and finance, intellectual property, the environment and natural resources, and the war on terrorism.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: One of Law 549, 597 or 563.
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Law 627       International Environmental Law
The customary and treaty law rules applicable to global and transboundary environmental issues. Topics include air pollution, climate change, international wildlife law and trade, the international chemicals agreements liability regimes, and shared resources.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 628       International Investment Law
Investor protection in customary law and treaties, in particular NAFTA Chapter 11, bilateral investment treaties (BITs), and the Energy Charter; the main disciplines, including national treatment, most favoured nation treatment, fair and equitable treatment, and the rules pertaining to expropriation; soft law norms pertaining to investment; and relevant domestic law, including the Investment Canada Act.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 549 or 597.
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Law 630       International Petroleum Transactions
International business transactions in the context of the petroleum industry, including the various forms of state agreements; confidentiality agreements; study and bidding agreements; international joint operating agreements; agency agreements; and participation agreements; with attention to the key legal, business and ethical issues raised in negotiations.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 631       International Tax Law
The tax implications of both inbound and outbound investment and implications for structuring affiliates, with consideration of international tax treaties and foreign tax credit mechanisms.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 527.
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Law 632       Entrepreneurial Law
The legal and economic aspects of building a new venture, and the norms around legal and contractual structures in Canada and the United States. The focus is on advising an entrepreneur client in a start-up. Topics include creating the corporate structure, raising capital, hiring new employees, protecting intellectual property, founder-proofing the venture, and getting to acquisition or other liquidity event.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 634       Law of Species and Spaces
The principal federal and provincial laws governing the management of biological diversity, including protected area legislation and endangered species legislation. Explores the constitutional and common law fundamentals of wildlife law as well as contemporary disputes about species protection, ecosystem-level land management, and game ranch operations.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 503.
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Law 636       Municipal Law
The legal position of local governments, including cities and regional governments. Topics include the powers of Municipal Councils and Districts, the duties and responsibilities of elected and appointed municipal officials, conflicts of interest, elections, the regulation and licensing of businesses, proprietary and contractual powers, tort and the public body, subdivision, land use planning, and the role of the courts.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 503.
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Law 637       Energy Law
An overview of energy regulation, focusing on competition and pricing. Topics include the theory and process of energy regulation, regulatory jurisdiction, judicial review of energy regulation, regulation of natural gas and electricity prices, market restructuring, and deregulation. The course will familiarize students with the legal issues that arise when the legislature and regulators respond to market failures, and/or protect the public interest, in the provision of natural gas and electricity services.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 503.
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Law 638       Climate Change Law
An exploration of the international and domestic legal and policy framework relating to climate change. Students will learn how to address developing legal challenges associated with integrating climate change considerations into other areas of law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 640       Energy Transportation and Infrastructure
An exploration of transportation law and the governance of networked infrastructure from the perspective of the energy industry. Topics include the legal and policy aspects arising from the transportation of energy commodities, and the construction and regulation of infrastructure.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 641       Oil and Gas and Mining Taxation
The resource regime rules of the Income Tax Act as applied to the oil and gas and mining sectors. Topics include: operations subject to the resource regime; the treatment of property costs and common industry expenditures (i.e. applicable "tax pools" and their characteristics): resource industry "subsidies" (e.g. flow-through share financing, investment tax credits); the avoidance provisions (e.g. the successor rules); and the treatment of foreign operations of a Canadian resident taxpayer.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 697.
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Law 642       Law and Development
An examination of the relationship between law and development, and the critical question of how law furthers or hinders development objectives. Such objectives include economic growth and wealth creation, but also human rights, equality, and the environment.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 644       National Security Law Lab
The laws and policies governing national security operations and institutions in Canada. Emphasis is on anti-terrorism laws, espionage, cyber, and emergency response mandates and authorities.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 645       Pollution Control and Waste Management Law
The provincial and federal pollution control regimes for air and water pollution and for the handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Topics include federalism; regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to pollution from “point” and “non-point” sources; cumulative pollutant loads; the “precautionary” and “polluter pays” principles; and liability for contaminated sites.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 503 and 531.
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Law 646       Bennett Jones Health Law Moot
The development of advocacy and other lawyering skills in the context of health law in Canada.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 647       Regulatory Theory and the Law
The main theories that explain or justify government regulation, including correction for market failure, political economy or public choice, and deliberative democracy. The relationship between those theories and the development and implementation of regulatory legislation, regulation, and public policy.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 503.
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Law 648       Securities Law
The regulation of capital market participants; the issuance of, and trades in, securities of companies, with an emphasis on Alberta and the National Instruments enacted by the Canadian securities regulator; the theory of securities regulation; as well as enforcement and compliance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 650       Business Skills for Lawyers
The non-legal skills required by lawyers working in-house or with business clients. Topics may include reading and analyzing financial statements; understanding cash flow models; business valuation; negotiation; capital markets; crisis management; project management.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 652       Willms & Shier Environmental Law Moot
The development of advocacy and other lawyering skills in the context of environmental law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 653       Directed Research
A supervised research project involving the in-depth examination of a legal problem or area of concern not normally covered in a substantive or procedural course and which provides the basis for an article, research paper, brief, memorial, draft legislation, etc. Admission to this course depends on the availability of supervising faculty.
Course Hours:
3 units; (0-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Law 654       Bowman National Tax Moot
The development of advocacy and other lawyering skills in the context of Canadian tax law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 656       Mergers and Acquisitions
Key legal and financial concepts for mergers and acquisitions. Topics may include structuring transactions, the required legal documentation, securities legislation, director and officer responsibilities, negotiations, financing, defensive tactics, due diligence, employment and other issues.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
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Law 663       Dispute Resolution Clinical
Interest-based, consensus-building dispute resolution processes to enhance understanding of dispute resolution theory, which will be applied through placements drawing on the mentorship of lawyers and dispute resolution practitioners engaged in court-annexed or private mediation, facilitation, collaborative law, and other processes.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 508.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 667       Advanced Public Law
Selected issues in constitutional law at the advanced level. Topics may include constitutional amendment, comparative approaches to rights, comparative federalism, the role of international law in constitutional interpretation, the legitimacy of judicial review, evidentiary issues in constitutional litigation, the role of social movements, and strategic litigation in securing constitutional rights.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Law 400.
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Law 673       Jessup Moot
Preparation for and participation in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 674       Business Venture Clinic
A clinical seminar where students work with startup companies and entrepreneurs. Students may prepare memos and drafts of business agreements. Students receive feedback on their written work from practicing lawyers.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 677       Canadian Corporate/Securities Law Moot
The development of appellate advocacy and other lawyering skills in the context of corporate and securities law in Canada.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 678       The Gale Cup Moot
The development of appellate advocacy and other lawyering skills in the context of preparation for and participation in the national Gale Cup Moot.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 683       Advanced Family Law
Selected topics in family law, including matrimonial property; division of pensions; international family law; and the law relating to children, including regulatory aspects (e.g. child welfare).
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 515.
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Law 685       Business Clinical
The skills employed by a corporate solicitor in the context of one or more transactions. Skills covered may include drafting, negotiating, research, advocacy, and transaction management, in simulated or real transactions.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 509.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 686       SLA Clinical Theory
Student Legal Assistance. Learn elements of good lawyering, forming your professional identity, ethical and practical issues in serving disadvantaged people in a variety of areas of law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Law 688.
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Law 687       Criminal Justice Clinical
A clinical seminar in elements of criminal law covering topical, practical, and ethical issues in the practice of criminal law. Three short placements with Crown and defence lawyers and a provincial court judge.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 511.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 688       SLA Clinical Practice
Student Legal Assistance. Advanced experiential learning in a clinical setting. Learn to effectively represent disadvantaged clients while developing interviewing, counselling, practice management and courtroom advocacy skills.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Law 686.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 689       Family Law Clinical Seminar
A clinical seminar in elements of family law practice. The clinical experience may be obtained through simulated exercises, supervised handling of files and/or placements. Topics include Chambers advocacy, marital dispute consultations and drafting of a settlement.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 515.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 690       Western Canada MacIntyre Cup Trial Competition
The development of trial advocacy and other lawyering skills in the context of preparation for and participation in the Western Canada Trial Competition. Credit for this competition does not preclude credit for the Sopinka Cup.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 691       Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law Clinical
A clinical seminar involving placements in any one of the following practice areas: energy law, resources law, water law, and environmental law.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: One of Law 531, 571, 573, 583 or 637.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
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Law 692       Selected Topics I
A variety of subject areas, either doctrinal or theoretical.
Course Hours:
2 units; (2-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Law 693       Selected Topics II
A variety of subject areas, either doctrinal or theoretical.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Law 694       Selected Topics III
A variety of subject areas, either doctrinal or theoretical.
Course Hours:
4 units; (4-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Law 695       External Competitions
The development of advocacy and other lawyering skills in the context of preparation for and participation in an external competition not otherwise the subject of a course. A written component is generally required.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Law 696       Clinical Studies
Participation in a clinical experience not otherwise the subject of a clinical course.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Notes:
This course is graded CR, D or F.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Law 697       Corporate Tax
The provisions of the Income Tax Act applicable to corporations and their shareholders. Topics include the classification of corporations for tax purposes, the taxation of corporate income, the taxation of corporate distributions, and the taxation of various types of corporate reorganizations.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 509 and 527.
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Law 698       Immigration and Refugee Law
Basic principles, policies, and procedures governing immigration and refugee law. Topics include refugee law and status; selection and admission of immigrants; inadmissible and removable classes; exemptions and minister's permits; and appeals and judicial review in the federal court, including Charter issues.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 503.
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Law 699       Labour Law
The law governing unionized workplaces in Canada. Topics include freedom of association, the status of participants, union organization and certification, unfair labour practices, collective bargaining, the collective agreement and arbitration, industrial conflict, the duty of fair representation, and interaction between the labour law regime and the common-law of employment.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Law 503.
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700-Level Courses
Law 703       Graduate Seminar in Legal Research and Methodology
Preparation for developing, researching and writing a thesis or major research paper. The distinctive nature of legal scholarship and its professional context will be explored. Students will be introduced to specific research techniques and to the challenges of comparative and cross-cultural work.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Admission to the LLM program or consent of the Graduate Director.  
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Law 705       Graduate Seminar in Legal Theory
An exploration of schools of legal theory, with the goal of helping students situate their graduate research within one or more of those approaches to legal scholarship. The seminar is structured around a series of readings describing different theoretical approaches and applying these approaches to areas of research.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Admission to the LLM program or consent of the Graduate Director.
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Law 707       Major Research Paper I
Reflects extensive research on a topic in law and proposes a solution to a problem or presents a critical evaluation of an issue in this area of law. Law 707 establishes the foundations of the major research paper, providing opportunities for course-based LLM students to propose their research projects to other students and to acquire feedback on methods, sources and secondary literature.
Course Hours:
3 units; (1-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Graduate Director.
Also known as:
(formerly Law 706)
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Law 708       Major Research Paper II
Building on Law 707 and in consultation with their supervisors, students complete an original research paper.
Course Hours:
3 units; (1-0)
Corequisite(s):
Law 707.
Also known as:
(formerly Law 706)
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Law 709       Special Topics in Law
Directed readings course specifically aimed at preparing doctoral students for writing their proposals.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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