http://www.CollegesofLaw.edu/ Apply Today! The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law, a nonprofit law school accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of The State Bar of California, prepares students for the practice of law through a program that deftly combines quality, convenience, affordability, and real-world practicality.
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Core Courses
First Year
Contracts I and II (6 units)
A basic study of the fundamental principles that govern the creation, interpretation,
enforcement, and termination of agreements. Course coverage includes the Statute of
Frauds, assignment and delegation of contracts, express and implied contracts, and
remedies available for breach of contract.
Criminal Law (3 units)
This course analyzes the purposes of criminal law, the development of common law
crimes, and the elements of major crimes against persons and property. Defenses,
including the insanity defense, are analyzed.
Legal Analysis and Writing (3 units)
This course provides an overview of the methods of legal study and analysis, and the
techniques that promote success in law school and on the Bar Examination. Topics
covered include briefing and analysis of case law, outlining, and expressing legal
concepts in writing. Principles of logic, effective writing, and effective argument will be
discussed.
Torts I and II (6 units)
This course considers the nature and extent of the legal protection afforded against
interference by others with the security of one's person, property, or intangible interests.
The course covers civil liability for intentional and unintentional behavior, the law of
2. negligence, strict liability, vicarious liability, various forms of immunity, damages and
other remedies.
Second Year
Business Associations (3 units)
This course provides an introduction to the modern business entities. Among the issues
covered are partnerships, limited liability corporations, and the formation, operation,
financing, and control of closely held and public corporations.
Civil Procedure I and II (6 units)
This course covers the procedural rules governing civil lawsuits, primarily in federal
courts. Topics include the proper court in which to file a lawsuit, joinder of parties and
causes of action, discovery, pretrial motions, conduct of a trial, and conflict between state
and federal judicial systems.
Community Property (3 units)
A survey of the laws relating to community property in California, the fundamentals of
that property system, and how it effects virtually every other area of law. Separate and
community property, liability for debts and torts, control and management of assets,
fiduciary duties between spouses, and the distribution of property on dissolution or death
are analyzed in this course.
Real Property I and II (6 units)
An analysis of basic property concepts, including the definition, acquisition and transfer
of real property. Principal areas covered include the history of land transactions,
landlord/tenant relations, land development, public and private control of land use, non-
possessory rights in land, covenants and restrictions on the land, and recordation and title
searches.
Third Year
Constitutional Law I and II (6 units)
An examination of the United States Constitution, principles of constitutional law, and
the concept of judicial review. Course coverage includes the protection of individual
rights, freedom of speech and religion, due process, equal protection, and limitations on
the exercise of government powers.
3. Evidence I and II (4 units)
A study of the rules and standards which govern the use of evidence in a legal
proceeding. Primary emphasis is on the basic concept of relevance, hearsay, cross-
examination, impeachment of witnesses, privileged communications, presumptions, and
burdens of proof.
Professional Responsibility (2 units)
An overview of the role of an attorney in society, the attorney-client relationship, ethical
standards, and the responsibility of an attorney to the client, court, and public.
Remedies (3 units)
This course examines the availability and limitations of equitable and legal remedies,
focusing on injunctions, specific performance, rescission, restitution, and other remedies
in civil lawsuits.
Wills and Trusts (3 units)
A study of the law of wills, intestate succession, and trusts. Topics covered include
methods of disposing of property during an individual's life and after, contest of wills,
gifts to charity, trust administration, fiduciary obligations, future interests, and probate.
Fourth Year*
Constitutional Criminal Procedure (3 units)
An exploration of the basic constitutional issues underlying the criminal justice system
and the limitations placed on government in its attempt to enforce the criminal law.
Specifically covered are the exclusionary rules, arrest, search and seizure, identification
of suspects, bail, the right to counsel, and the right to a jury trial.
Statutory Interpretation (3 units)
This course will consider the legislative process and basic techniques of statutory
interpretation, the process by which courts determine the meaning of statutes. Students
will study basic canons of statutory interpretation, approaches to legislative history, and
other issues arising in the interpretation and application of statutes. Because statutes and
their regulatory counterparts now govern a wide variety of legal issues, skill in the
observant reading of statutory law is one all attorneys should cultivate.
Advanced Legal Writing (2 units)
This course covers advanced writing techniques, particularly those needed to write
persuasive documents clearly, accurately and consistently. Students will practice these
techniques by examining, researching, and drafting a variety of legal documents, such as
legal memoranda, pleadings, opinion letters, and briefs.
4. Trial Evidence (3 units)
This course will develop proficiency in the practical application of the rules of evidence
in both federal and California state trial courts. Using hypothetical problems and in-class
role-playing, students will apply evidentiary rules and trial procedures in various contexts
to move for or oppose the introduction of evidence.
Trial Practice (3 units)
This course provides the student with actual, hands-on experience in a variety of
simulated trial situations involving criminal litigation. Students handle a wide range of
matters, such as pleadings, pre-trial discovery, motions, and evidentiary issues. They also
have opportunities to prepare and argue motions, make opening and closing statements,
introduce and object to evidence, and examine and cross-examine witnesses. The course
may conclude with a mock trial, held before a jury in a Ventura Hall of Justice or Santa
Barbara Superior Court courtroom
*In the Fall semester, for students who have otherwise met graduation requirements and
wish to take a minimum course load of six units in their last semester, the required
curriculum will consist of Constitutional Criminal Procedure and Advanced Legal
Writing.
Because students may graduate at the end of Fall semester, courses offered in the Spring
semester are optional except that any student enrolling in Spring semester must take six
units.
Summer Session/Flexible
These required courses are taught annually at each campus during Summer session,
except that students may complete the Legal Internship requirement at any time after
becoming an advanced student.
Legal Internship (Units vary)
All students participate in Legal Internship by earning at least one unit of academic credit
by working as interns for practicing attorneys or judges. Up to eight (one required and
seven elective) units of academic credit may be earned.
Legal Research (2 units)
An introduction to the tools and methods of legal research in primary and secondary
sources. Emphasis is placed on federal and California materials, including constitutions,
statutes, cases, and regulations, in both print and electronic media.
5. Legal Writing (2 units)
This course focuses on the essential skills needed to write predictive legal memoranda,
including techniques of legal analysis, organization, citation, drafting, and revision.
Bar Studies (2 units)
This course will emphasize the analytical, writing, time-management and organizational
skills necessary to prepare for the California General Bar Exam. Students will have the
opportunity to become familiar with the subjects tested and formats presented by the
exam, including essay, multiple choice and performance test sections. Study and exam-
taking strategies will be examined in the context of several bar-tested subjects.
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