An Overview Of 1L Law School Classes

An Overview Of 1L Law School Classes

Starting law school can feel overwhelming. You’re going to be learning many new concepts that may be difficult to grasp and will challenge you to think differently. If you’re an incoming 1L student and have never heard of “torts” or “real property,” don’t panic! Most students enter their first day of law school without any idea what subject material lies ahead. This guide will give you a brief description of what to expect in the most common 1L law school classes.

An Overview Of 1L Law School Classes

Torts

So, what the heck is a tort, anyway? A tort is basically an action that could lead to civil liability. A torts class usually encompasses many concepts including negligence. You’ll likely explore the rationale behind different case decisions and basic remedial strategies. You will also learn the elements that comprise certain actions and how to prove them. Many 1L students enjoy torts because it draws heavily on daily life and has broad practical applications.

Contracts

Contracts class is exactly like what it sounds like! Basic contract formation, breach of contract, and defenses to those breaches will all be covered. You will also likely cover how to calculate contract damages in the event of a breach. Trust us, you’ll have the phrase “offer, acceptance, consideration” engrained in your brain by the end of this course!

Real Property

How is land owned? What happens when one owner of land dies and the other lives? How is property transferred? What is a life estate? All of these questions and more will be answered in your 1L real property class. You will learn legal terms dating back to English common law and how those terms operate in modern-day property disputes. Get ready!

Criminal Law

Criminal law is exactly what it sounds like.  You will be exploring some of the crimes that encompass the American criminal justice system.  In addition, you will learn some of the nuances between different crimes such as murder, manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter along with the elements of each.

Federal Civil Procedure

Civil procedure is an immensely practical class that most 1L students will eventually utilize upon graduation.  Civil procedure classes discuss the rules attorneys follow when filing a lawsuit in federal court.  This includes where to file a lawsuit, what courts can hear cases, and strategies for procedurally defeating lawsuits. This is one of the most important classes you will take in law school! 

Constitutional Law

First Amendment? Commerce clause? Privileges and immunities? This and much more awaits you during your 1L constitutional law class. You will read many Supreme Court opinions covering due process, free speech, executive authority, and the list goes on!

Legal Writing

Many students find legal writing to be very different than the writing they did during their undergraduate studies. Attorneys spend years and years perfecting the art of legal writing, and it all starts in your 1L writing class. You will learn how to construct arguments, draft legal pleadings and memorandums, and write briefs.

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