Introduction to the U.S. American Law and Legal System
Course Level
intermediate - advanced / 3rd - 4th year
Course Language
English
Course Classification
This is a Themis course. It is also open to non-Themis students.
Teaching Mode
face-to-face teaching.
Contact Hours
2 hours per week
ECTS-credits
5 (if course has been attended regularly and exam has been passed)
Frequency
This course is being taught regularly. It will be available in every semester.
Time Schedule and Course Venue
please see our electronic course catalogue
Course Content
The aim of the course is twofold: In addition to developing legal English proficiency, the course will enable students to confidently navigate the U.S. legal system. The focus lies on teaching key skills for understanding legal methodology and analyzing legal sources in selected areas of law. The course will provide a more in-depth analysis of constitutional law, including the Constitution's historical development, structure, and core principles, including checks and balances, due process, fundamental rights, and equal protection. Other areas of law covered are criminal law and procedure as well as civil law and procedure. The course will conclude with an introduction to negotiation. The material is contextualized in comparison to the German legal system and studied on the basis of case law and, where appropriate, current events.
Restricted Enrollment
yes (that means that the number of participants is limited and that you might not get a place in this course)
Course Registration
Please sign up for this course under the module "Study Program for Exchange Students - Module 4". [tbc]
registration period: 1 October 2025, 9 a.m. - 10 October 2025, 12 p.m. (noon)
In order to know if you have obtained a place in this course, please check out your course plan on Campus Management (tab "Stundenplan") from 11 October 2025.
As long as there are still seats available after the registration period has expired, they will be allocated according to the principle "first come, first served" if you sign up by 31 October 2025.
De-Registration from this Course
regular drop period: 1 October 2025, 9 a.m. - 31 October 2025, 12 a.m. (midnight)
After the regular drop period you can only drop this course with a valid cause until 14 days prior to the exam. Please contact the International Office at the Law Department if you have to use this option.
Type of Exam
There will be a written final examination.
Exam Date and Place
The exam is probably going to take place on the Monday following the end of the lecture period. → Academic Calendar
[tbc]
Registration for the Exam
Students will automatically be registered for the exam when they sign up for this course.
De-Registration from the Exam
Students who drop this course via Campus Management are automatically de-registered from the exam. Students who do not drop this course via Campus Management and do not take the exam, are going to finish this course with a non-passing grade (0 points).
Grade Release