Compulsory Course Descriptions

First Year Compulsory Courses

LAW 401 Foundations to Law
OE3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). An introduction to the institutions and processes of the Canadian legal system, and its underlying values and systems of thought. Also introduced are the history, structure and function of the modern system, and the role of law and the legal profession in society.

LAW 405 Legal Research and Writing
OE4 (fi 8) (two term, 2-0-0). Instruction in the fundamentals of legal research tools and techniques, including the impact of modern technology. Through a variety of written assignments, students will develop their analytical, research, communication and drafting skills, as well as becoming familiar with proper citation methods. Exercises in oral communications, advocacy skills and/or a moot court presentation may also be included.

LAW 410 Contracts
OE5 (fi 10) (two term, 2-0-0; 3-0-0). A discussion of the prerequisites to the creation of contractual obligation: offer and acceptance, intention and certainty, consideration, the requirements of writing and capacity. The effect of misrepresentations and terms of the contract, together with the problems of exclusion clauses and of standard form contracts. Questions of discharge from contractual obligation on the grounds of mistake, undue influence, duress, unconscionable transactions and frustration. Remedies for breach of contract.

LAW 420 Criminal Law
OE5 (fi 10) (two term, 2-0-0; 3-0-0). A general introduction to the criminal law, including basic procedure, evidence, and sentencing rules, with primary emphasis on substantive criminal law. Topics include the physical and fault elements of offences, common law and statutory defences, and constitutional principles.

LAW 430 Torts
OE5 (fi 10) (two term, 2-0-0; 3-0-0). The law of negligence, damages, intentional interferences with persons, property and chattels, the law of strict liability, occupiers’ liability, nuisance, defamation, the economic torts, the future of tort law.

LAW 435 Constitutional Law
OE5 (fi 10) (two term, 2-0-0; 3-0-0). An introduction to the legal framework governing the exercise of power by the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the Canadian state, covering who has the power to make new laws, the power to implement laws, and the power to adjudicate disputes. The limitations imposed on these powers by the rules of federalism and by the provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are also considered. An introduction to the constitutional provisions concerning Canada’s Aboriginal peoples is also included.

LAW 440 Property Law
OE5 (fi 10) (two term, 2-0-0; 3-0-0). This course involves the study of basic principles which govern the institution of real and personal property. Included in this analysis will be the history of property law and issues of social and political context. Other topics include right incident to the ownership and possession of land, tenures and estates, concurrent ownership, dower, leases and tenancies, easements, restrictive covenants, finders law, bailment, and gifts. Other special issues may be explored.

Upper Year Compulsory Courses

LAW 450 Administrative Law
OE3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Designed to provide an understanding of the legal constraints courts have placed on the behavior of administrative tribunals and government departments. Topics to be discussed: What is Administrative Law? How the courts supervise the acts and decisions of administrative bodies. Pitfalls to be avoided by administrative officers: errors of fact and law; excesses of discretion; breach of natural justice. How administrative acts and decisions may be attacked by an aggrieved citizen: remedies. Appeal and review, time limits, locus standi, choice of remedy, procedure. How to avoid attacks by aggrieved citizens. The practical outcome; strength of review. Recent trends in Administrative Law in Canada.

LAW 451 Corporations Law
OE3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). The laws governing corporations including: preincorporation matters; the corporation as a legal person; the tortious, criminal, regulatory, and contractual liability of the corporation; corporate social responsibility; corporate management; shareholder rights; and shareholder remedies. May not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for LAW 510.

LAW 452 Civil Procedure
OE3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). The fundamentals of the traditional litigation process (under the Rules of Court and applicable statutes) and current issues including access and reform. May not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for LAW 570.

LAW 453 Evidence
OE3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). The principles, rules, and procedures governing the admissibility of evidence in criminal and civil trials. Topics include competence and compellability, relevance, prejudicial effect and probative value, and character, hearsay, and expert evidence.

LAW 454 Conflict of Laws
OE3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Theoretical basis of conflict of laws. Preliminary topics: characterization, renvoi, time element domicile. Choice of Law: domestic relations, contract, torts. Jurisdiction and the recognition of foreign judgments. May not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for LAW 600.

LAW 456 Professional Responsibility
OE3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). A consideration of the responsibilities of the lawyer to the profession and the profession to the public. Ethics and organization of the profession. Course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for LAW 670.

LAW 486 Jurisprudence
OE3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An enquiry into the nature of law and legal obligation. The first part of the course is a survey of the major schools of jurisprudence with particular emphasis upon positivism, natural law and legal realism. The second part consists of an examination of the modern applications of these theories, especially in relation to the process of judicial decision making and the question of whether there is an obligation to obey the law. May not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for LAW 500.

LAW 496 Legal History
OE3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An introduction to the historical development of law, from early times to the present day. May not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for LAW 505.