3rd Year Courses
Third-Year Curriculum
Third-year law students must complete the Practice Court program during the third year. Additionally, students must take courses in evidence and professional responsibility concurrently with the Practice Court course. Student should consult the Student Catalog to determine which quarter they should take these courses.
Consumer Protection (3 quarter hours)*
Primary instructor:
A study of consumer protection laws, with focus on the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, warranty law, federal and state debt collection practices acts, and basic insurance law principles.
*Note: Students have the option of taking Consumer Protection in their second or third year.
Evidence (5 quarter hours)
Primary Instructor:
A study of the rules of evidence (both state and federal) in civil and criminal cases. This course also focuses upon the development of trial skill, particularly as they relate to witness interrogation and offers of evidence. Trial advocacy exercises are conducted in conjunction with Practice Court I.
Practice Court (2 quarters, 10 quarter hours)
Primary instructor: Professor Gerald Powell
The course in Practice Court is designed to fill a twofold need: first, the in-depth training of the student in the problems of procedure; and second, the training of the student for the actual trial of lawsuits. There are extensive exercises in voir dire, opening statements, examinations of witnesses, and closing arguments. Each student is required, under rules closely correlated with Texas practice, either to prosecute or defend four or five suits. Five quarter hours of work is required in each of two consecutive quarters with separate grades and credit being given for each quarter's work.
Professional Responsibility (2 quarter hours)
Primary instructor: Professor Mark Osler
A study of the role and responsibility of the legal profession. Subjects covered include the disciplinary rules of professional conduct, client relations, pro bono services, professionalism, and economics of the profession.