programa analítico vicerrectoría de educación...

Programa Analítico

Vicerrectoría de Educación Superior

Revisión No. 1 21/01/2005 Formato para Programas Analíticos Pag. 1 de9

División de Derecho y Ciencias Sociales Departamento de Derecho Periodo : FALL 2009 Nombre del curso: INTRODUCTION TO U.S. LEGAL SYSTEM Clave: DE-3085-

01 Seriación: NINGUNA

Línea Curricular: LICENCIATURA EN DERECHO HTS: 3 HPS: 0 THS: 3 Créditos: 3 HTS: HORAS TEÓRICAS SEMANALES HPS: HORAS PRÁCTICAS SEMANALES THS: TOTAL DE HORAS POR SEMANA Idioma(s) en que se imparte el curso: INGLÉS Tipo(s) de Curso: PRESENCIAL. TEÓRICO-PRÁCTICO Objetivo y/o competencias generales del curso : This course introduces students to basic concepts of the Legal System of the United States of America, specifícally in the topics of Constitutional Law and History of the Common Law. It is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the structure of the U.S. legal system from a comparative perspective. Furthemore, it will introduce non-legally trained students to the workings of the U.S. legal system, so as to provide them with an advantage for the better understanding of the structure of the Mexican Legal System, especially of the General Principles of the Constitutional Law in Mexico. The course aims that the student identifyies the similarities and differences betweent the U.S. Legal System and the Mexican Legal System. The course is not, due to the complexity of the subject matter, exhaustive. The covered topics, which include historical insights and landmark cases, have been chosen in order to achieve the objectives of the course. This course also aims to help the students to better understand our neighboring country, by means of the study of a core subject in the history of this country, its legal system. The basic goal of the course is to contribute to the formation of the future lawyers, consequently it will aim to provide practical learnings and skills to the student Descripción de contenidos y calendarización:

TIEMPO OBJETIVOS ESPECIFICOS TEMAS Y SUBTEMAS ACTIVIDADES I. Course overview. Half a class. (August 4)

Introduce students to the course.

Course objectives. Evaluation procedure.

Brief personal presentation of the professor.

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Course material. Agenda.

Analysis of the course syllabus.

II. English Law and the Common Law. 1 and a half week (August 11 and 18)

Understand the English Law as the background of the U.S. Legal System. Provide a brief overview of the historical background of the Common Law.

History of the Common Law of England. 1.Historical insights (Roman Empire, Celtics, Saxons and the Normand Conquest). 2.Common Law and Equity (separate systems merged by the Judicature Acts) 3. Sources of the English Law

Lecture prepared by the instructor, will be based on:

MORINEAU, Marta, Una introducción al Common Law, 2da Reimpresión, México, Instituto de Investigaciones Jurídicas, 2004, pp. 9 a 34.

How law works; the nature of courts (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjSa7ccitME Different legal systems within British law (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFQntCdxghM The great strength of the English legal system (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lqlAKEjhCE

III. Constitutional History and Governmental Structure

3 weeks (August 25, September 1 and 8)

Realize the Constitution as the Supreme Law of the United States of America. Identify the Three Branches of Government, their powers and their interrelations. Recognize the legal implications of federalism.

A. History and Government structure 1. Constitutional History 2. The Government structure provided for in the 1789 Constitution. 3. Separation and Balance of Power among the branches of Federal Government. 4. The States and Federalism. 5.- The Impact of Governmental Structure on the Legal System: An Overview.

Lectures prepared by the instructor, will be based on:

BURNHAM, William. Introduction to the law and legal system of the United States, 4th ed.Thomson West, 2006, pp. 1 to 36, 326 to 337. ARAUJO, Jess J., The Law and Your Legal Rights / La Ley y Sus Derechos Legales, Fireside, 1998, pp. 21 to 24. The Background of United States Constitution (clip) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5NosqRkq3s American Government: The Constitutional Convention (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9W3RHmfqO8&NR=1 American Government: Basic Principles of the Constitution (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUUR6RC-ae4 American Government: Roots of Federalism (on-line video)

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEsNVFGerBM American Government: How Congress is Organized (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEH9PEYRJrg American Government: Six Main Presidential Powers (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQhdeOyGYE

First evaluation (September 8th): Reading assignment. Topic to be defined by the instructor on August 18th, 2009. IV. The Origins of Judicial Review

1 week (September 15)

Understand the basis for the exercise of judicial review in the United States under Article III of the Constitution. Be aware the history of constitutional law and the Supreme Court.

A. The origins of Judicial Review

1. Marbury vs. Madison –The setting of the case 2. The opinion of the court. 3. Review of state Laws 4. State Court review

Lecture prepared by the instructor, based on:

NOWAK, John E and ROTUNDA, Roland D.,Principles of Constitutional Law, 3d Edition, Concise Hornbook Series, 2007, chapter 1. ABERNATHY, Charles F., Law in the United States: Cases and Materials. International Law Institute, 1995, p. 139 to 145. BURNHAM, William. Introduction to the law and legal system of the United States, 4th ed.Thomson West, 2006, pp. 314 to 318. American Government: Judicial Review (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI05Wk2ga5E The Supreme Court - Marbury v. Madison (on-line videos) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV2jpZWg1tY&feature=related

V. Sources of National Authority and the Federal Commerce Power


Understand the allocation of powers within a constitutional framework

A. Sources of National Authorithy 1. McCulloch vs. Maryland and the basis of federal power. 2. The separation of powers principle. 3. Sources of Federal power 4. Term Limits on Federal Legislators.

B. The Federal Commerce Power


NOWAK, John E and ROTUNDA, Roland D.,Principles of Constitutional Law, 3d Edition, Concise Hornbook Series, 2007, pp. 67 to 76, 197 to 209

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1. The Commerce Clause –its origin and development. 2. Judicial Interpretations of the Commerce Power Prior to 1888 (Gibbons vs. Ogden)

ABERNATHY, Charles F., Law in the United States: Cases and Materials. International Law Institute, 1995, p. 139 to 145. McCullough v Maryland (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-wF5pwRg2U&feature=related Court Case: McCulloch vs. Maryland (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcMSVTiXozk

VI. Individual Liberties –An Overview


Think critically about the balance between individual rights and the need for law and order.

Individual Liberties 1. Guarantees in the original text of the Constitution. 2. The Bill of Rights Provisions and their Incorporation in the Fourteenth Amendment. 3. The Privileges and/or Immunities Clauses. 4. Which Individuals are protected by the Constitutional Guarantees? 5. Procedural Due Process versus Substantive Review. 6. The Equal Protection Clause 7. Substantive Due Process.


NOWAK, John E and ROTUNDA, Roland D.,Principles of Constitutional Law, 3d Edition, Concise Hornbook Series, 2007, pp. 210 to 224. ARAUJO, Jess J., The Law and Your Legal Rights / La Ley y Sus Derechos Legales, Fireside, 1998, pp. 21 to 24.

American Government: Civil Liberties and the Bill of Rights (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGtNJozgE_8

VII. Procedural Due Process

1 week (October 6)

Know the constitutional limitations on law enforcement and the constitutional rights of citizens who face investigation, trial, or punishment.

Procedural Due Process –The requirement of fair adjudicative procedures

1. Deprivations of “Life, Liberty or Property” for which some Process is due.

Landmark case: Roe v. Wade

Lecture prepared by the instructor, based on: NOWAK, John E and ROTUNDA, Roland D.,Principles of Constitutional Law, 3d Edition, Concise Hornbook Series, 2007, pp. 320 to 369. BURNHAM, William. Introduction to the law and legal system of the United States, 4th ed.Thomson West, 2006, pp. 314 to 318. ABERNATHY, Charles F., Law in the United States: Cases and Materials. International Law Institute, 1995, p. 464 to 477. A DVD History of the U.S. Constitution-Roe v. Wade (on line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_IEFYjzljQ&feature=related

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Second evaluation (October 13) Moot Court Competition. Topic to be defined on September 22nd, 2009. VIII. EQUAL PROTECTION

1 week (October 20)

A. Equal protection 1. Introduction to Equal Protection Analysis – Application to State and Federal Acts. 2.- Establishing and Testing Classifications of a Law – “On its face”, in its “application”, or in its “purpose and Effect” Cases: Brown vs. Board of Education, Michael vs. Superior Court of Sonoma County.

Lecture prepared by the instructor, based on: NOWAK, John E and ROTUNDA, Roland D.,Principles of Constitutional Law, 3d Edition, Concise Hornbook Series, 2007, pp. 373 to 386. BURNHAM, William. Introduction to the law and legal system of the United States, 4th ed.Thomson West, 2006, pp. 340 to 350. ABERNATHY, Charles F., Law in the United States: Cases and Materials. International Law Institute, 1995, p. 517 to 521, and 546 to 550.

IX. FREEDOM OF SPEECH

1 week (October 27)

Understand legal reasoning and theories of constitutional interpretation regarding the freedom of speech.

A. Freedom of speech 1. Regulation of speech based on its content – note on the purposes of the first amendment and the tolerance of different political views. 2.- Regulation of speech based on time, place, or manner. 3. Modern problems in free speech methodology.

Cases: New York Times v. Sullivan Bernes v. Glen Theatres.

Lecture prepared by the instructor, based on: BURNHAM, William. Introduction to the law and legal system of the United States, 4th ed.Thomson West, 2006, pp. 355 to 374. ABERNATHY, Charles F., Law in the United States: Cases and Materials. International Law Institute, 1995, p. 573 to 599. Craig Ferguson, "If you don't vote, you're a …" (on-line video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdRVQ4xwwmQ

X. RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS

1 week (November 3)

A. Freedom of religion 1. The Establishment Clause 2.- The Free Exercise Clause 3. The Natural Antagonism Between the two clauses

Lecture prepared by the instructor, based on: BURNHAM, William. Introduction to the law and legal system of the United States, 4th ed.Thomson West, 2006, pp. 374 to 382. NOWAK, John E and ROTUNDA, Roland D.,Principles of Constitutional Law, 3d Edition, Concise Hornbook

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Series, 2007, pp. 764 to 812.

Third evaluation (November 10) XI. CONSTITUTIONAL CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

1 week (November 17)

A. Limitations on investigative techniques and apprehension of suspects. B. Search and seizure C. Whether a search is reasonable.

Lecture prepared by the instructor, based on: BURNHAM, William. Introduction to the law and legal system of the United States, 4th ed.Thomson West, 2006, pp. 276 to 290. Miranda Rights: Criminal Law – FindLaw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2UN8sGhAj8

FINAL EVALUATION (December 8th) Método Pedagógico empleado : 1. Lectures. 2. Active participation of students, both individually and in group. 3. Online documentation and handouts provided by the instructor. Recursos Didácticos Fechas de exámenes: Primer parcial: TUESDAY September 8th, 2009.

Segundo Parcial: TUESDAY October 13th, 2009.

Tercer Parcial: TUESDAY November 10th, 2009.

Final: TUESDAY December 8th, 2009, at 8 a.m.

Políticas del curso

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As course requirement, the students are responsible for completing all readings listed in the syllabus prior to the date for which they are assigned. CLASS ATTENDANCE- Classes will begin at 7:00am, therefore, if a student fails to attend class on time, he/she will be considered absent. Arrivals after 7:20 am are taken as ABSENTS. In the event that a student has more than two absences per course, the student will be denied the right to take an examination. Absences may only be justified due to extracurricular activities notified and duly signed by the Academic Program Director. Punctuality is crucial for lawyers. Fifteen percent of each partial grade depends on punctuality and participation in class. ASSIGNMENTS- In order to be graded, assignments shall be rendered on time and in the date requested by the professor (even those from students with justified absences); otherwise, they shall receive the minimum grade established by the University´s official policies. All class activities shall be rendered within the duration of the class, unless otherwise specified by the professor. For homeworks, if no date has been formerly established, it shall be understood to have been assigned for the following class as determined in the University´s official calendar. All assignments shall be conducted in English language, unless Spanish is especifically requested. EXAMINATIONS- The use of an English-Spanish dictionary is permitted during examinations, but no legal dictionaries are allowed (whereas in class, the use of legal dictionaries is highly recommended). In addition to the official examinations established by the University, the professor is entitled to establish other examinations with no prior notice. Grades shall be released to students at a maximum of two weeks after the examination date or the date of delivery of any written submission, unless the students are otherwise notified in writing. Any doubt or clarification concerning the student´s grades or the assessment of course work shall be discussed directly with the professor the following session after such grades have been conferred. Unauthorized communication during examinations is strictly forbidden whether it be orally or with the use of electronic equipment. This and any other attempt of dishonest behavior will be considered as misconduct. MISCONDUCT- Misconduct will entitle the professor to grade the student with a zero for the corresponding period. Misconduct includes, among other things: cheating; plagiarism (reproducing in, or submitting for assessment of, any examination the work of another person, whether in whole or in part and whether with or without the knowledge of the other person or without proper attribution of the other person); the submission of any work previously submitted for an examination from another course or unit of study ; failing to comply with the University's instructions to students in relation to taking an examination; and/or acting, or assisting another person to act, dishonestly in connection with an examination or assignment in any form. COMMUNICATION- Instructions and assignments may be given orally in class or in writing through the campus pipeline email. In any case, students are considered formally notified when communication is performed by such means. Please certify that you have available space in your inbox at all times Políticas de Evaluación del curso:

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NOTA: Deberán estar alineadas a las Políticas y Reglamentos de Evaluación de alumno de acuerdo al

nivel correspondiente, Profesional o Posgrado

Calificación Parcial Calificación Final Profesor Investigaciones

y/o tareas Prácticas y

exámenes rápidos Examen Parcial

Total (100%)

3 Parciales

Trabajo Final

Examen Final

Total (100%)

Ana Teresa Carrión 15% 15% 70% 100% 70% 30% 100%

Datos Generales del(de los) Profesor(es):

Nombre Teléfono Ubicación Correo E Hrs. de Asesoría Lic. Ana Teresa Carrión 4777 1000, EXT. 1076

(Santos-Elizondo-Cantú-Rivera-González-De la Garza-Mendoza, S.C.)

Aula de Asesorías UDEM [email protected] [email protected]

Saturdays from 11a.m. to 1p.m. Prior appointment is required

Bibliografía básica y complementaria : • THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES • BURNHAM, William. Introduction to the law and legal system of the United States, 4th ed.Thomson West, 2006. • NOWAK, John E and ROTUNDA, Roland D.,Principles of Constitutional Law, 3d Edition, Concise Hornbook Series, 2007. • GARNER, Bryan A (ed. in chief), Black's Law Dictionary, Third Pocket edition, Thomson West, 2001. • MORINEAU, Marta, Una introducción al Common Law, 2da Reimpresión, México, Instituto de Investigaciones Jurídicas, 2004. • ABERNATHY, Charles F., Law in the United States: Cases and Materials. International Law Institute, 1995. • ARAUJO, Jess J., The Law and Your Legal Rights / La Ley y Sus Derechos Legales, Fireside, 1998. • FEINMAN, Jay M., Introducción al derecho de los Estados Unidos de América, Ed. Oxford, 2003. • HALE, Matthew. The History of the Common Law in England (Classics of British Historical Literature) (Paperback), Charles M. Gray (Editor). • Roman Law and Common Law: A Comparison in Outline (Paperback) by W. W. Buckland (Author), Arnold D. McNair (Author) . • William Blackstone: Law and Letters in the Eighteenth Century (Hardcover) by Wilfrid Prest (Author). • The Common Law of Colonial America: Volume I: The Chesapeake and New England 1607-1660 (Hardcover) by William E. Nelson (Author).

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• The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics) (Mass Market Paperback) by Alexander Hamilton (Author), James Madison (Author), John Jay (Author), Clinton Rossiter (Author), Charles R. Kesler (Editor). • Madison's Nightmare: How Executive Power Threatens American Democracy (Hardcover) by Peter M. Shane

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