Faculty of Law

Undergraduate Courses

LAW 301   Units: 2.0   Schedule

The Administrative Law Process

An investigation of the nature and function of the administrative process with particular reference to the development of tribunals and agencies with a wide variety of disparate functions and interactions with private life. Similarly, investigates the way in which tribunals and courts interact, with specific reference to the judicial arsenal available for the control of administrative behaviour.

LAW 307   Units: 1.5 or 2.0   Schedule

Civil Procedure

An inquiry into the functions of a modern procedural system with specific reference to the development of a process which considers the extent to which the specific system under study aids in the achievement of just, speedy and economic resolutions of justiciable conflicts on their merits. Students will be introduced to the basic structure of a civil action and major items for consideration throughout the development of civil litigation. In the result, such matters as the expenses of litigation, jurisdiction, initial process, pleadings, amendment, joinder, discovery, disposition without trial and alternatives to adjudication will be discussed.

307B (2) Concentration in Drafting.

Note: 1.5 units or 2 units depending upon whether the course includes a concentration in drafting.

LAW 309   Units: 2.0   Schedule

The Law of Evidence

The objective structure and content of the law governing proof of facts in both civil and criminal trials, as well as before administrative tribunals. Rules of evidence respecting burdens of proof and presumptions, competence and compellability of witnesses, corroboration, hearsay, character, opinion evidence and a variety of other topics will be critically examined in the light of objectives of the legal process.

LAW 315   Units: 2.0 or 2.5   Schedule

Business Associations

Conceptual overview of business organizations including legal and fiduciary concepts in commercial relationships. Analyzes and discusses various legal forms for carrying on business, including sole proprietorship, partnership and related agencies. Recognizes that the corporation is one of immense commercial and legal significance as an organizational form and will hence stress legislation and materials respecting the modern corporation.

LAW 342   Units: 1.5   Schedule

Immigration and Citizenship Law

The laws regulating the admission and removal of foreign nationals to and from Canada; gaining access to Canada permanently - family class, skilled workers, business classes, humanitarian classes; the various Provincial Nominee Programs and the Canada-Québec Accord; temporary admission as a visitor or student and temporary worker; the impact of NAFTA; the processes for excluding and removing foreign nationals on grounds of health, security or criminality; the procedural and substantive criteria that determine citizenship.

LAW 343   Units: 0.5-2.0   Schedule

Contemporary Issues in Law

Contemporary and problematic legal issues will be examined in the light of existing legal rules, social and related implications, the legal process, and possible reform.

Note: Unit value may vary from 0.5 to 2 units per term. May be taken more than once for credit.

LAW 349   Units: 1.5-3.0   Schedule

Business Law Clinic

Using a clinical approach, students will apply knowledge gained in LAW 315 Business Associations as they assist small business owners and those who are considering going into business to assess their legal requirements. By working with the Clinic Counsel and with the mentors from the Victoria Bar, students develop practical legal skills and examine the role of the legal profession in the small business environment.

Note: May be taken twice for credit to a maximum of 3.0 units with the prior approval of the Associate Dean Academic and Student Relations and the instructor. Priority will be given to students registering in the course for the first time.

Pre- or corequisites: 315.

Grading: COM, N, F

LAW 350   Units: 3.0-7.5   Schedule

Clinical Term

Clinical legal education is predicated upon the assumption of a recognized role within the legal system by the law student. The experience gained from the participation in the role becomes the focus for reflection and examinations of substantive legal rules, procedural and strategical positions, and introspective critical analysis of the role of the lawyer in the legal process. This requires a carefully supervised program with manifold opportunities for one to one instructor student supervision and regular group sessions. Programs envisaged would take place in a community law office.

Note: Only part-time students may enrol for less than 7.5 units. Part-time students are required to consult with the professor before registering for LAW 350 in order to make necessary accommodation arrangements.

Prerequisites: 309.

Grading: COM, N, F

LAW 353   Units: 1.0-2.0   Schedule

Environmental Law Centre Clinic

An opportunity to study the theory and engage in the practice of public interest environmental lawyering in a supervised clinical setting. Students enrolled in the Clinic provide legal information and assistance to environmental NGOs, community groups and First Nations. They also develop public interest lawyering skills including advocacy through media, client counselling, and case development and management. The class meets for a weekly seminar to discuss ongoing projects and related readings, and to exercise skills. At the end of term, every student will submit for evaluation a major written product prepared for a designated clinic client.

Note: May be taken twice for credit to a maximum of 4 units with the approval of the Associate Dean.

Grading: COM, N, F

LAW 384   Units: 1.5   Schedule

Also: ES 403

Field Course in Environmental Law and Sustainability

Analyzes the structure of law, policy, and sustainability in a particular geographic region. Review of overlapping jurisdictional and governance systems that shape a region.

Notes: - Credit will be granted for only one of 384, 343 if taken in the same topic, ES 403

- Undergraduate course in Law and Environmental Studies offered by the Faculty of Law and School of Environmental Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

LAW 399   Units: 1.0-4.0   Schedule

Supervised Research and Writing

During either of the second or third years of a student's program, a student may undertake a substantial research and writing project on a legal subject approved by a member of the Faculty of Law who agrees to supervise the project. With the approval of the Dean or the Dean's nominee: (1) a student may be awarded credit for two separate supervised research papers provided that the total credit does not exceed 4 units and each paper is started and completed in separate terms; (2) this course may be extended over two terms; and (3) this course is to be taken for 1 unit only.

Graduate Courses

LAW 590   Units: 1.5-3.0   Schedule

Directed Studies in Law

Individual studies under the direct supervision of one or more faculty members. The content, credit value and method of evaluation must be approved by the instructor and the Graduate Adviser prior to registering in this course.

Note: May be taken more than once for credit in different topics. Pro Forma required.

LAW 598   Units: 6.0   Schedule

Major Research Paper in Law

Grading: INP, COM, N, F

LAW 599   Units: 9.0   Schedule

LLM Thesis

Grading: INP, COM, N, F

LAW 690   Units: 1.5-3.0   Schedule

Directed Studies in Law

Individual studies under the direct supervision of one or more faculty members. The content, credit value and method of evaluation must be approved by the instructor and the Graduate Adviser prior to registering in this course.

Note: May be taken more than once for credit in different topics. Pro Forma required.

LAW 693   Units: 3.0   Schedule

PhD Candidacy Examinations

The PhD Candidacy Examination consists of an oral examination. This examination should be taken and passed within two years of entering the PhD program.

Grading: INP, COM, N, F.

LAW 699   Units: 21.0-36.0   Schedule

PhD Dissertation

Prerequisites: 693

Grading: INP, COM, N, F.