Civil Procedure and Litigation

This survey course will introduce students to various aspects of civil procedure, which may include pleadings, discovery, pretrial adjudication, trial, appeal, jurisdiction, venue, joinder of claims and parties, statutes of limitation, and preclusion. The course will also examine how these aspects of civil procedure are applied by litigators.

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an ability to critically analyze statutes and rules.
  • Outline the general ways in which a civil lawsuit moves through the courts.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of trial court procedural posture and appellate court standards of review.
  • Understand and apply the rules for pretrial processes, including pleadings, motions, and discovery.
  • Explain the role of dispute resolution and how it aids and applies to traditional civil litigation.
  • Explain trial by jury, including jury instructions, jury verdicts, and judicial control of the jury.
  • Discuss how lawyers might respond to moral, ethical, and professional responsibilities within litigation.