As a student in the Prelaw Program, you’ll be enrolled in the four-credit course

This course meets Mondays through Fridays at the Cornell University ILR School NYC Conference Center, Room 1137, located at 570 Lexington Ave., 11th floor, New York, New York.

Class times are as follows

  • June 3 through 14: 9:00 a.m. to noon
  • June 19: no class (in observance of Juneteenth)
  • June 17, 18, and 20: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • June 21: 9:00 a.m. to noon (last class)
  • June 26: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (final exam)

This course offers you a comprehensive introduction to the American legal system, its roots in natural and common law, the purposes/values it serves (e.g., resolution of private grievances; punishment of offenses against the polity and individuals; preservation, development, and limitation of individual and group rights; and facilitation of commerce and private agreements), and the roles of the judiciary, legislature, and private parties.

Professor Stewart teaches the course using the Socratic method, which is employed at most U.S. law schools, and introduces students to fundamental concepts and techniques used by attorneys and courts in analyzing cases, interpreting statutes, and determining disputes.

Course expectations

You'll be expected to

  • Attend class daily.
  • Read all assigned materials before each class meeting.
  • Complete all assignments in a timely manner.
  • Actively participate in class discussions.
  • Take a final exam