This course covers the basic structure and function of U.S. legal institutions, the interaction of state and federal law in the American system of federalism, common law and case analysis, the American criminal and civil justice systems, trial by jury, and the American legal profession. The goal of the course is to provide entering students in the MLS program and entering foreign-educated LL.M. students with a general introduction to American law and the U.S. legal system so that they will be better able to perform adequately in the courses they take at the beginning of their respective degree programs. Not open to J.D. candidates.