Thousands of years ago our ancestors made the leap from a culture and economic system based on hunting and gathering to one of domesticated animals and planned agriculture. That change transformed the existing social, political, and, eventually, legal structures to accommodate new challenges. Today we are in the midst of another transformation that is testing the existing social, political, economic and legal structures, so painfully wrought to serve the needs of the Industrial Age. At the most fundamental level commerce, the basis of the economy, has changed. Although in the strictest technical sense electronic commerce has been around since the invention of the telegraph, the emergence of computer networks has propelled e-commerce to the forefront of modern business practice. Today, the use of electronic information and communication technologies to facilitate the buying and selling of goods and services is both commonplace and essential. This course is designed to provide the student with a foundational understanding of how the legal system in the United States is struggling to accommodate the challenges of the Information Age as the economy, society and everyday lives are transformed by new and emerging technologies. During the term, we will explore the emerging (and sometimes conflicting and uncertain) body of case and statutory law, and discuss the underlying policy concerns, as they apply to the use of new information technologies in the increasingly interconnected global society. Eligibility: Open to all except 1Ls. Course format: lecture. Grading: other (see syllabus), 100%. This course may be taken for an S/U grade.

This course is designed as a seminar to introduce students to the legislative process and the role of lawyers in legislative advocacy and policymaking. The course will offer students a fundamental overview of the processes and steps for the enactment of legislation, the manner in which legislative texts and legislative history are important to lawyers and the courts, and the connection between lawyers, legislation and the creation of public policy. In addition, students will be directly exposed to lawmaking in action by attending legislative hearings at the NH State House, meeting with state legislators, and interacting with lobbyists who advocate before the state legislature. Through practical exercises, students will develop skills in conducting policy analysis as background for lawmaking, drafting written testimony, and making oral presentations to legislative committees. This class is particularly appropriate for students who want to enhance their exposure to lawyering for social justice. Eligibility: Open to all except 1Ls and students who are current or former members of the NH General Court. Course format: seminar. Grading: class prep. and participation, 30%; research paper, 30%; other (see syllabus), 40%. This course may be taken for an S/U grade.

This required two credit course introduces first year students to the basic research tools and strategies a beginning lawyer needs to practice law in the United States. The course focuses on: primary and secondary legal authority; mandatory and persuasive authority; accessing, evaluating and updating secondary legal sources, court decisions, statutes and administrative rulemaking; developing a coherent research strategy including cost effective research; and appropriate choice of electronic versus print formats. Students will be exposed to traditional print sources as well as LEXIS, Westlaw and free web sites. Historical and ethical aspects of legal research will be discussed. At the end of the first semester students should be able to take a legal issue and determine the extent of legal information needed; access the needed legal information effectively and efficiently; evaluate legal information and its sources critically; incorporate the selected legal information into their understanding of the issue; understand the economic, legal and social issues surrounding the use of legal information; access and use information ethically and legally. Classes involve a mix of lecture, discussion and the opportunity to work directly with relevant print and electronic resources through an assigned problem. In additional to a graded research midterm and final, students must successfully complete 10 weekly research assignments and two research practicums. Eligibility: Required JD course. Course enrollment is limited to 24 students. Course format: skills training. Grading: final exam, 55%; midterm exam, 30%; class prep. and participation, 5%; regular submissions/quizzes, 10%. Course has an ungraded component or practicum. This course cannot be taken for an S/U grade.