The first year curriculum is designed to teach the fundamentals of legal analysis, to introduce you to legal subjects on which most of the law is built, and to give you a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and advocacy skills. During their first year at SMU, J.D. students complete the following courses:
Full Time Students
FallContracts I (3 hours)
Criminal Law (3 hours)
Legal Research, Writing & Analysis I (3 hours)
Legislation & Regulation (3)
Torts (4)
Total - 16 hours (4 exams)
Spring
Civil Procedure (4 hours)
Constitutional Law I (3 hours)
Contracts II (2 hours)
Legal Research, Writing & Analysis II (EL) (3 hours)
Property (4 hours)
Total - 16 hours (4 exams)