This course will explore the historical, theoretical and practical differences between the U.S. (common law) and German (civil law) legal systems. We will first look at the organic nature of the common law legal system; its historical development in Britain and as well as its influence on the U.S. legal system. This will be accomplished by discussing the structure of the U.S. legal system, as well as common law legal education, culture and courtroom procedure. Throughout this discussion, essential English legal terminology will be introduced and explained.  

Having surveyed the basic structure of the common law legal system, the course will then focus on specific areas of U.S. law. In this portion of the course, each lecture will be dedicated to a distinct area of law (for example: the law of torts, criminal law, contract law, family law, etc.) with emphasis on the common law / U.S. approach to each area of law and the legal English terminology used in each area of law.  

The lectures will be given in English. While particular effort will be made to make the material presented as accessible to non-native speakers as possible, students should still have a reasonable understanding of both written and spoken English.  

Students who successfully pass the final exam will receive credit for the „Fremdsprachenkompetenznachweis” requirement of the state exam.