Introduction to U.S. Law

• Instructor: Richard Chen, Associate Professor of Law
• Planned Dates: 16 June 2025 to 3 July 2025 (18 days)

 

Course Description

This course provides a general introduction to the fundamental principles and distinctive aspects of the U.S. legal system and its institutions. We will begin by studying foundational concepts such as sources of law, precedent and common law reasoning, and the allocation of governmental powers. The course will also introduce you to the U.S. adversarial system, the role of the legal profession, the criminal justice system, and civil litigation. Finally, students will learn the core principles of a few key substantive fields, including contracts, torts, and property.

 

Anticipated Meeting Times

The course will meet from 9 to 11:30 am for a total of 14 times between June 16 and July 3. Each class session will involve a mix of teaching methods, including lectures, exercises, and hands-on group discussions. Additional class time may be scheduled for students electing to write a paper and deliver an oral presentation.

 

Assessment

Students taking the course for 4 credits will be required to submit a final paper of 4,000 to 6,000 words. Papers may address any topic in American law, and comparative perspectives are encouraged. The course will be graded on a credit/no credit basis.

 

Students must take at least 4 credits to be full-time and maintain their F-1 student visa status.

Upon successful completion of the course, students can apply to receive 6 units of unspecified law elective credit.

 

• Unofficial Statement of Results from ANU-ISIS
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After being admitted in the program, the University of Hawaiʻi Law School will work with students who need an I-20 for their visa application in order to attend in-person classes. The following will be required for the F-1 student Visa application:

• proof of financial support (if receiving any)
• health clearance
• proof of health insurance

*Applicants must ensure that they have a current valid passport and eligible to travel overseas before applying for this opportunity.

More information the Student Visa and I-20 form can be found here.

 

2025 Tuition fees

Tuition $952 per credit

Student Admin Fee: $87 per summer session

Students must take at least 4 credits

Total: $3895 USD

 

Accommodation

Housing is a 5-minute walk from the Law school and is provided by East-West Center (EWC)

Accommodation costs are $56 per night per double room, totaling $1,008 USD for the 18 nights.

Application for admission to the Hawai‘i Summer Law Program and applications for University housing are separate procedures. Admission to one does not signify admission to the other.

Contact intlaw@hawaii.edu for more information.

 

Financial support

The ANU College of Law will not be providing any financial assistance for this opportunity.

ANU will however provide travel insurance for the duration of this opportunity.

 

Other information

Additional costs may involve textbooks and transportation costs.

Each student is responsible for arranging their own flights, transport and accommodations in Hawai‘i.

More information can be found on The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Law School international students page.

 

Travel Dates

Successful applicants will be expected to arrive in Hawai’i by 15 June 2025.

The Course Introduction to U.S. Law will run between 16 June 2025 to 3 July 2025 (18 days)