Ireland Law Study Abroad

The program takes place over four weeks (Ireland) and five weeks with the addition of Wales and provides course offering of a total of 5.5 hours of ABA-approved academic credit (Ireland) and 1.0 hour in Wales (Pending). Students may also take .50 credit of independent study for up to a total of 7 credit hours for the entire program. There are no evening classes. The curriculum features classes and discussions scheduled primarily in the morning, couple with field trips to legal institutions and tours to cultural and historic sites in the afternoon. Field trips are an integral part of the academic program and attendance is mandatory. Cultural and historic tours which are also included in the package price, but tour attendance is not required.

Examination & Grading

There will be a separate written examination for each course. The primary instructor will grade it as pass/fail (unless your school requires an alphanumeric grade). Umkc is the credit-granting institution and retains sole authority to evaluate student performance for ABA approved credit.

Students may obtain an additional 0.5 hour Independent Study academic credit at no additional charge by submitting a paper to the Academic Director no later than July 30, 2010. Please indicate whether or not you will participate in the optional additional credit in the appropriate box on the registration form to ensure proper enrollment. Students are advised to check with their financial office before dropping this course and reducing the number of credit hours calculated in determining summer aid.

Credit Transfers

This program is ABA-approved for 6.5 (Wales credit pending) hours of academic credit. UMKC will provide supporting documents, but ultimately the decision to accept transfer credits and grades is the responsibility of each academic institution. Further, overseas study programs may not meet your school's residency or accelerate graduation requirements. Accordingly, you are advised to confer with your law school's Dean or registrar prior to application.

May 17-May 24

Law of the European Union, Part I 1 credit hour

Dermot Cahill

The legal and political framework and institutions of the European Union; the Commission, Council of Ministers, Court of Justice, Court of Auditors, and the European Parliament. Course will examine the interlocking web of European treaties, the expansion of the EU, the EU as a trade block and Ireland as a gateway to the EU or non-bloc nations.

May 16-May 25 PI 1 cr hr May 26-May 31 P2 .5 cr hr

Doing Business in Ireland Part I Doing Business in Ireland Part 2

Cindy Buys & Oonagh Breen Edwin Hood & Robert Downs

A comparative study of business entity laws of the United States and the Republic of Ireland. In addition, the course will examine the competition laws of the United States and the European Union and corporate taxation of multinational companies operating in the Republic of Ireland.

May 27, 31-June 11

Law of the European Union, Part II 2 credit hours

Dermot Cahill & Shivaun Quinlivan

An examination of the substantive and procedural law governing the member states of the European Union including such topics as the nature and application of EU law, the relationship between EU and national laws; remedies in national courts, enforcement actions, damages and money claims, free movement of goods and workers, competition laws, intellectual property, equal treatment of women and men, and non-discrimination.

June 2-June 9

Comparative Criminal Law 1 credit hour

William Schroeder

A comparative analysis of criminal law jurisprudence in the United States and Europe (especially Ireland and the United Kingdom) with respect to the exclusionary rule, the death penalty, the jury system and the reintegration of ex-offender into society.

June 14 - June 17

International Intellectual Property 1 credit hour

Howard Johnson

This module will focus on the main principles of protection and the obligations of the signatories to the World Trade Organisation Trade Related Intellectual Property Agreement (GATT/TRIP's) - in particular focusing on the main intellectual property and industrial property rights 1. Copyright 2. Performers Rights 3. Patents 4. Trade Marks 5. Related rights such as unfair competition and the protection of geographical indications.
What are the obligations imposed on the signatories in respect of protection and enforcement of these rights.

Independent Study 0.5 credit hour

Ireland Summer Law Study students may obtain an additional one-half hour or academic credit for Independent Study (at no additional charge) by submitting an paper to the Academic Director. The comparative law paper should be a meaningful discussion of the relevant American law, with research and authority, compared to what the student has already learned about Irish/European law through classes and readings. Paper should be 6 - 10 pages in length in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Paper Topics.