This course is an introduction to civil litigation. It will focus on the practice of civil litigation, including an introduction to the rules, statutes, and common-law doctrines governing parties and proceedings in our civil justice system. Topics to be covered may include the structure of our courts, pleadings, standing, justiciability, limitation periods, relitigation, jurisdiction, injunctions, discovery, confidentiality and privilege, summary judgment, class proceedings, the trial process, and costs.

The class discussions will address how these principles can advance the underlying objectives of our civil justice system, including the plaintiff's pursuit of a remedy and the desire to be heard, the defendant's wish to avoid needless litigation, and the public's interest in an effective and efficient court system.