Course Descriptions
The program begins Sunday, June 1, 2008 with an orientation, and concludes on Sunday, June 29, 2008.
Overview of Mexican Business Law - Profs. W. MacPherson, P. Vasquez Nieto, and Others
This course discusses NAFTA, the structure of the Mexican legal system, law, and legal profession. This is a comparative study of the Mexican legal systems presented in the context of Mexican legal history, language, and culture. Some Spanish legal terminology is discussed to study the differences between Mexican and American law. Mexican law of interest to non-Mexican persons investing or doing business in Mexico, such as contract, corporate, labor law, and tax law will be discussed.
[3 cr.] MTWThF 9:00 to 10:50 a.m.
Course Taught in English and Spanish with Interpretation into Both Languages
NAFTA and Trade in the Americas - Profs. R. Lutz, J. Ramirez and A. Sedillo Lopez,
This course introduces students to the substantive legal, procedural and institutional aspects of NAFTA. Students will develop tools for transnational practice by analyzing the myriad of legal issues involved in the trade of goods and services, including investment and intellectual property protection among the countries of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Special attention will be given to methods of resolving disputes under NAFTA, and to the controversies of environmental and labor law enforcement under the NAFTA Side Agreements. Prospects for future integrations, such as the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), CAFTA, and others, will be examined.
[3 cr.] MTWThF 11:00-12:50 p.m.
Course taught in English with Spanish interpretation
Comparative Constitutional Law - Profs. A. Myhra and V. Sutton
This course first introduces students to the civil law tradition. Against this background, the course explores different approaches to constitutional law in a number of countries, with specific attention devoted to constitutionalism in Mexico. The course will examine different solutions to questions involving the appropriate role(s) of a constitution, what a constitution should contain, and the relationship between constitutionalism and democracy. If time permits, we will discuss some of the issues surrounding the European Union draft constitution.
[3 cr.] MTWThF 1:00-2:50 p.m.
Course taught in English with Spanish interpretation.
International Business Transactions - Prof. S. Pareja
The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the transactional, regulatory, and litigation issues that affect international business through the use of hypothetical fact patterns. With respect to international transactions, we will explore the international sale of goods, international contract issues, international investments, cross-border financings, and international franchises. With respect to international disputes, we will focus on contract rights and remedies, choice of law, choice of forum, and international arbitration. Where appropriate, the course will focus on business transactions in Latin America.
[3 cr.] MTWThF 3:00-4:50 p.m.
Course taught in English with Spanish interpretation.
Political, Economic, and Social Issues’ Impact on Mexican Law -
Prof. L. Guerrero and Others
This course will be divided into two parts, the first being an overview of present-day Mexico, focusing on the evolution of the political system, contemporary social problems, and economic development in Mexico. The second two weeks will focus on these issues’ impact on the Mexican legal system. Private law will be discussed in terms of traditional law around the world, historical antecedents in Mexico, and the differences between traditional civil and common law. Public law will be discussed in terms of constitutionalism, and challenges and perspectives of the penal law code.
[3 cr.] MTWThF 5:30-7:20 p.m.
Course taught in Spanish with English interpretation.
