DESCRIPTION OF COURSES
(Model Law Curriculum)
FIRST YEAR – FIRST SEMESTER
PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS
A basic course on the law of persons and the family which first views the effect and application of laws and the law of human relations, and then proceeds to examine the legal norms affecting civil personality, marriage, property relations between husband and wife, legal separation, the matrimonial regimes of absolute community, conjugal partnership of gains, and complete separation of property, family, paternity and filiation, adoption, guardianship, support, parental authority, surnames, absence and emancipation, including the rules of procedure relative to the foregoing. Cases, recitations, and lectures; 4 hours a week, 4 units.
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW I
A survey and evaluation of basic principles dealing with the structure of the Philippine Government. Cases, recitations and lectures; 3 hours a week – 3 units.
CRIMINAL LAW I
A detailed examination into the characteristics of criminal law, the nature of felonies, stages of execution, circumstances affecting criminal liability, persons criminally liable; the extent and extinction of criminal liability as well as civil liability of the offender, what it includes, and the extinction and survival of civil liability, understanding of penalties in criminal law, their nature and theories, classes, crimes, habitual delinquency, juvenile delinquency, and Indeterminate Sentence Law and the Probation Law. The course covers Articles 1 – 113 of the Revised Penal Code and related laws. Cases, recitations and lectures; 3 hours a week – 3 units.
LEGAL PROFESSION
The history and development of the legal profession in the Philippines, its current problems, goals and role in the society. Recitations and lectures; 1 hour a week – 1 unit.
LEGAL RESEARCH
A probe in the methodology of legal research and the preparation of legal opinions, memoranda, expository or critical, on any subject approved by the professor-in-charge. Lectures, reading and practical work; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION
A course that explores the use and force of statutes and the principles and methods of their construction and interpretation. Cases, recitation and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
LEGAL PHILOSOPHY
A study of the main currents of jurisprudential thought; the material and ideal view on the nature of the law; the significance of the law as a means of social control and social change and the problems and perspectives together with the nature of the solutions advanced affecting the social structure. Recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW I
A course on General Environmental Laws of the Philippines and the Principles, Ethics and Foundations of Environmental Law and study on Special Laws affecting Land Environment. 1 hour lecture a week – 1 unit.
FIRST YEAR – SECOND SEMESTER
OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS
An in-depth study of the nature, kinds and effect of obligations; and their extinguishment; contracts in general, their requisites, form and interpretation; and defective contracts, including quasi-contracts, natural obligations, and estoppel. Cases, recitations, and lectures; 5 hours a week – 5 units.
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW II
A comprehensive study of the Constitution, the bill of rights and judicial review of acts affecting them. Cases, recitations and lectures; 3 hours a week – 3 units.
CRIMINAL LAW II
A comprehensive appraisal of specific felonies penalized in Book II of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, their nature, elements and corresponding penalties. Cases, recitations and lectures; 3 hours a week – 3 units.
LEGAL WRITING
An introduction of legal writing techniques. It involves applied legal bibliography, case digesting and reporting analysis, legal reasoning and preparation of legal opinions or memoranda. Lectures, reading and practical work; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
LEGAL ETHICS
A course that focuses on the canons of legal ethics involving the duties and responsibilities of the lawyer with respect to the client, the court, the bar and the public. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
SPECIAL PENAL LAWS
The study includes related offenses provided in special laws, such as the Dangerous Drug Act, the Anti- Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the law on the tapping and related violations of privacy of communication, the Carnapping law, the Gambling Law, the Anti-Squatting law, and the Cattle rustling Act. 2 hours a week – 2 units.
FORENSICS
Clinical exercise for advocacy, oral argumentation and persuasion. 1 hour a week- 1 unit.
SECOND YEAR – FIRST SEMESTER
PROPERTY
The law on the different kinds of property, ownership and its modifications; co-ownership, possession, usufruct, easements or servitudes, nuisance, and the different modes of acquiring ownership. Cases, recitations and lectures; 4 hours a week; 4 units.
LAND TITLES AND DEED
The system and methods of registration of titles and deeds to land. Cases, recitation and lectures; 1 hour a week – 1 unit.
SALES
An in-depth consideration of the provisions of the Civil Code on the contract of sale, its nature and form, the obligations of the vendor and the vendee, warranties, remedies, breach of contract, and conventional and legal redemption. The course includes assignment of credits and incorporeal rights, the Bulk Sales Law, and the Nationalization law. Cases, recitations, and lectures; 2 hours a week- 2 units.
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
The rules on criminal procedure, including the basic rights of the accused, the jurisdiction of courts and the procedure in criminal cases. Cases, recitations, and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
LABOR STANDARDS
An investigation into the minimum labor standards, working conditions and employment benefits, including statutes and decrees on labor standards. Cases, recitations, and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
PUBLIC CORPORATIONS
This is a study of the general principles governing municipal corporations; the laws affecting the creation, organization and government of provinces, cities, municipalities, municipal districts and barrios; the scope and application of the powers of municipal corporations, including municipal ordinances, contracts, liabilities and enterprises. Recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
LAW ON NATURAL RESOURCES
A study of the constitution provisions and special laws governing natural resources, their use and disposition. Recitation and lectures; 1 hour a week – 1 unit.
COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
A study of the laws on Trademark, Patent, Copyright and Intellectual Creation. Recitation and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
BANKING LAWS
Study on the rules and regulations governing banks and non-bank financial intermediaries including major Central Bank rules and Civil Aeronautics Board. Recitations and lectures; 1 hour a week – 1 unit.
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW II
A study of Special Laws affecting Air and Water Environment; on selected International Environmental Laws, Treaties and Protocols; and enforcement remedies of Environmental Laws. 1 hour lecture a week – 1 unit.
SECOND YEAR – SECOND SEMESTER
NEGOTIABLE INTRUMENTS LAW
An examination of the statutory provisions governing negotiable instruments as well as other commercial papers, including investment papers and money market instruments. Cased, recitations and lectures; 3 hours a week – 3 units.
CREDIT TRANSACTIONS
The law governing loan and deposits, including mortgages, pledge, antichresis, guaranty, sureties and other securities of collaterals. Cases, recitations and lectures; 3 hours a week- 3 units.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
The development and application of principles and doctrines governing administrative agencies with rule-making and adjudicative functions. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
ELECTION LAW
This course examines the laws regulating the conduct of elections and the law on pre-proclamation contests and election protests. Recitations and lectures; 1 hour a week- 1 unit.
CIVIL PROCEDURE
The rules of civil procedure involving basic principles of jurisdiction and procedure in the cases, provisional remedies and special civil actions. Cases, recitations and lectures; 5 hours a week – 5 units.
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE ACT
The general principles and basic regulations governing common carriers (land, sea and air). Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW
An overview of the legal principles governing international relations among nations. Recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
THIRD YEAR – FIRST SEMESTER
SUCCESSION
A detailed evaluation of the law on the testate and intestate succession, including wills, institution of heirs, computation of legitimes of compulsory heirs, disinheritance, and partition and distribution of the estate. The course also takes up rules and procedure on the settlement and administration of the estate of deceased persons. Cases, recitations and lectures; 4 hours a week – 4 units.
LEGAL COUNSELING
An introduction to the art and technique of legal counseling as well as a consideration of the responsibilities of the lawyer as counselor. Lectures, reading and practical work; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
BUSINESS ORGANIZATION I
A course combining the laws of Partnership, Agency and Trusts. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
TAXATION I
The general principles of taxation and statutory provisions on income taxation, including pertinent revenue regulations. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
LABOR RELATIONS
A survey of the laws implementing the rights of self-organization and collective bargaining, including the laws relating to strikes, pickets and lock-outs. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours week – 2 units.
INSURANCE
A survey of the Insurance Code and related laws, including the concept and function of insurance, the nature of the insurance contract, insurable interest, special forms of insurance and government regulation of the insurance business. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
INJUNCTION AND PROVISONAL REMEDIES
An intensive study of injunction and other provisional relief on Rule 57-61 of the Rules of Court, including a survey of pertinent decisions of the Supreme Court. Recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW
A course on Laws, Principles and Cases implementing the Social Justice and Human Rights Provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and survey on the applicable provisions of the Geneva Conventions and Hague Protocols concerning International Humanitarian Law. 1 hour lecture a week – 1 unit.
THIRD YEAR – SECOND SEMESTER
BUSINESS ORGANIZATION II
A study of the Corporation Code or the law governing private corporations. It includes the Securities and Exchange Commissions. Cases, recitations and lectures; 4 hours a week – 4 units.
EVIDENCE
A course which looks into the rules of presentation, admissibility and weight and sufficiency of evidence, including bureau of proof and presumption. Cases, recitations and lectures; 4 hours a week – 4 units.
TORTS AND DAMAGES
An analysis of the law on quasi-delicts as well as the nature, classes and extent of damages. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
LEGAL FORMS
A course which trains students in the drafting of various legal documents and deeds, as well as judicial pleadings and briefs. Lectures, readings and practical work; 1 hour a week – 1 unit.
TAXATION II
A study of the concepts and general principles of transfer (estate and donor’s ) specific, business, percentage, amusement, and miscellaneous taxes provided in the National Internal Revenue Code, including general principles on tariff and customs duties. Cases, recitations and lectures; 3 hours a week – 3 units.
PROBLEM AREAS IN LEGAL ETHICS
A course aimed at examining and resolving specific problems which may confront lawyers and judges in the exercise of the profession. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
A study of rules on settlement of estate, wills, letters testamentary and administration, encumbrances of property of decedents and escheats. Recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
FOURTH YEAR – FIRST SEMESTER
CIVIL LAW REVIEW I
A general integration of the principles in civil law covering the effect and application of laws, the law on human relations, Persons and Family Relations, Property, Ownership and Its Modifications, the Different Modes of Acquiring Ownership, including Succession. Pertinent provisions of special laws and the Rules of Court are also reviewed. Cases, recitations and lectures; 4 hours a week – 4 units.
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW REVIEW
A general survey of the Constitution of the Philippines, including Administrative law. Cases, recitations and lectures; 3 hours a week – 3 units.
CRIMINAL LAW REVIEW
A general review of the Revised Penal Code with its latest amendments, and the interpretative decisions of the Supreme Court as well as the other relevant penal statutes. Cases, recitations and lectures; 4 hours a week – 4 units.
LEGAL MEDICINE
An overview of the principles relating to medico-legal cases, including the procedure of presenting and examining a medical expert witness; 1 hour a week – 1 unit.
LABOR LAW REVIEW
A general review of all laws affecting labor standards and labor relations. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
PRACTICE COURT 1
Training on the preparation and drafting of complaints, petitions, answers, motions, briefs and other pleadings before tribunals in the art of affective oral advocate. Recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week; credit – 2 units.
TRIAL TECHNIQUE
This is a practical instruction in the preparation of cases and trial briefs before actual trial of cases, both civil and criminal. It includes practical suggestions on effective methods and gathering the facts of cases, the formulation of the theory of the case, search for legal authorities, constructions of pleadings, interview of witness and examination of witnesses in the course of the trial, with particular emphasis on Sections 1 to 19, Rule 132, of the Rules of Court. Outstanding cases illustrating the effective and efficient utilization of procedural rules in enhancing successful litigation are analyzed in detail and, where appropriate, hypothetical cases are presented for solution by the students. Recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
FOURTH YEAR – SECOND SEMESTER
CIVIL LAW REVIEW II
A general integration of the principles in civil law relating to obligations and contracts, sales, lease, quasi-contracts, quasi-delicts and damages. Cases, recitations and lectures; 4 hours a week – 4 units.
REMEDIAL LAW REVIEW
A general survey and integration of the principles of court jurisdiction, civil and criminal procedure, special civil actions, special proceedings, provisional remedies and evidence. Cases, recitations and lectures; 4 hours a week – 4 units.
COMMERCIAL LAW REVIEW
A comprehensive survey and review of the laws on partnership, agency, thrusts corporations, Securities and Exchange Commission, secured transactions, negotiate instrument, insurance and transportation. Cases, recitations and lectures; 4 hours a week – 4 units.
CONFLICTS OF LAW
A course dealing with legal transactions or relationship involving foreign elements with emphasis on the choice on the choice of law methods, including problems in jurisdiction and in recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Cases, recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
PRACTICE COURT II
Holding of court trials as if in a Regional Trial Court, where the rules of Court, with particular reference to Rule 123, are strictly observed, The professor in charge prepares statements of acts and each one of them is made the basis of a complaint and answer. The lawyers, litigants and witnesses are all members of the class, and the professor acts as judge. It is made obligatory upon the students, acting as lawyers, to argue their cases orally immediately after the evidence is closed. This phrase of the subject is important, because it cultivates in the student the habit of noting down or remembering the important facts and it trains him in the art of arguing cases off-hand on the basis of the evidence presented. The judge renders his decision in writing. The class assumes that the cases threshed out previously are brought to the Appellate court, the professor in charge acting as the appellate judge. Members of the class are appointed to act as lawyers for the appellant and appellee to argue their cases orally on the basis of the records prepared previously. The judge renders his decision. 2 hours a week – 2 units.
ADVANCE TAXATION
This seminar is designed for students who are seriously considering tax practice. It examines the procedural requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes a detailed look at the audit process from the examination of a return, and ending with a consideration of the questions surrounding the choice of a forum when litigation seems appropriate. It also exposes students to some of the intellectual rigors of a high level tax practice. Each student is assigned two hypothetical cases on audit. In one of these cases the student represents the taxpayer and prepares a full-scale protests; and the other student represents the Bureau of Internal Revenue. (Prerequisites: Taxation. Recommended; Taxation II) Recitations and lectures; 2 hours a week – 2 units.
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