What You'll Learn

  • How to define law and its purpose

  • How law is 'made' and classified

  • How US and UK courts are structured

  • How to read and summarize cases

  • How to determine where to bring lawsuits

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

  • 2

    Law: Characteristics & Functions

    • Reading: Defining Law

    • Video: Defining 'Law'

    • Reading: Why Do We Need Law?

    • Video: Why Do We Need Law?

    • Quiz: Characteristics & Functions of Law

  • 3

    Sources of Law

    • Reading: Sources of Law

    • Video: Positive Laws

    • Reading: Brown v. Board of Education

    • Video: Common Law and 'Stare Decisis'

    • Quiz: Sources of Law
  • 4

    Classification of Law

    • Reading: OJ Simpson Verdicts

    • Video: Types of Law

    • Video: Civil v. Criminal Law

    • Quiz: Civil v. Criminal Law
  • 5

    US & UK Court Systems

    • Reading: US Federal and State Courts

    • Video: US Court System

    • Video: UK Court System

    • Resource: UK Court System

    • Quiz: US and UK Court Systems
  • 6

    Terminology & Case Briefs

    • Video: Basic Legal Terms

    • Resource: Glossaries

    • Video: How to Brief (and Read) Cases

    • Reading: McBoyle v. United States

    • Video: Case Brief Example

    • Reading: Legal Writing Tips

    • Quiz: Terminology & Case Briefs
  • 7

    Jurisdiction

    • Reading: Jurisdiction

    • Reading: International Shoe Co. v. State of Washington

    • Video: Types of Jurisdiction

    • Reading: Federal v. State Jurisdiction

    • Video: Federal v. State Jurisdiction

    • Quiz: Jurisdiction
  • 8

    End of Course Survey

    • Let Us Know What You Think

Your Benefits

  • Designed by our team of legal experts

  • Reliable, thorough, and up-to-date

  • Contains readings, videos, and quizzes

  • Easy to follow, ideal for beginners

  • Start anytime, from anywhere

  • Earn a course completion certificate

Your Certificate

Upon successful completion, you will be issued an official course certificate. This will be particularly useful when you apply to universities, colleges, or jobs and promotions.


Start Learning Today.

Build legal expertise and get ahead.

Yes, sign me up

FAQ

  • Who should generally take this course?

    This course is recommended for anybody looking to lay a solid foundation before moving on to more specialized course topics. It is designed for those who do not have a background in US or UK law or need a refresher.

  • Is this course suitable for (international) students?

    Absolutely. This course will help you understand the cornerstones of Anglo-American law. In fact, it is particularly popular with those who are preparing for legal studies in the US or UK, such as an LLM, JD, or LLB.

  • Is this course suitable for (international) lawyers?

    Yes. It is an excellent course for those looking to familiarize themselves with the basic principles of the US or UK legal system for professional reasons.

  • How long does it take to complete?

    The course is flexible and it really depends on you and how much time you can devote to it. While it could be completed quicker, we would suggest 1-2 weeks as a rough guide.

  • For how long can I access the course?

    There is no limit. We believe that you should be able to take as much time as you want, and go back to sections or specific materials as many times as you need.

  • What if I have any questions or problems?

    No worries. Feel free to contact our friendly team at any time, and we'll help you out. Promised.

Course Design

BLI Team

Our mission is clear. We strive to be the premier source for the full spectrum of business and corporate law online learning. Our team has been successfully educating students, legal practitioners, and other professionals since 2006.