JURIS DOCTOR
(1) Overview
The Juris Doctor (J.D.) is a graduate level doctorate degree of the study of law. It will be conferred to those who have successfully completed all the required law studies of our program.
The J.D. students who plan to take the First-Year Law Student's Exam or the California State Bar Exam are responsible for checking whether they have met the eligibility requirements of the California State Bar. Those requirements may be found at: www.calbar.ca.gov/admissions. Those planning to take the bar exam of another state are responsible for checking whether they have met the eligibility requirements of that state. Bar eligibility is decided solely by each state on case-by-case basis.
(2) Admission Requirements
MD Kirk School of Law assesses the academic qualifications of each applicant by examining his academic record, work history and personal statement and conducting a personal interview.
Applicants for admission must have successfully completed at least two years of college work (60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours), which college work shall be not less than one-half of the collegiate work acceptable for a bachelor's degree granted by a college or university. The college or other institution that grants this credit must fit into one of the following categories: (1) it is approved by one of the six regional associations accrediting institutions of higher education; (2) its credits are acceptable by a state university in the state wherein such college or university is situated; or (3) it is approved by the Department of Education of the state wherein such college or university is situated.
As an alternative to this requirement, an applicant may take three College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations and must score at or above the minimum levels established by the Committee of Bar Examiners.
After thorough evaluation of a prospective student's admission file, a determination will be made whether the student should be admitted or not. If admitted, a further determination must be made as to whether or not the student will be admitted in "good standing" or "on probation." If admitted "on probation," the student will be counseled on the effects of the "on probation" status.
Students must request that official transcripts be sent to the MD Kirk School of Law admissions office from the college/university where those units were earned.
Students must be present for an interview that will be conducted by a professor and staff. This interview will take place at the Los Angeles office, located at 3435 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #3040, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Contact a representative at info@mdkirkschooloflaw.com to electronically receive the application form and to arrange an interview date. The application form must be submitted in hard copy format on the same date of the interview.
(3) Technology Requirements
Minimum Computer Hardware, Software and Internet Requirements and Specifications:
The student must have access to a computer and the associated accessories and peripheral equipment, software and an internet service provider that satisfy the following specifications:
Minimum Computer Hardware Requirements
1 GHz processor or greater; 256 MB or more of RAM, web camera and headset with microphone.
Minimum Computer Software Requirements
For real-time, face-to face, voice-to-voice classes: Windows, Apple or Linux, Internet browser and the latest Adobe Flash Player. For class work and homework assignments: Any program capable of creating text documents (Windows: Word, Works, Wordpad, Notepad, OpenOffice [OpenOffice is available at no cost at www.openoffice.org). An ability to send and receive e-mail messages with file attachment capabilities. Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 for reading "pdf" formatted handouts, syllabus, assignments, etc (available at no cost at www.adobe.com).
Minimum Internet Service Provider (ISP) Requirements
1.5 mbps download speed and 512 kbps upload speed (cable or DSL preferred?no dial-up).
Computer Equipment:
No school-owned computer equipment, software or internet service will be accessible to the student. The student is responsible, at his or her expense, for obtaining access to the above specified computer hardware and software, and internet access. This includes, without limitation, a computer and the associated accessories and peripheral equipment (i.e., monitor, keyboard, printer, web camera, software and an internet service provider). Many computers (especially laptops) come with built-in cameras which eliminate the need to purchase a separate web camera.
Computer Disclaimer:
Neither MD Kirk School of Law, nor the school's online service provider is responsible for lost files (i.e., data, homework assignments, email, computer-generated graphics) or events or conditions either natural or man-made occurring externally to the school's immediate physical environment or as a result of externally provided actions. A student's computer homework and projects are created and originate on the student's personal computer. Students are responsible for maintaining current and viable backups of all of their work on their own computer backup devices. Students are further responsible for ensuring all assignments are delivered to the school in a timely manner as directed regardless of whether their computer, email or internet is functioning properly. The school strongly recommends and urges all faculty and students to seek out and install adequate virus detection software and to routinely check for and install the most recent updates to their anti-virus software for their particular computer and operating system.
(4) Curriculum: 48 Weeks Continuous Schedule; One (1) Unit = Forty (40) study hours
| First Year Courses |
Study Hours |
Class Weeks |
Units |
| Law101 Introduction To Law / Legal writing |
80 |
4 |
2 |
| Law102 Contracts |
360 |
18 |
9 |
| Law103 Torts |
320 |
16 |
8 |
| Law104 Criminal Law |
280 |
14 |
7 |
| In total |
1040 |
52 |
26 |
| Second Year Courses |
Study Hours |
Class Weeks |
Units |
| Law201 Civil Procedure |
360 |
18 |
9 |
| Law202 Real Property |
360 |
18 |
9 |
| Law203 Remedies |
160 |
8 |
4 |
| Law204 Criminal Procedure |
160 |
8 |
4 |
| In total |
1040 |
52 |
26 |
| Third Year Course |
Study Hours |
Class Weeks |
Units |
| Law301 Evidence |
360 |
18 |
9 |
| Law302 Constitutional law |
360 |
18 |
9 |
| Law303 Legal Research & Writing |
120 |
6 |
4 |
| Law304 Corporations |
200 |
10 |
5 |
| In total |
1040 |
52 |
26 |
| Fourth Year Courses (Electives) |
Study Hours |
Class Weeks |
Units |
| Law401 Community Property |
200 |
10 |
5 |
| Law402 CA Civil Procedure |
160 |
8 |
4 |
| Law403 Proessional Responsibility |
160 |
8 |
4 |
| Law404 Agency & Partnership |
160 |
8 |
4 |
| Law405 Wills & Succession & Trusts |
240 |
12 |
6 |
| Law406 Advanced Legal Research & Writing |
120 |
6 |
3 |
| In total |
1040 |
52 |
26 |
* 1 Unit = 40 study hours
M.D. Kirk School of Law does not provide credit for experiential services.
(5) Course Descriptions
< First Year >
| Courses |
Descriptions |
Law 101
Introduction to Law / Legal writing,
2 Semester Unit,
4 Weeks |
In this introductory course, the student discovers the basic concepts of law and the history of the American system of jurisprudence and juristic theory that originated from, and was developed and formulated through, the common law of England and is now recognized as an organic part of the jurisprudence of most of the United States. Students are introduced to important legal terminology, basic legal analysis, and the practice of the law. An Orientation to legal writing presented, with the goal that students develop their analytical writing skills, case analysis, and legal philosophy and reasoning. |
Law 102
Contracts
7 Semester Units,
18 Weeks |
Students will study both the Common Law contractual principles relating to contracts for services and the Uniform Commercial Code contractual principles relating to contracts for goods. They will learn the rules governing the formation of contracts such as offer, acceptance, consideration and defenses, i.e., the Statute of Frauds, incapacity, illegality, misrepresentation/frauds, duress, unconscionability, undue influence and mistake. Also, students will study contractual conditions, and the law pertaining to the enforcement of contracts, liability and remedies for breach of contract and warranty liability for goods under the Uniform Commercial Code. Finally, the students will study third-party rights and obligations, i.e., third-party beneficiaries, assignments and
delegations. |
Law 103
Torts
8 Semester Units,
16 Weeks |
This course is a survey of civil causes of action for which and injured part may seek redress and compensatory relief in court. Students will learn various theories of tort liability including intentional torts to person and property such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, infliction of emotional distress, trespass to land and chattel, and conversion. Students will also examine the law relating to causes of action for ordinary and professional negligence, wrongful death, products liability, and dignitary torts such as invasion of privacy, defamation, constitutional torts and nuisance. They will also examine strict liability causes of action such as animal and products liability. Finally, students will examine tort defenses of privilege, mistake, self-defense,
consent, necessity, immunity, contributory and comparative negligence and assumption of the risk. |
Law 104
Criminal Law
7 Semester Units,
14 Weeks |
Students will examine Common Law and modern criminal justice systems including their classification of crimes and the necessary elements of various crimes. Students will study the criminal culpability rules applicable to perpetrators such as principals, accessories and accomplices. Students will learn the elements of various crimes committed against persons such as homicide, assault, battery, rape and mayhem. Students will also study property crimes such as larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, receiving stolen property, robbery, burglary and arson. Further, students will examine the inchoate crimes of attempt, solicitation and conspiracy, and will also learn many justifications and excuses including mistake, self-defense, defense of others, crime prevention, force used to effectuate and arrest consent, insanity, infancy, intoxication, public authority, duress, necessity and entrapment. |
< Second Year >
| Courses |
Descriptions |
Law 201
Civil Procedure
9 Semester Units,
18 Weeks |
This course examine the rules governing civil proceedings and the jury trial system with emphasis on federal procedural rules.
Students will study various phases of civil litigation and learn how to proceed with litigation in a court of law. Students will study the statutory and decisional law related to federalism, allocations of power between state and federal courts, personal and subject matter jurisdiction, rules of pleading, claim and party consolidation, venue, pre and post-trial motion practice, claim and issue preclusion, discovery, summary judgment, dismissals and the appellate process. |
Law 202
Real Property
9 Semester Units,
18 Weeks |
The course provides doctrinal analysis of various common and modern real property rules. Students will examine ownership, possessory, alienable rights and other legal interests in freehold and non-freehold estates, future interests, land covenants, equitable servitudes and easements. Students will study the law related to the recordation, use and transfer of property interests and landlord /tenant law. |
Law 203
Remedies
4 Semester Units,
8 Weeks |
Students will learn equitable and legal remedies that are available to civil litigants. They will learn how to allege, measure and define the scope of monetary damage awards, restitution, legal fees, constructive trusts and apportionments in tort and contract actions. Students will explore coercive remedies such as temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, permanent injunctions, specific performance, contempt and declaratory relief. |
Law 204
Criminal Procedure
4 Semester Units,
8 Weeks |
Students will study the rights of the accused in criminal matters by examining various provisions to the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution. Students will learn the law governing searches and seizures, confessions, double jeopardy,
the rights to counsel, jury trials, speedy trials, pleas, exclusionary rules, and the appellate rights of an accused to enforce constitutional guarantees. |
< Third Year >
| Courses |
Descriptions |
Law 301
Evidence
9 Semester Units,
18 Weeks |
This course teaches the standards that regulate the admissibility of proof at judicial proceedings placing special emphasis on the Federal Rules, California rules and general principles of evidence law. Students will study burdens of proof, relevancy, the hearsay rule and its exceptions, policy-based exclusionary rules, legal privileges, expert and lay opinions, scientific,
forensic and demonstrative evidence, impeachment, authentication, character and habit evidence, and presumptions. |
Law 302
Constitutional Law
9 Semester Units,
18 Weeks |
Students will study the United States Constitution, the three branches and structure of the federal government, limitations and scope of government power, judicial review, the role of the
United States Supreme Court, the Bill of Rights, and personal liberties. Students will examine the constitutional distribution of power between the federal government and the individual
states, and personal liberties under the Due Process clauses with special focus on fundamental rights, equal protection, freedom of assembly, press, religion and speech. |
Law 303
Legal Research
&
Writing
3 Semester Units,
6 Weeks, |
Legal Research & Writing is a course that teaches students the fundamental aspects of lawyering: how to read a case; how to parse a statute; how to distinguish between material and
immaterial facts; how to find legal authorities relevant to legal problems; how to analyze a legal issue using facts and law; and how to communicate legal analysis logically, clearly and
concisely. Legal Research & Writing also serves as a bridge to our fourth-year Advanced Legal Research & Writing course (Law 406). |
Law 304
Corporations
5 Semester Units,
10 Weeks |
This course is a didactic inquiry into the law governing American business enterprises.
Students will study model, statutory and decisional law related to the formation and dissolution of private, public, close and limited liability corporations. Students will study the law
governing public stock and securities transactions, dividends, mergers and hostile takeovers, and the rights of corporate shareholders. Students will study the respective roles, duties,
liabilities, rights and remedies of shareholders and business decision-makers, including corporate directors, officers and subordinate employees. |
< Fourth Year >
| Courses |
Descriptions |
Law 401
Community Property
5 Semester Units,
10 Weeks |
Students will examine the California law relating to community, quasi-community and separate property, the division of marital assets upon divorce and death of a spouse, marital agreements, business assets, commingling of funds, property improvements, spousal liability for community and separate debts, education expenses, spousal rights to pension and disability income, lawsuit settlements, life insurance proceeds, and management and transfer of community
property assets. |
Law 402
CA Civil Procedure
4 Semester Units,
8 Weeks |
This course examines the rules governing civil proceedings and the jury trial system with emphasis on California civil procedural rules. Students will study various phases of civil
litigation and learn how to proceed with litigation in a court of law. Students will study and contrast California and federal civil procedure rules as they relate to federalism, allocations of
power between state and federal courts, personal and subject matter jurisdiction, rules of pleading, claim and party consolidation, venue, pre and post-trial motion practice, claim and issue preclusion, discovery, summary judgment, dismissals, and the appellate process. |
Law 403
Professional Responsibility
4 Semester Units,
8 Weeks |
This course is a survey of attorneys' legal and ethical obligations, and the standards that are attendant to the practice of law and the legal profession. Students will study California and model statutory codes and decisional law that define an attorney's legal and ethical obligations to clients, the courts, opposing counsel and the profession. They will study various legal conflicts that may arise during client representation while fulfilling the varying roles of advocate, officer of the court, public icon and working practitioner. Students will study the
business and economic aspects of the practice of law, restraints on practice, the role of the judiciary and the state bar in enforcing attorney rules of professional conduct, and sanctions for violating the rules. |
Law 404
Agency & Partnership
4 Semester Units,
8 Weeks |
This course is a survey of the law of various unincorporated business associations. Its purpose is to acquaint students with the fundamental legal elements of these business relationships and entities. This course will focus on the laws of agency and partnership including formation, termination, fiduciary responsibilities and raising capital concern. |
Law 405
Wills & Succession,
& Trusts
6 Semester Units,
12 Weeks |
This course is a two-part survey of the law of probate. Students will learn California probate law as it relates to the formation and validity of testamentary wills, intestacy succession, and disposition of probate assets. Then, students will study common law revocable and irrevocable trusts and the statutory, doctrinal and decisional law pertaining to trust creation, modification
and termination, trust management, the powers, duties and obligations of trustees, and beneficiary rights. |
Law 406
Advanced Legal Research & Writing
3 Semester Units,
6 Weeks |
Students will learn how to use resources effectively to draft targeted legal documents. Students will have multiple opportunities to practice writing documents, including briefs, interoffice memorandums and settlement agreements. |
Student Handbook (Last updated on 11/18/2010)
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