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A detailed study of the Alberta Land Titles Act consisting of an analysis of the Common Law and Registry Systems of Conveyancing; Introduction to the Torrens System of Land Titles; The Principles of Indefeasibility; Exceptions to Indefeasibility; Boundary Problems; Caveats; Registrable Instruments; Miscellaneous Title Problems; Remedies and Limitations; Reform.
This course surveys the legal methods by which the major sources of energy in the prairie provinces are produced, transported, and regulated; the ownership of natural resources; the interaction between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples, including the developing role of Indigenous Peoples in resource development; the development of renewable energy in the form of solar and wind power; and emerging sources of energy such as geothermal resources and hydrogen.
The general objective of this course is introduce students to the regulation of local energy utilities (electricity and consumable gas) and long-distance transmission (electricity, oil, and gas) infrastructure. The course material will cover the basics of each industry segment, relevant regulatory processes including standard utility tariff applications, and key issues facing utilities and regulators.
The purpose of this course is to assist students in developing skills in the interviewing and counselling process. The course attempts to introduce and develop models for interviewing and counselling. The principal model is one that stresses a client-centred approach.
The general objective of this course is to provide students with some basic accounting theory, practical knowledge, and skills that will be helpful to them in their legal practice. It is focused on three main areas: accounting for one's legal practice, complying with the Law Society of Alberta's Trust Accounting Rules, and analyzing financial statements and other financial information. This course is designed for law students without a background in accounting.
The judicial, legislative, administrative and policy problems related to the regulation and management of natural resources, including problems of allocation, development, use, pollution control, and conservation.
The law and policy relating to the allocation of the right to consume water, with a focus on Western Canada, and the maintenance of water quality. The issue of water scarcity in an era of climate change and its ramifications in Canada and the world. Indigenous water rights and the protections of aquatic resources. Jurisdiction over water and the role of the federal government in water management. Water in International Law in North America and the world, with a focus on the law applicable to International Rivers.
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of oceans law, with particular attention being paid to legal issues relevant to Canada. Where appropriate, this course will also explore contemporary oceans law issues, such as: piracy, maritime boundary delimitation, extended continental shelf claims, polar governance, marine protected areas, conservation of living marine resources, shipping, and sub-marine cables.
Legal problems concerning the establishment of collective bargaining; negotiation and enforcement of the collective agreement; the activities of unions and employers in industrial disputes; and the internal affairs of labour organizations.
The law and practice relating to interest and rights arbitrations in Alberta. The course will be taught partly as a seminar and partly through a series of mock arbitrations in which students will act as counsel.
This seminar course focuses on the international legal protection of human rights (political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights). It may also consider the rights of women, children's rights, regional human rights systems, Canadian implementation of international human rights obligations, national human rights institutions, transitional justice issues, and the interface with international humanitarian law.
Over the past 50 years, the law has begun to regulate the human treatment of animals with increasing seriousness. Notwithstanding these developments, there are many concerns about the way our society treats the non-human animals in our care. This course explores the history, philosophy, and ethical foundation of humanity's treatment of animals and asks whether our current legal treatment of them accords with our stated goal of preventing unnecessary cruelty to animals. It also looks at common legal problems that arise under the existing paradigm, and considers what these problems reveal about our stated concern for non-human animals.
Canadian laws and policies designed to control air, land, and water pollution, including licensing systems, the use of quasi-criminal sanctions, environmental impact assessment processes, constitutional issues, and the usefulness of the common law. Other topics may include alternative legal approaches, such as economic incentives, wildlife protection, environmental rights, parks, the public trust doctrine or environmental mediation.
An introduction to the international legal framework for the prosecution of international crimes and crimes of international concern, and the examination of the international community's response to these crimes through the creation of international and internationalized criminal tribunals, including the International Criminal Court. Topics for further examination include immunities, amnesties, and sentencing, as well as the domestic prosecution of international crimes in Canada and other forms of Canadian cooperation.
This is a survey course on the international and domestic law governing the transactional aspects of international trade/investment activities of Canadian and foreign business entities. Topics covered include contract types and drafting, international sale of goods, financing of transactions, dispute settlement by international commercial arbitration, export/import laws, human rights and MNCs, anti-bribery laws, and international investment law.
This seminar course provides an introduction to the law of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and free trade agreements. WTO topics will include the core legal principles in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1994), subsidies and dumping, traderelated investment measures and trade in services. The structure and core legal principles of a selection of free trade agreements entered into by Canada will be discussed, including those with the USA, Mexico, EU and Pacific Rim nations.
This course will give students the opportunity to understand the Japanese, their society and their law in the context of international society. The exact contents of the course will depend on the speciality area of the visiting professor.
A brief survey of the historical development of the trust. Definition and classification of trusts. Creation of express trust; the three certainties. Completely and incompletely constituted trusts. Secret, protective, discretionary and illusory trusts. Charitable trust and the rule against perpetuities. Cy-pres doctrine. Non-charitable purpose trusts. Implied or resulting trusts. Constructive trusts. Revocation, termination and variation of trusts. The appointment, retirement and removal of trustees. Duties, discretion and powers of trustees. Breach of trust.
This course will examine the law of wills and succession in Alberta. Major topics will include the nature of testamentary instruments; the creation of wills; the proof of wills; the interpretation of wills; and intestate succession.
Participants will acquire an understanding of the rules, principles and policies underlying modern bankruptcy and insolvency law. The principal focus of the course is on the federal Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. Topics include the invocation of bankruptcy, the vesting of property in the trustee in bankruptcy, the effect of bankruptcy on third parties, impugning pre-bankruptcy transactions, the scheme of distribution, and bankruptcy discharge. The course will also examine reorganizations under the federal Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, and review the foundational features of receivership law.
Commercial law is the body of law that governs commercial dealings between business entities. This course explores the legal rules and principles that govern four highly significant types of commercial transactions. Sales law deals with the implied terms, passage of property and other related issues under a contract for the sale of goods. Negotiable instruments law covers cheques, bills of exchange and promissory notes. Securities transfer law deals with both direct and indirect holding systems for the holding and transferring of shares bonds and other forms of investment property. The law of guarantees deals with contractual undertakings to answer to another person's default.
The course will provide an in-depth analysis of the law of secured transactions in personal property. The salient features of the Alberta Personal Property Security Act will be examined, including topics on the scope of the Act, security agreements, the concepts of attachment and perfection, the priority of security interests in relation to other interests, proceeds and enforcement of security interests.
An in-depth analysis of Immigration Law in Canada. Will review the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations and look at various tribunals involved in the immigration process including the Immigration and Refugee Board and the Federal Court. Will provide a brief historical review and discuss new developments in the law and important policy areas.
These courses will cover specialized topics of emerging importance in the law at a senior level in a format with a significant out-of-classroom component. The particular topic covered would vary dependent on the availability of Faculty with necessary teaching competence, student interest, and the needs of the legal profession.
This is a survey course on Indigenous Peoples in Canadian Law. Subjects covered include issues of race and legal reasoning, legal and historical foundations of claims to Indigenous rights, treaty rights, Métis rights, Indigenous peoples and the Constitution, Indigenous claims negotiation and litigation, the Indian Act, and contemporary legal and political developments including an introduction to Indigenous law, jurisdiction and governance. The course is organized as a lecture in which a great deal of learning arises from discussion and class participation.
The TRC Final Report called for significant change in the Canadian justice system's relationship with Indigenous peoples. These calls to action extended to law societies, lawyers, law schools, and government. How do Indigenous and non-indigenous lawyers practice law or for law impacting Indigenous peoples in the age of reconciliation? Are current laws compatible with the justice and reconciliation called for by the TRC? How did we get to where we are today? This highly interactive seminar draws on the TRC Final Report to critically engage with current legal issues in their social and political context.
The course comprises an examination of substantive criminal law particularly: offences against the person and rights of property; the jury system; juvenile justice and quasi-criminal proceedings; and, the extraordinary remedies.
Starting: 2025-09-01 LAW 592 - Advanced Criminal Law
Variable topics course on criminal law matters. Students may take multiple sections with approval from the Faculty of Law.
The development of international law in the environmental area. Topics to be covered include: customary principles of state responsibility; multilateral environmental treaties; global atmospheric issues; toxic contamination; sustainable development; biodiversity conservation; and international trade implications. It is recommended, but not required, that students enrolled in this course take Public International Law.
Students in this course will develop a critical understanding of the legal, social, cultural and economic contexts for implementing Gladue principles. Topics include the relevance of individual social and historic factors, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report, restorative justice practices, and the relationship of Gladue principles to Indigenous laws, Indigenous healing and ceremonial processes. Students will learn how report authors prepare reports for Court. Guest lectures and visits to Edmonton courts will be included when possible.
An analysis of, and problems in, the Law of Torts.
Selection to the Gale Cup, Jessup Moot, Laskin Moot, Kawaskimhon Moot, Western Canada/Sopinka Trial Cup Trial Moot, Canadian Corporate/Securities Moot, Labour Arbitration Moot, Alberta Court of Appeal Moot, Client Counselling Competition, Clinton J. Ford Moot, or other designated moot competition team through a preliminary round competition, preparation of a memorandum, factum or memorial, training in oral advocacy or criminal trial practice through practice rounds, and participation as a representative of the law school at the moot court competition.
These seminars will cover specialized topics of emerging importance in the law at a senior level. The particular topic covered would vary dependent on the availability of Faculty with necessary teaching competence, student interest, and the needs of the legal profession. Sections may be offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
Corporate reorganization and restructuring law defines a process through which an insolvent corporation attempts to reach an arrangement or proposal with its creditors. Students will acquire an understanding of the fundamental rules and principles of corporate reorganization and insolvency law within the context of a legal skills-training simulation that will also develop their ability to advise clients, negotiate with other lawyers and present arguments before a judge. Prerequisite: LAW 584.
An introduction to family law practice. The course will address all aspects of family files, including chambers advocacy, preparation and presentation of affidavits, special chambers briefs, JDR's, questioning, mini-trials, Examinations for Discovery and Examinations on Affidavit, pre-trial conferences, and trials. The course will also explore the use of other professionals in family matters, including accountants, valuators and psychologists. Practice issues covered include the special challenges of interviewing, managing client expectations, impact of separation on children, reading financial statements, and handling stress in family practice. Collaborative law practice as an alternative to litigation will be introduced. Students will moot a full special Chambers application. Prerequisite: LAW 524
A study of residence and non-residence for tax purposes, the taxation of non-residents who earn income in Canada, the taxation of Canadian residents who earn income outside Canada, and the interpretation and application of Canada's bilateral tax treaties. Prerequisite: LAW 504.
The conduct of civil litigation including: interviewing and counselling, drafting pleadings, examinations for discovery, settlement attempts, preparation for court and participation in a mock trial. Emphasis on ethics and techniques of persuasion. Prerequisites: Completion of LAW 453.
The objective of the course is to provide students with a basic and general understanding of securities law, as well as the public policy concerns underlying securities regulation in Alberta and Canada. The course covers the foundational concepts of securities law, as well as such topics as the prospectus process, exempt market transactions, continuous disclosure requirements, insider trading rules, take-over bid rules, civil liability, and enforcement. Prerequisite: LAW 451.
This advanced seminar discusses the immediate legal concerns of Indigenous peoples, including recognition and reconciliation of their own legal traditions with the Canadian legal system. Topics may include the legal needs and rapidly evolving ambitions of Indigenous communities and nations that extend to land management processes, environmental impact assessments, matrimonial real property regimes, and other self-government initiatives. Prerequisite: LAW 590 or equivalent.
The law relating to purchases and sales of real property, including a review of the following: role of the realtor; statutory and other relevant considerations in a real estate transaction; obligations of vendors in relation to title and quality defects; the closing of a typical real estate transaction; the remedies of vendors and purchasers.
This course studies the rules, techniques and approaches used by lawyers and the courts to interpret legislation. Topics include textualist, intentionalist, purposivist approaches, and the canons of statutory construction.
This course explores the legal framework governing land use policy and regulation in Canada, with particular emphasis on Alberta. We begin with some controversial questions: When should development be regulated, and when is it best left to the market? What powers should local governments have, and what role should they play in land use planning? We proceed to study the development approval process, including the rights of neighbours to challenge undesirable development, and the institutions and processes for resolving land use disputes. We analyze a range of public and private regulatory tools (including Alberta's land use framework, statutory plans, zoning by-laws, subdivision controls, and restrictive covenants and homeowner associations), focusing on their relative efficacy and fairness. Planning theory and economic analysis will be applied to contemporary debates over such problems as sprawl and smart growth, and affordable housing.
An advanced topics course in energy and environmental law and policy, covering current areas of intersection between the law and energy and environmental policy such as climate change, oil and gas liability management, and renewable electricity integration. Topics will highlight relevant areas of intersection between environmental policy and constitutional, contract, administrative, and regulatory law. Prerequisite: LAW 543 or 559.
The general objective is to discuss various legal and ethical tax planning strategies that most Canadians will be able to use during their lifetime to maximize their income and wealth for themselves and their intended beneficiaries. These strategies will be discussed in light of criminal tax offences and civil tax penalties, ethical considerations, the general anti-avoidance rule, and the associated jurisprudence. Specific topics may include: tax planning involving one's home, tax efficient savings strategies (i.e. unregistered savings, RESPs, RRSPs, and TFSAs), tax efficient borrowings, tax planning involving a family business, and gifting. Prerequisite: LAW 504.
The tax consequences of corporation financing; amalgamations, mergers, international business transactions; tax planning from a corporation and personal standpoint; and trends in taxation. Prerequisite: LAW 504.
Course is designed to offer an in-depth analysis of several areas of current practical value for lawyers. The course will discuss recent developments and future possibilities relating to hearsay evidence, technology and opinion evidence, children as witnesses, and privileges. The course will track developments as to Charter-connected matters of the law of evidence, relating to burden of proof, discovery and disclosure, and principles of law touching on exclusion of evidence such as the 'discoverability' rule. The course may also examine special evidentiary rules applicable to special tribunals and boards. Prerequisite: LAW 453.
A study of the modern Canadian law of unjust enrichment; the elements of enrichment, corresponding deprivation, and absence of juristic reason; the measure of restitution and the forms in which it may be awarded, and defences.
Comprises the capstone major research paper requirement for the course-based LLM, enabling course-based LLM students to conduct advanced independent research under the supervision of a full-time member of the Faculty of Law. The paper will apply and further develop graduate-level research and writing skills learned during the course-based LLM program. The topic of the paper shall be approved by the course instructor and the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law. The paper shall be approximately 40 to 60 pages (10,000 to 15,000) words in length, inclusive of footnotes or endnotes. Material that has been submitted for assessment in another course may not form part of the major research paper.
This course enables graduate students to gain advanced knowledge within a chosen field and develop graduate-level legal research and writing skills. Independent research on an approved topic will be conducted under the supervision of a full-time member of the Faculty of Law, resulting in the submission of a written research paper of approximately 32 to 40 pages (8,000 to 10,000) words in length, inclusive of footnotes or endnotes. The research topic is subject to the prior approval of the course instructor. Material that has been submitted for assessment in another course may not form part of the independent research paper. When the student is enrolled in the thesis-based LLM, the research paper topic shall be different from the thesis topic.
This is an academic methods and theory seminar for graduate students. Students will have an opportunity to think critically about developing projects based on sound research methodologies and theoretical frameworks in order to pursue original legal scholarship at an advanced level. Enrollment restricted to graduate students.
Graduate Level. These seminars will cover a specialized topic of emerging importance in the law. The particular topic covered would vary depending on the availability of faculty with necessary teaching competence, student interest, and the needs of the legal profession.