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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the American legal system and exposes students to the multiple forms of lawmaking and sources of legal and regulatory power present in America today. Students will learn to differentiate between common law created by judges, statutes and laws created by the legislature, and regulations promulgated by executive agencies. The class will explore the relationship between federal and state law, the role of federalism and the legal underpinnings of the checks and balances system that aims to keep equilibrium between the judicial, legislative, and executive branches. The course will also examine the American system of litigation and the structure of the court system, the jurisdiction of federal and state courts, and the litigation process.