Korea Law Center Courses

U.S. and Korea Legal Systems Certificate Program

Presented by UC Irvine Extension in collaboration with the Korea Law Center at the UC Irvine School of Law, the Certificate Program in U.S. and Korea Legal Systems provides an in-depth study of the U.S. legal system with special emphasis on Korean comparative law topics. The program promotes transnational law knowledge and economic development as it prepares participants for global interaction and their professional roles in the internationalized economy.

Legal scholars, judges, attorneys, researchers and business professionals from South Korea and the United States will all benefit from this program, as they will:

• Gain an introduction to the comparative and practical analysis of substantive law and procedure between U.S. and Korea.
• Learn how to apply transnational law to economic development.
• Prepare for global interaction and enhance their role in the internationalized economy.

Certificate Requirements

To earn the certificate, U.S. participants must complete two (2) required courses with a grade of “C” or better for a total of 24 units and 240 hours of instruction.

International participants wishing to remain in the United States for one year must complete two (2) required courses as well as 13 additional electives with a grade of “C” or better for a total of 72 units and 720 hours of instruction. Electives are selected from existing University Extension law specialty areas. UC Irvine Extension program coordinators are available to assist registrants with selecting electives tailored to their interests.

Note: Students may enroll in individual courses without enrolling in the certificate program.

Required Courses

Survey of U.S. and Korean Law and Legal Systems I
Law X418.1 (12 units)

Students will get a general overview of the U.S. legal system, legal history, and substantive law, as seen in comparison to the Korean legal system.

Topics covered may also include basic substantive law in the areas of criminal, civil, commercial, labor, family, and immigration.

The course will also focus on current cross-border legal issues between the U.S. and Korea, including topics such as alternative dispute resolution, criminal extradition treaty, divorce, enforcement of judgment, Hague Service Convention, inheritance, judicial assistance, jurisdiction, Korean adoptees, and tax treaty.

Survey of U.S. and Korean Law and Legal Systems II
LAW X418.3 (12 units)

Students will further analyze U.S. substantive law and the U.S. legal system in contrast to the Korean system.

Topics covered include criminal law, civil law, commercial law, labor and employment law, family law, and immigration. The course focuses primarily on current cross-border legal issues between U.S. and Korea.

> Program Brochure (PDF)