Curriculum

For the Non-Law Student

UNM Law School encourages interdisciplinary perspectives. Some classes accept graduate students who are in a master's program and who have a sophisticated understanding of the subject.

Despite the cautionary admonitions listed below, many graduate students have done very well in law school classes, enriching themselves and other students. Non-degree graduate students are not eligible.

Admission

Admission is at the discretion of the instructor. You may email the instructor to indicate why you would like to take the class; provide relevant background information to substantiate your expertise in the subject area. If the instructor decides to admit you, he/she informs the registrar, Pat Trainor, by email.

Electives are designed for students who have had at least a year of law school and are familiar with legal procedure and concepts that may be the basis for class materials. Professors rarely have time to explain these concepts to non-law students during class. A determining factor of admission to the class is based on assessing the level of difficulty that a non-law student may experience.

If you are allowed to take a class contact the Registrar for enrollment information.

Schedules and Calendars

The Law School has its own academic schedule; search the web site for academic calendars, courses and schedules.

Accounts

Non-Law students are provided with an email account for the semester. Class materials are often distributed via email.

Access to Law School Computer Labs

Use of the labs is restricted to law students.

Access to Legal Software

If your instructor is using Lexis or Westlaw Web course software, contact Library Faculty Sherri Thomas to obtain the passwords.

Required Books

Required books are listed on the course description and are available at the Medical/Legal bookstore located in the Family Practice Building at the Health Sciences Center.

Exams

Exams are administered by the Registrar who will provide an exam number and instructions for taking the exam. The Law School has a strict academic honor code.

Grading

Due to the lack of legal education, non-law students are graded on a different basis than law students.

Class Attendance

Class attendance is required in the Law School. If you anticipate difficulty in attending classes, it may be better not to enroll. If you need to miss classes during the semester, inform the instructor before the class. You may be asked to drop the class if you miss an excessive number.

Application of Credits

Credits earned at the Law School before you are admitted to the J.D. program do not count towards a J.D. degree. Check with your University program to see if Law School credits count toward other degrees.

General Information

  • You may be given research assignments. The Law Library can be helpful in locating materials.
  • Professors are not able to provide an orientation regarding Law School practices. If you must miss class, ask a classmate to share notes and assignments.
  • Legal citation style may be required by the instructor. Materials are available in the Law Library to teach you the basics of this system of citation.