Tribal Legal System: A Series of Online Courses - Presented in cooperation with UCLA Native Nations Law and Policy Center; and Tribal Law and Policy Institute of Project Peacemaker

This series of online courses summarizes legal issues in the areas of federal, state, and tribal laws affecting American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Offered fully online, these courses are available not only to regional Native nations in the U.S. and Canada, but also to the surrounding national and worldwide community who have a professional interest in tribal issues.

Violence against Native Women (Online)
January 9 - March 13, 2006
Fee: $515

This course is designed as an introduction to the study of violence against Native (indigenous) women in the United States and the associated legal issues. Students develop an understanding of the various laws (tribal, federal, and state) related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Instruction includes an overview of the history of violence in Native communities; identifies legal issues unique to Native women; and provides a focused review of dynamics, contributing factors, and types of interventions. Students are encouraged to develop their own analysis of the pertinent legal issues.

Sarah E. Deer, JD, Staff Attorney, The Tribal Law and Policy Institute, Minnesota

---- Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing in a Tribal Context (Online)
January 11 - March 15, 2006
Fee: $515

Designed for non-lawyers, this course offers an overview of legal research and analysis along with extensive legal research practice exercises in the area of federal, state, and tribal laws that affect American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Students learn how to conduct legal research and legal analysis in a law library and online (primarily using the Tribal Court Clearinghouse www.tribal-institute.org - as the entry point for free online legal research).

Instruction focuses on research and analysis of statutory laws, administrative regulations, and case law as they affect American Indian/Alaska Native tribes. In addition to learning how to research and analyze federal and state law, the course also emphasizes researching and analyzing tribal law. Students are provided with an overview of advanced legal research issues and basic legal writing techniques (primarily legal letter writing). Textbook: The Law Dictionary For Nonlawyers, 4th ed., Oran, cost: $9.25, other resource material shall be provided to the class.

Future online courses include: Introduction to Tribal Legal Studies and Federal Indian Law and Policy.

Online Course Technical Requirements: A PC or Macintosh with access to the Internet with Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator (latest version). Access is 24/7 from home, work, or abroad. UCLA Extension uses Blackboard and an orientation to the software is available http://www.uclaextension.edu/UNEX_Blackboard/index.htm

For more information, please contact Helen Williams at hwilliam@uclaextension.edu or call 310-825-7729.

Visit www.uclaextension.edu/tribal