Comparative Law: The US and European Union - 2251

Europe and the United States have shared close bonds for centuries.  Russia's invasion of Ukraine is remaking the alliance.  Other trends, such as competing with China in technology and developing green energy sources, were already moving the two allies toward greater cooperation.    A basic understanding of legal differences between the US and EU will reward the problem-solving powers of future leaders.  Indeed, the EU always offers an irresistible subject for lawyers as the most advanced legal experiment ever achieved, whose members have created institutions which control sovereign governments.    This is a comparative law course that introduces students to selected areas of legal differences between the EU and US.  The course begins with the key to unlocking its value, namely instruction in how to benefit most from comparative study.  A brief introduction to EU law is provided, followed by examination of selected issues currently occupying the attention of business, government, and academia:  privacy and data protection; trade and dispute resolution; and employment.  Completion of the course should leave the student better equipped to seek opportunities in fields touching these issues.