Consumer Law - Spring 1997

THE JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL Consumer Law Summer 1997 Professor David E. Sorkin SYLLABUS Note: Some topics are likely to take much more or less class time than predicted; please prepare for class accordingly. In addition to the assigned readings listed below, you will also need to consult many of the statutes and regulations referred to therein. Wednesday, July 9: Fraud Casebook pp. 1-43; problems 1-3 Monday, July 14: Deceptive Practices Casebook pp. 78-113, 121-35; problems 6-10, 12-15 Supplemental Materials Wednesday, July 16: Product Liability and Warranties Casebook pp. 181-227; problems 18-23, 25-27 Supplemental Materials Monday, July 21: Banking and Credit Casebook pp. 281-336; problems 34, 37-39, 42, 44 Supplemental Materials Wednesday, July 23: Qualifying for Credit Casebook pp. 337-65, 378-89; problems 54-57, 62-66 Supplemental Materials Monday, July 28: Truth in Lending Casebook pp. 409-18, 422-35, 442-50, 465-72, 478-84, 491-94, 501-02; problems 78-82, 87, 92, 103, 104, 107, 109, 111 Supplemental Materials Wednesday, July 30: Leasing and Installment Sales Casebook pp. 571-96; problems 123-128 (refer as necessary to Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act, 815 ILCS 375, and Retail Installment Sales Act, 815 ILCS 405) Supplemental Materials Monday, August 4: Debt Collection Casebook pp. 597, 606-35; problems 132-145 Supplemental Materials Wednesday, August 6: Miscellaneous Topics Supplemental Materials Monday, August 11: Catch-up and Review Monday, August 18: Examination Instructor David E. Sorkin, Assistant Professor Office: Room 906 Phone: (312) 987-2387 E-mail: 7sorkin@jmls.edu Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 5:00-6:00 pm Textbooks Douglas J. Whaley, Problems and Materials on Consumer Law (Little, Brown 1991). Selected Commercial Statutes, 1996 Edition (West 1996). In addition, each student enrolled in the course will be assessed a $20 photocopying fee for supplemental materials to be distributed in class. Grading The grade for the course will be based upon the final examination, with a possible addition or deduction for class participation as described below. Course Attendance and Preparation This class meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6:00-9:00 pm, from July 9 through August 11. Attendance is expected at all class meetings, and students are responsible for all substantive and administrative matters discussed in class. A student who is absent from three or more class meetings will not be permitted to pass the course. Being late by more than 30 minutes will count as one half of an absence for purposes of this rule. Because of the short duration of this summer term, students who are close to the maximum number of absences will not necessarily receive any advance notice of their status. Students are expected to prepare for each class meeting by reading the materials assigned on the syllabus along with any supplemental readings that may be announced in class. Outstanding class participation may be rewarded by an increase of one-half or one full letter grade, and inadequate participation may result in an equivalent grade deduction. If you have not prepared for a particular class, you may discourage me from calling on you by advising me in writing that you are unprepared. A written notice on my desk before class begins is sufficient for this purpose. Lack of preparation will be viewed more harshly if you have not provided such notice. Examination The examination will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, August 18. A make-up examination will be available only in extraordinary circumstances. If you will not be able to take the examination on the scheduled date and wish to request a make-up examination, notify Dean Oswald, who will relay your request anonymously to me. If I believe that your reason is sufficient, I will schedule a make-up examination to take place before the regular exam date. Students will not be permitted to bring any materials with them into the examination. Any relevant statutes or other information will be included in the examination booklet. The examination will be based primarily on material discussed in class, but may also include other material contained in assigned readings.