The study of Law has many facets. It may be a discipline in itself, or a branch of a discipline, such as the social sciences or humanities. In many ways, law is a part of our everyday lives, and the study of law can give us a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
Private law
Private law concerns the relationships between people. It focuses on contracts and torts as well as the rights and responsibilities of individuals in a community. Some of the most important areas of private law include torts, agency, contract law, and property law. Each of these areas describes different types of rights and obligations.
Constitutional law
Constitutional law is a body of rules that governs a government. Often it is called jus commune and may include customary law, conventions, statutory law, judge-made law, and international rules. It deals with fundamental principles of government authority and limits its power.
Environmental law
Environmental law is the body of law that regulates how the environment is managed. It focuses on protecting human life and the planet from damage caused by human activities. It includes the environmental laws that regulate the use of chemicals in industry, agriculture, and other areas. Environmental law also aims to prevent the creation of harmful substances and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Banking and finance law
Banking and finance law deals with the lending and borrowing of money and the management of financial liabilities. Lawyers in this area help their clients structure and document financial transactions to protect their interests. They also negotiate and document the contractual relationship between a lender and a borrower. This can involve a simple lending deal between a bank and a borrower, or a complex syndicated loan.
Social sciences
The Section on Law and Social Sciences fosters interdisciplinary research by faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate fellows. Faculty are encouraged to work across disciplinary boundaries and share their findings through conferences and symposia. The Program also supports research that applies social science techniques to legal problems and institutions.
interdisciplinary offerings at Georgetown
As a leading legal education institution, Georgetown Law offers interdisciplinary courses in various areas of law. With over 20 concentrations, the program offers students an opportunity to practice in a range of settings. This includes the fields of social welfare, international law, and national security. Students can complete their JD in six semesters and begin participating in legal simulations in their first year.