Student Handbook

The Roger Williams University School of Law Student Handbook is a compilation of documents relevant to the student's career at the law school. It consists of two basic documents which relate to all academic matters, the Academic Code and the Code of Conduct.

In addition to these documents it also contains important School of Law and University policies. The materials in the Student Handbook will be supplemented from time to time on-line in order to improve it, provide more complete coverage, and keep it current.

Student Handbook - 2023-2024

Student Handbook - 2022-2023

Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.