Mission

The Roger Williams University Law Library seeks to support the objectives of the Roger Williams University School of Law to prepare students for public and private sector careers and to promote social justice and the rule of law. Thus, our mission is to meet the educational and research needs of law students, faculty, and staff and to provide law alumni, the Roger Williams University community, and members of the Rhode Island bar with support and access to legal information.

In support of this mission, the Library:

  • delivers reference services and research instruction to ensure that students develop the research competencies required for the successful study and practice of law; 
  • provides expert research assistance in support of faculty scholarship and law school administrative needs; 
  • disseminates and promotes faculty scholarship and provides analytics to measure its impact; 
  • develops and provides services and spaces for study, research, connection, and reflection; and 
  • collects and organizes information, materials, and media reflective of law school objectives and the library’s mission. 
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.