Archives

Mission & History

The primary mission of the Roger Williams University School of Law Archives is to document the history of the School of Law by collecting records and papers of enduring value. The records and papers pertain to and are generated by faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Records and papers collected document the activities, events, programs, and publications of the various administrative departments of the law school. Some of these departments by their current designations are the Office of the Dean, Office of Admissions, Office of Alumni Relations, Office of Programs & Events, Academic Excellence Program, Office of Career Development, Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education, Law Library, Marine Affairs Institute, and Office of Student Finance and Records. Records and papers collected from other entities within the law school include the Law Alumni Association, Law Review, Moot Court, Student Bar Association, and other student organizations.

Excluded from these materials are financial records, student records, personnel records, and other records of a confidential nature. Materials about and generated by Roger Williams University are also excluded.

The secondary mission of the RWU Law Archives is to preserve and provide access to other materials reflecting significant events, decisions, and careers in the Rhode Island legal community.

The organization of the RWU Law Archives began in August 2001. At that time, the Reader Services Librarian was responsible for identifying, collecting, preserving, and making available RWU Law records and papers for reference and research. After her retirement in 2014, the archives moved under the auspices of the Catalog Librarian.

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.