Policies

Access

Access to the Roger Williams University School of Law archives is restricted to School of Law and university faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Other patrons engaged in legitimate research may access the archives by prior arrangement with the Assistant Dean for Library and Information Services. Physical access to the archives is made by appointment with the Catalog Librarian. All users must register to use the materials. Roger Williams University community members should show a current Roger Williams University ID. All others must present a valid picture ID.

Research Assistance

The Catalog Librarian provides reference and research assistance for the archives. The records and papers are generally organized by issuing entity, by subject within the entity, and in chronological order within the subject.

Copying

The Catalog Librarian, or in her absence, other professional staff of the Law Library will determine if an item is suitable for photocopying or scanning. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Photocopying and/or scanning will only be done if it will not cause damage to the item. Photocopying/scanning will be done by library staff.

Collection Development & Retention

The policy is to retain three copies of each item with the exception of one copy for emails and printouts of content from the School of Law website for the archives. Pictorial and audiovisual records are also collected in addition to relevant artifacts.

Items in the RWU Law Archives shall not be destroyed or removed without prior approval of the Assistant Dean for Library and Information Services.

Gifts

We welcome unrestricted gifts documenting RWU Law's history.  Gifted materials are considered the exclusive property of the RWU Law archives.  Materials with closed access will not be accepted.

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.