Study

This course analyzes civil suits in U.S. federal courts that raise cross-border, international and foreign legal issues. Specific topics covered include transnational jurisdiction, international forum selection, transborder choice of law, extraterritorial application of U.S. law, federal rules for service of process and discovery of evidence abroad, the special treatment of foreign governments as parties, and recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.

Note on scheduling: To accommodate Professor Helfer's responsibilities as a member of the UN Human Rights Committee, which meets in Geneva, Switzerland in October and November 2024, several class meetings will need to be canceled, rescheduled and/or held on Zoom. These classes are listed below and highlighted on the daily assignments.

Canceled classes

Wednesday September 4

Wednesday October 30

Wednesday November 6

Make-up classes

Friday Sept. 13 @ 2:00PM to 3:25PM	Designated make-up day. Class meets at regularly scheduled time (in person)
Monday Oct. 21 @ 12:30PM to 1:50PM	Class meets on regularly-scheduled day, but during the lunch period and on Zoom.
Weds. Oct. 23 @ 12:30PM to 1:50PM	Class meets on regularly-scheduled day, but during the lunch period and on Zoom.
Monday Oct. 28 @ 12:30PM to 1:50PM	Class meets on regularly-scheduled day, but during the lunch period and on Zoom.
Monday Nov. 4 @ 12:30PM to 1:50PM	Class meets on regularly-scheduled day, but during the lunch period and on Zoom.
Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday Nov. 11, 12 or 13 – Evening time TBA	Dinner & discussion of documentary film “Crude” (in person)
1 to 2 days before final exam	Review session (in person) Date & time TBA

Special Notes:

See description re special meeting schedule

Fall 2024

Course Number	Course Credits	Evaluation Method	Instructor
501.01	Course Credits 3	Final Exam	Laurence R. Helfer
Canvas site: https://canvas.duke.edu/courses/44427