Department of Current Legal Studies

Learning to use computer technology to solve actual problems faced in society

In the Department of Current Legal Studies, we seek to understand three legal fields from the perspective of law as it is applied in today’s world: Consumer law for understanding the rights and obligations of consumers, corporate law for understanding the laws governing the activities of the companies that interact with consumers, and environmental law for understanding the laws and policies for protecting the environment within which consumers and companies act. Through the study of these legal fields, the Department of Current Legal Studies nurtures individuals who are sensitive to the changes taking place in society and who possess balanced judgment.

Curriculum overview

The laws in cutting-edge fields are changing and developing at a rapid pace. In the Department of Current Legal Studies, we utilize computer network technology to learn about the law as it operates today. We look at laws just enacted, legal decisions just handed down by the courts, proposed laws currently being debated in the Diet, and the latest issues being debated at international conferences. All students carry laptop computers to class. They learn practical methods both for accurately picking out useful information from among the huge volume of data flooding the net and for using that information in their own studies. As students go about mastering these information processing and communication skills, they are also building a foundation of legal knowledge in basic law courses. With the foundation in place, students then take practical, cutting-edge law courses in multiple fields.

In consumer law courses, they learn about the legal system for protecting the rights of consumers, who are in a weak position relative to companies when it comes to their ability to access information and negotiate. In corporate law courses, they learn about a variety of domestic laws, international treaties, and foreign laws that set forth rules for the corporate activities that support the economy. In environmental law courses, after gaining an understanding of the mechanisms of environmental damage, they learn about societal and international rules for protecting the world’s environment.

We offer a curriculum with a wide range of options, including courses providing practical education in small classes and hands-on courses that make active use of experienced professionals as full-time faculty.