Curriculum Overview
The Law program at G M University Davanagere is structured over three years with a total of six semesters. Each semester includes core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and practical lab components designed to provide a holistic legal education.
Course Structure
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LLB101 | Jurisprudence | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | LLB102 | Legal Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | LLB103 | Constitutional Law | 4-0-0-4 | None |
| 1 | LLB104 | English Language and Communication | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | LLB201 | Criminal Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB103 |
| 2 | LLB202 | Tort Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB103 |
| 2 | LLB203 | Contract Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB103 |
| 2 | LLB204 | Property Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB103 |
| 3 | LLB301 | Human Rights and International Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB201, LLB202, LLB203 |
| 3 | LLB302 | Corporate and Commercial Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB203, LLB204 |
| 3 | LLB303 | Criminal Justice and Forensic Science | 4-0-0-4 | LLB201, LLB202 |
| 3 | LLB304 | Environmental Law and Policy | 4-0-0-4 | LLB103 |
| 4 | LLB401 | Digital and Cybersecurity Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB302, LLB303 |
| 4 | LLB402 | Intellectual Property Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB302 |
| 4 | LLB403 | Family and Succession Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB204 |
| 4 | LLB404 | Public International Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB301 |
| 5 | LLB501 | Legal Research and Writing | 3-0-0-3 | LLB401, LLB402 |
| 5 | LLB502 | Advanced Constitutional Law | 4-0-0-4 | LLB103 |
| 5 | LLB503 | Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility | 3-0-0-3 | LLB103 |
| 6 | LLB601 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 4-0-0-4 | All previous semesters |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
- Human Rights and International Law: This course explores the development of international human rights law, focusing on mechanisms for enforcement, regional human rights systems, and contemporary issues such as forced migration and statelessness.
- Corporate and Commercial Law: Students examine corporate governance, securities regulation, mergers and acquisitions, and international trade agreements to understand how businesses operate within legal frameworks.
- Criminal Justice and Forensic Science: Integrating legal theory with forensic methodologies, this course covers crime scene investigation techniques, evidence analysis, and the role of forensic science in criminal proceedings.
- Environmental Law and Policy: This subject delves into environmental regulations, climate change litigation, sustainable development policies, and the intersection of law and ecological preservation.
- Digital and Cybersecurity Law: With the rise of cyber threats, this course addresses cybersecurity laws, data protection regulations, and digital privacy rights in an increasingly connected world.
- Intellectual Property Law: Students study patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, examining how IP law protects innovation and creativity across different industries.
- Family and Succession Law: This course covers marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and family-related legal issues, emphasizing the evolving nature of family structures and legal recognition.
- Public International Law: Students explore treaties, state sovereignty, international dispute resolution, diplomatic relations, and the role of international courts in global governance.
- Legal Research and Writing: A practical course that teaches students how to conduct legal research using databases, write persuasive briefs, and prepare effective court arguments.
- Advanced Constitutional Law: This advanced course examines constitutional interpretation, judicial review, federalism, and the balance between individual rights and state power.
- Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility: Students learn about ethical obligations in legal practice, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and professional conduct standards.
- International Trade Law: This course covers international trade agreements, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the role of WTO and other global institutions in regulating trade practices.
- Comparative Constitutional Law: Students compare constitutional frameworks across different countries, examining how legal traditions shape governmental structures and individual rights.
- Law and Technology: Examines the impact of technology on legal practice, including automation, artificial intelligence, and digital evidence in court proceedings.
- Dispute Resolution and Mediation: Provides training in alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation, arbitration, and negotiation techniques used in modern legal practice.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
G M University Davanagere's approach to legal education emphasizes project-based learning as a means of developing practical skills and deepening theoretical understanding. The program structures its curriculum around hands-on projects that simulate real-world legal challenges.
The first-year mini-projects introduce students to legal research methods, case analysis, and written communication skills. These projects often involve analyzing landmark judgments or drafting legal memoranda on current topics of public interest.
Throughout the second and third years, students participate in more complex projects such as mock trials, moot court competitions, and legal clinics where they work directly with community organizations or individuals facing legal challenges.
The final-year capstone project requires students to undertake independent research on a topic of their choice under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This project typically results in a substantial paper or policy recommendation that contributes meaningfully to the field of law.
Students select projects based on their interests and career goals, ensuring that each project aligns with their professional aspirations while meeting academic standards for depth and rigor.