Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the Law program at Motherhood University Haridwar is meticulously designed to provide a balanced mix of foundational knowledge, specialized expertise, and practical skills. It spans three years with a structured progression from basic legal principles to advanced specialization. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and real-world application through internships, simulations, and project-based learning.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year I, Semester I | LAW101 | Introduction to Law | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| Year I, Semester I | LAW102 | Constitutional Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year I, Semester I | LAW103 | Criminal Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year I, Semester I | LAW104 | Contract Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year I, Semester I | LAW105 | Civil Procedure Code | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year I, Semester I | LAW106 | Legal Writing and Research | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW201 | Family Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW202 | Torts and Damages | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW203 | Property Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW204 | Jurisprudence | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW205 | Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW301 | Corporate Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW302 | International Trade Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW303 | Banking and Financial Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW304 | Environmental Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW305 | Human Rights Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW401 | Intellectual Property Rights | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW402 | Criminal Procedure Code | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW403 | Public International Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW404 | Labour and Employment Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW405 | Legal Research Methods | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW501 | Advanced Corporate Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW301 |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW502 | Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 3-0-0-3 | LAW101 |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW503 | International Human Rights Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW305 |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW504 | Comparative Constitutional Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW102 |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW505 | Advanced Environmental Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW304 |
| Year III, Semester VI | LAW601 | Legal Ethics and Practice | 3-0-0-3 | LAW205 |
| Year III, Semester VI | LAW602 | Public Policy and Governance | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| Year III, Semester VI | LAW603 | Capstone Project | 4-0-0-4 | All previous courses |
| Year III, Semester VI | LAW604 | Internship | 4-0-0-4 | All previous courses |
| Year III, Semester VI | LAW605 | Legal Writing Workshop | 2-0-0-2 | - |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Several advanced departmental elective courses are offered to deepen students' understanding of specific legal domains and prepare them for specialized practice:
- Corporate Governance and Compliance: This course explores the regulatory framework governing corporate entities, focusing on board responsibilities, stakeholder management, and compliance mechanisms. Students analyze recent case studies involving corporate misconduct and evaluate the effectiveness of current governance models.
- International Human Rights Law: This elective delves into the legal instruments and mechanisms protecting human rights globally. It covers topics such as refugee law, gender equality, and child rights in international contexts. Students engage with UN reports, regional court decisions, and NGO advocacy efforts.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: Designed for students interested in environmental law, this course discusses legal frameworks for assessing the environmental consequences of development projects. It includes practical modules on impact assessment methodologies and regulatory compliance strategies.
- Intellectual Property Law: This course covers patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets in a global context. Students learn about international treaties like the Paris Convention and TRIPS Agreement, and explore current issues such as digital piracy and biotechnology patents.
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection: With increasing reliance on digital platforms, this course addresses legal challenges in cybersecurity, data breaches, and privacy protection. It covers domestic laws like the Information Technology Act and international frameworks such as GDPR.
- Public International Law: This course examines the rules governing relations between nations, including territorial disputes, maritime law, and human rights treaties. Students study landmark cases from the International Court of Justice and analyze current global issues such as migration crises and cyber warfare.
- Family Law and Social Justice: This elective focuses on evolving family structures, domestic violence prevention, and child custody laws. It explores legal reforms aimed at promoting social equity and provides insights into how courts balance competing interests in family matters.
- Judicial Review and Constitutional Interpretation: This course analyzes the principles of judicial review, focusing on constitutional interpretation by courts. Students examine landmark decisions from the Supreme Court of India and compare them with international jurisprudence.
- Labor Law and Industrial Relations: This course explores labor rights, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution mechanisms in industrial settings. It covers domestic labor laws and international standards, including those set by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
- Criminal Justice System Reform: This elective examines reforms within criminal justice systems, focusing on prison reform, legal aid, and access to justice. Students analyze current challenges and propose policy interventions based on empirical research.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department places significant emphasis on project-based learning as a means of enhancing student engagement and practical application of legal knowledge. Projects are integrated throughout the curriculum, with students engaging in both individual and group initiatives that mirror real-world legal challenges.
Mandatory mini-projects begin in the second year, where students select topics related to their interests within the broader legal framework. These projects involve extensive research, critical analysis, and presentation skills development. Students are paired with faculty mentors who guide them through the process of formulating hypotheses, gathering evidence, and presenting findings.
The final-year capstone project is a comprehensive endeavor that requires students to conduct independent research on a topic of significant legal relevance. This project culminates in a written thesis and an oral defense before a panel of faculty members and external experts. The capstone project allows students to demonstrate their mastery of legal theory, research methodology, and analytical reasoning.
Students are encouraged to choose projects that align with current trends in the legal field or address pressing societal issues. For example, recent capstone projects have focused on digital rights, climate change litigation, and indigenous rights in India. The department provides resources including access to databases, legal writing tools, and research grants to support student endeavors.