Roger Williams University in Rhode Island Law Schools
Roger Williams University School of Law (RWU Law) — Overview
1. History and Mission
Established in 1993 as the first graduate degree program of Roger Williams University.
ABA-accredited in 1997.
Mission: To provide a rigorous legal education that prepares students for practice in both public and private sectors, with an emphasis on social justice, ethical practice, and public service.
2. Location and Facilities
Located in Bristol, Rhode Island, RWU Law is the state’s only law school.
Facilities include modern classrooms, a law library, moot court rooms, and access to local courts and law firms for practical training.
3. Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (J.D.) program with full-time and part-time options.
Curriculum: First-year courses include Civil Procedure, Contracts, Torts, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Legal Writing. Upper-level courses include Family Law, Administrative Law, Federal Courts, Business Law, and specialized electives.
Clinics: Criminal Defense Clinic, Immigration Clinic, Business Start-Up Clinic, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Externships and Moot Court: Students may work with judges, law firms, government agencies, and participate in competitions to improve advocacy skills.
4. Admissions and Student Body
Admissions: Competitive.
Student Body: Diverse, with many students committed to practicing law in Rhode Island and surrounding regions.
5. Bar Passage and Employment
Bar Passage Rate: Varies year to year; around mid-50% to 60% for first-time takers.
Employment: Many graduates work in law firms, government agencies, or public interest organizations, particularly in Rhode Island and nearby states.
6. Strengths
Strong local connections in Rhode Island courts and legal community.
Emphasis on practical, hands-on learning through clinics and externships.
Prepares students for state and regional practice.
7. Considerations
Bar passage rates can be below the national average.
Graduates seeking national firm positions may face geographic limitations.
Key Rhode Island Case Law Relevant to RWU Law Curriculum
1. State v. Hopkins
Facts: Defendant charged with sexual assault; prosecution sought to admit prior bad acts under evidence rules.
Issue: Can prior bad acts be admitted under Rhode Island’s Rule of Evidence 404(b)?
Holding: The court ruled admission was improper, emphasizing that such evidence must not unfairly prejudice the defendant.
Significance: Important for evidence law courses; demonstrates careful balancing of probative value and prejudice.
2. State v. Dunn
Facts: Defendant convicted of murder; trial court applied textualist interpretation of sentencing statute.
Issue: Was the textualist approach appropriate for sentencing?
Holding: Yes; plain statutory language should guide sentencing decisions.
Significance: Key case for statutory interpretation and criminal procedure courses.
3. Fortunato v. State
Facts: Plaintiff challenged constitutionality of a Rhode Island statute.
Issue: Did the statute violate Rhode Island constitutional provisions?
Holding: The statute was unconstitutional.
Significance: Illustrates state-level constitutional law analysis and judicial review.
4. State v. Figueroa
Facts: Defendant challenged search and seizure procedures in a drug possession case.
Issue: Were the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights under the Rhode Island Constitution violated?
Holding: Evidence obtained in violation of search and seizure protections was excluded.
Significance: Core case for criminal procedure and constitutional law in Rhode Island.
Summary
RWU Law provides a solid legal education focused on Rhode Island law, public service, and practical experience.
Students gain hands-on experience through clinics, externships, and moot court competitions.
Key Rhode Island Supreme Court and appellate cases illustrate evidence, statutory interpretation, criminal procedure, and constitutional law principles essential for practice in the state.
RELATED Blog
0 comments