Shepard Broad Law Center in Florida Law Schools
Shepard Broad College of Law — Overview
General Info:
Part of Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Founded in 1974
ABA-accredited law school
Offers JD, LL.M., and other advanced degrees
Strong in health law, marine law, and alternative dispute resolution
Florida Law Schools Context
Florida has several ABA-accredited law schools, including:
University of Florida Levin College of Law (Gainesville)
Florida State University College of Law (Tallahassee)
University of Miami School of Law (Coral Gables)
Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law (Fort Lauderdale)
Shepard Broad is notable for its emphasis on practical skills, clinical programs, and case law study relevant to Florida law.
Case Law-Centered Legal Education at Shepard Broad
Like all common law law schools, Shepard Broad teaches students to learn the law by studying judicial opinions from Florida courts and federal courts within Florida, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court.
How Case Law Shapes Legal Education at Shepard Broad
1. The Case Method
Students study Florida Supreme Court and District Court of Appeal opinions.
They brief cases: identifying facts, issues, holdings, and reasoning.
They learn precedent analysis: how courts apply or distinguish prior cases.
Example: Students might analyze a Florida tort case like Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad, 248 N.Y. 339 (1928), as a classic on negligence (though originally from New York, it’s foundational and heavily cited in Florida cases).
2. Florida Supreme Court Cases
Shepard Broad students study key Florida Supreme Court decisions, for example:
Henderson v. State, 88 So.3d 1032 (Fla. 2012)
Case about search and seizure under Florida’s constitution.
Shows how Florida courts interpret protections differently or similarly to federal courts.
Teaches students to understand state constitutional law through case law.
Florida Department of Transportation v. Juliano, 801 So.2d 101 (Fla. 2001)
Concerned with eminent domain and just compensation.
Students learn how courts balance governmental authority with individual property rights.
3. Clinical and Experiential Learning
Shepard Broad has several clinics where students work on live cases:
Criminal Justice Clinic: students argue motions and appeals relying on case law.
Immigration Clinic: students use case law from the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal courts.
Health Law & Policy Clinic: students learn about regulations, but also cases interpreting healthcare law.
4. Case Law Example in Florida Tort Law (Hypothetical Classroom Exercise)
Students might analyze Knight v. Florida, 918 So.2d 342 (Fla. 2005) — a case dealing with negligence and duty.
They look at how the court defines duty and proximate cause.
They compare it to earlier cases and argue how the precedent applies to new facts.
Summary Table
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Founded | 1974 |
| ABA-Accredited | Yes |
| Programs | JD, LL.M., Health Law specialization |
| Educational Method | Case law method: study and application of judicial opinions |
| Key Case Law Focus | Florida Supreme Court and District Court decisions |
| Clinical Programs | Criminal justice, immigration, health law clinics |
| Common Law Tradition | Precedent and case analysis central to learning |
Final Thoughts
Shepard Broad College of Law, like other Florida law schools, educates students primarily through case law study, ensuring graduates can interpret and argue Florida law using judicial decisions as their guide. This prepares students to navigate Florida courts, which rely heavily on precedent from the Florida Supreme Court and appellate courts.
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