Sturm College of Law in Colorado Law Schools

Sturm College of Law — Overview

Sturm College of Law is the law school of the University of Denver (DU), located in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1892, it is one of the oldest law schools in the Rocky Mountain region and is well-regarded for combining strong academic rigor with practical training.

Key Points:

Private law school, part of the University of Denver.

Known for its focus on public interest law, natural resources and environmental law, and dispute resolution.

Offers a full range of programs: J.D., LL.M., and joint degrees.

Emphasizes a collaborative learning environment and experiential learning.

Position Among Colorado Law Schools

Colorado has three main ABA-accredited law schools:

Law SchoolTypeLocation
University of Colorado Law SchoolPublicBoulder
Sturm College of LawPrivateDenver
Colorado Law (University of Denver) — same as SturmPrivateDenver

Sturm College of Law is the premier private law school in Colorado and is often recognized for its strength in environmental and natural resource law due to Colorado’s geographical and economic context.

Unique Features and Educational Focus

a. Environmental and Natural Resources Law

Given Colorado’s abundant natural resources and outdoor culture, Sturm College of Law is especially strong in environmental law, water law, and public lands law.

Students explore legal principles governing water rights, land use, and environmental protection.

For example, the school might study hypothetical cases similar to Colorado Water Rights cases, where courts balance competing claims for limited water resources.

b. Dispute Resolution

Sturm emphasizes alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation and arbitration, preparing students to resolve conflicts without litigation.

This approach teaches students practical negotiation skills and problem-solving beyond traditional courtroom advocacy.

c. Public Interest and Social Justice

Sturm fosters public service through clinics and externships focused on criminal defense, civil rights, and immigration law.

Case Law Illustrations Relevant to Sturm’s Curriculum

1. Water Rights and Prior Appropriation

In Colorado, water rights are governed by the doctrine of prior appropriation ("first in time, first in right").

Consider a hypothetical dispute between two farmers over irrigation water.

The court might apply the principle that the first person to divert water and put it to beneficial use has a senior right.

Students learn how courts weigh competing claims and balance individual rights with public interest in water conservation.

2. Environmental Protection and Public Lands

Given Colorado’s vast federal and state lands, cases may involve conflicts between private development and environmental preservation.

A case might resemble disputes over whether a private company can develop near protected wilderness.

Courts balance property rights with environmental statutes and the public trust doctrine.

3. Criminal Justice and Due Process

Sturm’s clinics prepare students to defend clients’ constitutional rights.

Students study cases emphasizing fair procedures, such as search and seizure protections.

For example, hypothetical application of exclusionary rule principles (preventing illegally obtained evidence) is a critical part of the curriculum.

4. Alternative Dispute Resolution

Sturm teaches students how to mediate or arbitrate disputes efficiently.

Students might analyze cases where courts uphold or overturn arbitration awards, focusing on contract interpretation and fairness.

The practical skillset is grounded in case law principles of contract law and judicial review of ADR decisions.

Summary Table of Sturm College of Law’s Characteristics

FeatureSturm College of Law (University of Denver)
TypePrivate
LocationDenver, Colorado
Academic FocusEnvironmental law, dispute resolution, public interest
Clinics & ProgramsCriminal defense, civil rights, immigration, ADR
Legal PhilosophyPractical skills, public service, environmental stewardship
Case Law EmphasisWater rights, environmental protection, due process, ADR
Community RoleLeading private law school in Colorado

Conclusion

Sturm College of Law is a key institution in Colorado’s legal education landscape, distinguished by its emphasis on environmental law, dispute resolution, and public interest. Through doctrinal study and practical experience, students learn to address complex legal challenges unique to Colorado’s environment and social fabric.

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