This course uses a "case-based" approach to learning the law, presenting legal principles in the context of problems. Legal problems typically involve disputes between two parties who disagree, deeply and (often) sincerely, about who did what to whom, what legal rules apply, how to apply them, and who should prevail. Subject matter in this course requires analysis and interpretation. The course is not mathematical or scientific. One cannot plug in the facts, push a button, and arrive at the correct answer. Students acquire meaning only in context, only when legal principles are applied to facts. For every legal problem students should ask: What principles does it illustrate? What precedent does it set? Are its facts common or unique? How does it relate to the themes of the course?