Department of Law

The primary concept pervading our new curriculum is "back to the basics." As suggested here, we focus on imparting students with a solid foundation in law and on educating individuals to function in a diverse social environment. In other words, our emphasis is to enable students to learn various types of contemporary laws systematically, and to cultivate each student’s ability to apply the kind of legal knowledge and perspective that is vital in our society.

Our curriculum boasts three features designed to achieve these goals, as summarized below:

First, we emphasize a systematic and steady learning approach covering introductory to advanced studies of law. Speci?cally, students in their ?rst and second years take fundamental courses such as constitutional law, civil law, and criminal law. Based upon what they have learned in these introductory classes, students in their third and fourth years choose one of four courses of study depending upon their academic interests and career plans. Covering a wide range of diverse areas and specializations, these four courses include the following:

1. Legal Profession Course. This course of study is mainly for those who desire to pursue a career as a legal professional or expert. It is also designed for those interested in preparing for additional graduate study.
2. Business Law Course. This is mainly for students who wish to employ their legal knowledge and skills in corporate or business environments.
3. Public Policy and Administration Course. This course is designed for those who wish to engage in the sphere of public institutions, i.e. serving as local, prefectural, or federal workers.
4. International Relations and Law Course. This is for those interested in applying their legal knowledge to various aspects of international settings.

Second, we offer a wide range of small seminar-style classes. This type of intensive interaction between faculty members and students, facilitated by a small teacher-student ratio, has always been one of the traditional strengths of a Seijo education. Seminar-style classes are available to all students, from freshmen to seniors, and students are encouraged to participate in them actively. Basic seminars in the ?rst year, which emphasize intensive readings on law, and seminars A and B offered in the second year, provide the solid background and basis essential for a deep understanding of other law courses. Specialized seminars offered in the third and the fourth years give students the chance to engage in more advanced and complex research into diverse legal issues.

Third, in order for students to become informed and insightful citizens, as well as capable legal experts, we believe overall intellectual discipline and academic literacy is crucial. Because we value this idea, we offer a number of courses on the humanities, the social and natural sciences, and a variety of foreign languages from the ?rst to the fourth years. These courses not only expand students' intellectual horizons but also bene?t their understanding of the study of law.

The Official Site of the Faculty of Law *Japanese only

Law Library

The Law Library contains the latest publications in law and politics, in addition to case studies, statute books, treaties and other primary source materials indispensable to the study of law. Since learning to locate, select, and cite legal documents requires experience and practice, we advise students to become familiar with this library at an early stage.