ELI offers new legal English class in regular program

This past year, ELI offered a new Level IV Reading/Writing course in its regular program. In the spring, Chris Wolfe, ELI’s legal studies coordinator, developed and taught “U.S. Law and Legal English” for the first time. Offered as a pilot program, the experimental class gave students the opportunity to improve their English proficiency while focusing on the laws and legal system of the United States. The readings of the class provided an introduction to the U.S. court system, trial procedure, contracts, criminal law and product liability. Students increased their knowledge of legal English vocabulary and usage and improved their English writing skills. They also visited the Delaware Superior Court and watched a criminal trial which they then analyzed, discussed and wrote about in class.

The Legal English class is one of several English for Special Purposes classes, such as the English for Academic Purposes and PreMBA classes, offered by ELI at the upper levels.