University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

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Introduction to U.S. Law

June 22 – July 10, 2026
Monday – Friday, 9am – 11:30am

This course provides a general introduction to the fundamental principles and distinctive aspects of the U.S. legal system and its institutions. We will begin by studying foundational concepts such as sources of law, precedent and common law reasoning, and the allocation of governmental powers. The course will also introduce you to the U.S. adversarial system, the role of the legal profession, the criminal justice system, and civil litigation. Finally, students will learn the core principles of a few key substantive fields, including contracts, torts, and property. Students may also visit the Judiciary History Center and attend live court hearings, schedule permitting.

  • In-Person in Hawaiʻi
  • Variable credit (3-4 credits)
  • Credit/no credit grading
  • Priority application deadline: March 15, 2026

Eligibility

Students who have completed at least one year at a recognized foreign law school and graduates of recognized foreign law schools are encouraged to apply for our Hawaiʻi Summer Law Program. International applicants will complete our Summer Application for International Students and submit current law school transcripts or proof of graduation from a recognized foreign law school. English proficiency requirements vary depending on the course (see application for instructions). After being admitted in the program, we will work with in-person students who need an I-20 for their visa application. 
It’s free to apply, no LSAT required!

International students pay Hawaiʻi resident rates for summer courses.

Summer Housing

Each student is responsible for arranging their accommodations in Hawai‘i. Many of our international students apply for student housing through the East-West Center (EWC). EWC is a 5-minute walk from the Law School and offers affordable, dormitory-style housing for UHM students. Rates are set by EWC and EWC housing applications go directly through EWC. Find additional housing resources below:

Reach out to intlaw@hawaii.edu for more information!