Dublin skyline at dusk

Spring Break in Ireland

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Trip to Dublin and Belfast, Ireland: March 10-16, 2019

Fifteen Stetson Law students will be selected to participate in the Spring Break study abroad program in Ireland. The class will be held in the Spring semester once per week, culminating in the seven-day, six-night trip to both Dublin and Belfast from March 10-16, 2019. One additional class meeting will be held after returning from Ireland, and a reflection paper will be required to earn credit for this course.

The Spring Break in Ireland study abroad program is only available to 2L and 3L Stetson students.

This trip does not allow family members to accompany students.

Ireland Cliff

Comparative Studies in International Law: A Focus on Ireland (1 credit)
Instructor: Jason Palmer

Following are some of the topics to be covered.

  • A comparative perspective on US, EU, and Irish law that includes a comparison of the common law with civil law
  • A study of the evolution of the legal profession and law in Ireland that will trace the history of Irish law and its admission into the EU
  • Develop an understanding of the Irish court system
  • Tracing the roles of solicitors and barristers in the Irish legal profession
  • Understanding the political and judicial institutions that are part of the EU
  • Studying the historical and political development of the conflict in Northern Ireland
  • Studying Irish law in select areas – possibly land law, family law, contract, or criminal law

The course will culminate in a 7-day educational visit to Dublin and Belfast, Ireland to enhance our understanding of the culture and legal system of Ireland. The course will conclude with one additional class after returning from the trip.

Our trip to Dublin and Belfast over spring break will include a visit to Four Courts, where the country's legal system was originally housed, a visit with a barrister and attendance at a court hearing, participation in a mock trial, a tour with former political prisoners to develop an understanding of the historic conflict in Northern Ireland, a visit to Crumlin Road Gaol to learn the history of this former prison, and visits to a variety of cultural sites.

Dublin, Ireland

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: November 15, 2018
  • Tuition and Housing Fees Due: November 30, 2018
  • Program Dates: March 10-16, 2019
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Deposit and Tuition Refund

A participant's application fee ($50) in the Spring Break in Ireland study abroad program requires an accompanying deposit of $300; the deposit ($300) is applied to a participant's final invoice. Once an applicant has been accepted, the deposit is non-refundable.

Tuition for this program is in addition to the normal full-time Spring tuition rate. Please see the Student Budget for more information.

Students are obligated to pay tuition and housing as of November 30, 2018. Any attempt to withdraw from the program after that date will not discharge the student's obligation for payment of the tuition and housing.