Legal Theory

Colorado Law offers a wide variety of legal theory courses taught by a nationally renowned faculty.  Not only is the study of theoretical perspectives – and the greater understanding such study brings – valuable for its own sake, but a strong theoretical grounding also enables lawyers to understand the broader social, economic, and intellectual patterns that shape doctrine and define its functions.  Theory thus helps lawyers develop arguments and strategies, especially when ambiguities in doctrine and novel legal problems demand innovative approaches.  For similar reasons, a sound grounding in legal theory also enhances lawyers’ effectiveness as political and community leaders.

Illustrative courses

Critical Theory Colloquium









Faculty members 




The University of Colorado is consistently voted one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.

The University of Colorado is consistently voted one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.

The University of Colorado football team has won both a National Championship (1990) and a Heisman Trophy (1994)

The University of Colorado football team has won both a National Championship (1990) and a Heisman Trophy (1994)

The Colorado Buffaloes play at Folsom Field, named after a famous Colorado Law professor who also was the head football coach

The Colorado Buffaloes play at Folsom Field, named after a famous Colorado Law professor who also was the head football coach

The students of CU make Boulder a feared place for visiting teams

The students of CU make Boulder a feared place for visiting teams

Folsom Field is the 3rd highest altitude stadium in college football

Folsom Field is the 3rd highest altitude stadium in college football

Chip has won best mascot in the nation twice

Chip has won best mascot in the nation twice

Running Ralphie is one of the most storied traditions in all of college athletics.

Running Ralphie is one of the most storied traditions in all of college athletics.

Old Main was the first building on campus

Old Main was the first building on campus

A typical sunrise for a Buff

A typical sunrise for a Buff

Campus's Varsity Lake feeds into Boulder Creek

Campus's Varsity Lake feeds into Boulder Creek

A study spot on campus

A study spot on campus