(I took this course online.) This class is a broad survey of every major part of premodern English law, which Halliday splits into six units. We were graded on participation, forum posts, two 5-page essays, and a takehome final exam. There is a good bit of reading (~100 pgs/wk), most of which is quite interesting and the rest of which you can totally skim. All textbooks are available free online from the UVa library.
Halliday himself is a learned professor of legal history, the kind of guy who seems to know the answer to any question you ask. Class time is used for large-group discussion led by Halliday, which brings out the key parts of the reading. When we start a new unit, he switches to lecture mode for half a class period or so. Halliday can come off as condescending to students at times, although you can tell it’s not his intention so shake it off and keep going. In general, he’s a captivating professor who will make you excited about the material!
#tCFspring2021

I liked this class: it was difficult at times because Prof. Halliday will go on the weirdest tangents, especially with his discussion of old English, Other times, he would say weird words (cestuy etc.) without explaining it. But apart from this, I found Prof Halliday attentive to all my questions and approachable during Office Hours. The readings suck. Baker is hard to read and I had to depend on primary sources. But this is the course where, after three months of like 'what is going on?' everything clicks and makes sense, although this is the result of a very careful rereading of the first chapters of Baker. If you are gonna take this course, prepared to be challenged glhf

Great class if you're interested in the law. The prof is very engaged, presents the material in about as clear a fashion as possible, and is entertaining.

hardest class i have taken at UVA. Halliday is approachable and knowledgeable, but he expects a lot out of his students. basically, you need to have done the reading probably twice BEFORE you come to class in order to participate in the discussions. He starts speaking assuming you know more than you probably do. Also, don't wait until the end to go to office hours and he isn't the strictest grader.

Do not take this course expecting a broad introduction to Anglo-American law. This is an extremely worthwhile and fascinating course, but is serious history and not for the faint of heart. Halliday is fantastic.

Don't expect much in the way of hand-holding. He's an enthusiastic guy - he'll share a bit of his teaching philosophy with you in class - but the papers aren't for the faint of heart. Do yourself a favor and start it as soon as you get the topic.

A very difficult class, if for no other reason than the relatively unfamiliar concepts and language necessary to master. Still, a tremendously engaged Professor who really cares about his students and teaches a difficult subject proficiently.

Fascinating perspective. If taking because you are pre-law, be prepared that this class is more serious history than a "pre-law" class per se.