This course explores the dynamic and often contentious relationship between debtors and creditors under U.S. law. It focuses on the U.S. Bankruptcy Code—the federal bankruptcy and restructuring scheme that addresses the financial distress of individuals and businesses and underlies most every negotiation between a debtor and his, her, or its creditors. Students consider the interplay of the statutory law, public policy, and economic realities in debtor/creditor relations through case studies and hypothetical problems. They also learn the alternatives available for both debtors and creditors when an individual or business cannot repay creditors. This survey course strives to introduce students to the essential components of this area of the law. The following course is recommended, but not required, to be taken before or concurrently with Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights: Commercial Law: Secured Transactions.