This document outlines the capabilities of the finite element method in the analysis of slope stability problems. The manuscript describes the constitutive laws of material behavior such as the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, and material properties input parameters, required to adequately model slope failure. It also discusses advanced topics such as strength reduction techniques and the definition of slope collapse. Several slopes are analyzed with the finite element method, and the results compared with outcomes from various limit equilibrium methods. Conclusions for the practical use of the finite element method are also given.