Public Service

Discussion — 2 units.  This seminar will provide an overview of the theory and practice of human rights law. The course requirements include weekly discussion responses, a seminar paper (which can fulfill the writing requirement), and active class participation.  Topics covered include the major human rights treaties and institutions; the universality of human rights; women’s human rights; human rights and digital technology; and human rights advocacy and enforcement.

The Social Justice Law Review is a biannual publication of the UC Davis School of Law that addresses the unique concerns of youth in the American legal system.  The following student positions comprise the enrollment of this journal:

King Hall’s Judicial Externship allows students to earn academic credit in the fall and spring semesters in federal and state courts, as well as administrative hearing offices. Under the supervision of judges and/or their clerks, students research legal issues, evaluate legal arguments, write judicial memoranda, attend and participate in meetings and discussions, draft opinions and orders, and observe courtroom activity including motions, hearings and trials.

Discussion — 2 units. The seminar examines a variety of issues concerning the judicial process. The focus is on the judge's role in the legal process, the administration of justice, ethical issues, decision making, bias, and critical examination of the strengths and weaknesses in our current judicial system.

Final Assessment: Paper

Seminar — 3 units. This class will focus on two questions. The first question to be considered is: What is law and, in particular, what is the relationship between law and morality? Topics to be covered include natural law, legal positivism and legal realism. The readings related to this question will be drawn primarily from legal philosophy. The second (related) question to be considered is: What are the main traditions in current American legal thought as to the role of law in society? Topics to be surveyed include law and economics, critical legal studies and formalism.

Seminar — 2 units. This two unit class provides an overview of the major juvenile delinquency procedural hearings: detention, jurisdiction, disposition and transfer hearings.  The class will discuss the recent United States Supreme Court decisions on life without the possibility of parole for minors and how these decisions are influenced by recent scientific findings on brain development in young adults. The constitutional rights of students while in school will be reviewed in the context of mandatory drug testing and police interrogations and searches of students while on campus.

Discussion — 3 units. Survey of the legislative, administrative, and judicial regulation of labor relations under federal law. The course focuses on the historical development of labor law, the scope of national legislation, union organization and recognition, the legality of strikes, picketing, and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements.

Final Assessment: Other - (Short Writing Assignments)
Grading Mode:  Letter Grading

Discussion — 2 units. This course addresses administrative, legislative, and judicial applications of California’s wide range of land use planning and development laws. It also covers the local agencies, developers, environmental groups, businesses, and countless others who shape decisions about land use in California. Topics include zoning, general plans, local government land use regulation, the California Environmental Quality Act, and related areas of litigation.

Seminar — 2 units. This seminar explores the position of Latinos (Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Central Americans, and other groups descending from Latin America) within the U.S. legal system. Students will explore how the legal system treats Latinos in specific areas of law, including education, immigration, employment, and voting rights.

Grading Mode:  Letter Grading
Final Assessment: Paper 
Graduation Requirements: Satisfies the Bias, Antiracism and Cultural-Competency requirement.

Discussion — 3 units. This course introduces students to the economic analysis of law. Students will learn to use the tools of economic analysis (marginal cost and benefit, supply and demand, opportunity cost, etc.) to illuminate and critique familiar areas of law, including property, contracts, torts, and criminal law. Throughout the course, students will consider how economic analysis complements and conflicts with other concerns of the legal system, including fairness and efficiency.  The course does not require any background in economics.