Human Rights and Social Justice

Human Rights in Context

Discussion - 2 hours.  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.

Juvenile Justice Process

Seminar - 2 hours. 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.

Labor Law

Discussion - 3 hours. 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: Exam

Latinos and the Law

Seminar – 2 hours. 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

Law and Society Seminar

Seminar - 2 hours.   This course provides an overview of various intersections between sociology and law in the United States, from the origins of the country through current debates. Substantive topics may include how race, gender, class, or sexual orientation affect immigration and citizenship, education, housing and residence, or criminal justice. We will examine these issues through social science articles, case law, the U.S. Constitution and other laws, as well as media output (film and newsprint).

Federal Indian Law

Seminar - 3 hours. Elective course for Environmental Law and Public Service Certificate Programs. The seminar focuses on legal relations between Native tribes and the federal and state governments. The course will consider the basic jurisdictional conflicts that dominate this area of law, including specific areas such as land rights, hunting and fishing rights, water rights, environmental protection, gaming regulation, taxation, and criminal law.  The course will also touch upon constitutional issues pertaining to tribes and questions of federal policy.

Public Interest Law Externship

All King Hall externships have two components. Students perform substantive legal work at a field placement, and under the supervision of a faculty advisor, complete professional development assignments. See the externship website for more information. Students work with and under supervision of practitioners in a wide range of settings in the non-profit sector including advocacy groups, legal aid offices, and federal, state, county and city government offices.

Public Interest Law Seminar

Seminar - 2 hours. Evaluation is based on class participation and a written project that may satisfy the advanced legal writing requirement. This class will examine the issues and problems associated with providing civil legal services to persons and interests in American society that typically have been unable to afford or otherwise obtain representation from the private bar.

International Law

Discussion - 3 hours. This course examines the fundamentals of public international law in the context of contemporary world affairs, and vice versa. Topics covered include sources of international law, international jurisdiction and immunities, recognition of states and governments, treaties, the relationship between national and international law, the obligations of states, international organizations, individuals and transnational corporations under international law, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, the use of force, and international criminal law.

Sexuality, Gender and the Law

Discussion - 3 hours. This course will examine the legal and social regulation of sexual orientation and gender identity.  The course will analyze various legal principles, including statutory, constitutional, and public policy doctrines, which might be used to limit the ability of government and other institutions to disadvantage people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.