LAW 1033: Families in Law and Public Policy
Spring 2020 • Section 21 • CRN 41429

Course Description

This writing seminar is designed to provide the opportunity to learn to be an effective advocate to improve public policy on behalf of children and families. Students will engage in interdisciplinary research regarding legal issues directly affecting children and families in areas such as divorce and separation, child custody and support, adoption and child welfare. The course will look at theories for how law and policy may undermine or support families and the many different approaches to reform. It will consider issues related to socio-economic status, race, religion and ethnicity in the law's relationship to families. It will also consider practices of lawyers and courts in relationship to families and children. We will focus on gaining the skills to (1) identify areas that need reform; (2) conduct research related to full understanding of the problem requiring reform; (3) analyze the relevant research to propose solutions to the problem with particular emphasis on the form of the solution, such as statutory change or reform of court processes; and (4) effectively represent clients, including communication with clients, non-profit organizations, legislatures and courts. The course will require both oral and written communication individually and in groups. Evaluation will be based on the research paper, class participation, and performance on other oral and written communication exercises. Up to 6 students may obtain the professor's permission to receive an additional credit for participation in a practicum involving work for 4 to 6 hours per week in real world law reform advocacy in a field related to the course.

Book List/Materials