CIVIL RIGHTS: POLICING, PRISONS, VOTING, HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT

POLISCI 412

This course undertakes an historical examination of the development of American constitutional thinking about individual rights and civil liberties from the founding era to the present day. Issue that are considered include freedoms guaranteed by the original Articles, the Bill of Rights, and the Civil War Amendments (XIII, XIV, and XV) as these issues appear in constitutional law, constitutional politics, and social and economic developments. The role of the federal courts, the nature and operation of principles of federalism, and the authority of Congress to protect constitutionally guaranteed rights are also major topics of consideration.

LAW 740

Focuses on rights of citizens against state and federal governments, the nature of due process and equal protection of the law, to include discussions around the right to privacy,  freedoms of expression, association, religion, the right bear arms, and protection of civil rights and freedom from invidious discrimination.  What is the content of these rights? What methods should judges use to figure out the answer? What role does or should the judiciary have in enforcing those rights?

LEGALST 409

Introduction to the theory, the politics and the sociology of human rights. Main themes: international human rights legal regime, questions of why human rights have become "legalized," and what the consequences of this legalization are on the ground.

ELPA/LEGALST 442

Examines several legal issues confronting students and educators within the U.S. education system with a particular focus on race discrimination. Examines how civil rights laws and constitutional provisions can help create more equitable schooling experiences for students and educators from historically marginalized populations. Identifies pragmatic approaches to the law, and explores issues of the democratic underpinnings of education.

LEGALST/RP&SE 135

Explores the interaction between the criminal justice system and disability. Explores common experiences of persons with disability such as limited access to community services, poverty, and homelessness and the connection of these experiences to mass incarceration. Explores federal disability rights laws and the implementation of these laws in education, legal, and incarceration settings. Introduction to criminal justice reform to address the experiences of persons with disabilities in this system.