Course Schedule
Classes Found
SMNR: Explorations in Constitutional Law & Politics Around the Globe
- MON, WED 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.116
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Short course:
- 1/19/22 — 3/7/22
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
SEMINAR: EXPLORATIONS IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW & POLITICS AROUND THE GLOBE Victor Ferreres. This seminar explores some of the most important constitutional issues around the globe today. We will start with some fundamental questions of constitutional design. Most fundamental of all may be the challenge of creating a durable framework for liberal democracy in the context of nations emerging from tyranny and/or violent ethno-racial conflict. Bills of Rights guaranteeing ethnic and racial equality and the right to vote are not the only tools in the constitution framers’ toolkit. Constitution-framers also have debated and sometimes adopted direct forms of ethno-racial group representation in national legislatures, as well as federalism arrangements that give rival ethno-racial groups their “own” territorial based states or provinces. What are the pros and cons of such devices for overcoming deep conflicts – or at least turning such conflicts away from violence and into more “civilized” form of political strife? What about constitutional provisions that outlaw political parties that preach ethno-racial hatred? Not every effort to constitutionally weld together different ethno-racial groups or “nations” succeeds. The fragility of some efforts gives rise to the recurrent problem of secession. Should constitution-framers make any provision for it? And whether they do or not, how should courts address the issue when it arises – as it has in the recent past, in Canada and in parts of Europe? Here we may also examine the United States’ experience with secession in the nineteenth century. The remainder of the semester will take up a variety of cutting-edge issues in the domain of constitutional rights and their interpretation and enforcement. Here we will examine such topics as the ways different constitutional systems treat “hate speech,” the ways they address lawmakers’ efforts to outlaw various forms of public religious observance like the wearing of the veil or burka, and the ways that courts seek to enforce so-called “positive” or “social” rights like the rights to health, housing, welfare and education. Here, we will make some extensive comparisons of experience in the U.S. and elsewhere around the globe. Note: This seminar will be taught during the first half of the Spring Semester.
SMNR: Explorations in Constitutional Law & Politics Around the Globe
- MON, WED 3:45 – 5:35 pm JON 5.208
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Short course:
- 1/22/20 — 3/4/20
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
SEMINAR: EXPLORATIONS IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW & POLITICS AROUND THE GLOBE Victor Ferreres William Forbath This seminar explores some of the most important constitutional issues around the globe today. We will start with some fundamental questions of constitutional design. Most fundamental of all may be the challenge of creating a durable framework for liberal democracy in the context of nations emerging from tyranny and/or violent ethno-racial conflict. Bills of Rights guaranteeing ethnic and racial equality and the right to vote are not the only tools in the constitution framers’ toolkit. Constitution-framers also have debated and sometimes adopted direct forms of ethno-racial group representation in national legislatures, as well as federalism arrangements that give rival ethno-racial groups their “own” territorial based states or provinces. What are the pros and cons of such devices for overcoming deep conflicts – or at least turning such conflicts away from violence and into more “civilized” form of political strife? What about constitutional provisions that outlaw political parties that preach ethno-racial hatred? Not every effort to constitutionally weld together different ethno-racial groups or “nations” succeeds. The fragility of some efforts gives rise to the recurrent problem of secession. Should constitution-framers make any provision for it? And whether they do or not, how should courts address the issue when it arises – as it has in the recent past, in Canada and in parts of Europe? Here we may also examine the United States’ experience with secession in the nineteenth century. The remainder of the semester will take up a variety of cutting-edge issues in the domain of constitutional rights and their interpretation and enforcement. Here we will examine such topics as the ways different constitutional systems treat “hate speech,” the ways they address lawmakers’ efforts to outlaw various forms of public religious observance like the wearing of the veil or burka, and the ways that courts seek to enforce so-called “positive” or “social” rights like the rights to health, housing, welfare and education. Here, we will make some extensive comparisons of experience in the U.S. and elsewhere around the globe. Note: This seminar will be taught during the first half of the Spring Semester.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Law
- THU 4:30 – 6:20 pm JON 6.257
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
This seminar will be taught by a former United States Attorney and sitting federal district judge, and will provide the opportunity to explore a variety of topics related to federal criminal law, of both perennial and current relevance. We will examine substantive and recurring issues related to the controlled substances act, public corruption, wire and mail fraud, firearms offenses, immigration crimes and conspiracy. In addition, we will discuss more pragmatic aspects of federal criminal practice such as grand juries, prosecutorial discretion, plea bargaining and sentencing. This seminar should be of potential interest both to students who have specific career goals in criminal law or federal judicial clerkships, as well as those who have a more general interest in this this dynamic and important area of the law.
Students will be expected to (a) participate actively in discussion of the topic of the day, (b) identify and engage in research on a topic of current relevance related to federal criminal law, (c) submit a research paper in compliance with the seminar writing requirement, and (d) share the results on their research via an informal class discussion. Research topics will be selected in consultation with the professor, who will assist in the development of an outline. Active student engagement is expected during each class, where questions and contributions will be an important part of the experience. Due to the importance of student participation and the limited number of meetings, strict attendance is expected.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Law
- MON, WED 2:30 – 3:45 pm TNH 3.125
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This is a one-semester three-unit seminar about substantive federal criminal law. This seminar will detail the prosecution and defense of criminal offenses in federal court, focusing on the more frequently employed and complex areas, and on current hot topics. Class time will be devoted to mail, wire, bank, and health care fraud, public corruption, money laundering, administration of justice offenses, the Controlled Substances Act, immigration offenses, and terrorism and weapons offenses. Students will be alerted to the manner in which federal sanctions can be employed against lawyers, banks, and corporations, and the bases of federal criminal jurisdiction. If time permits, we will review the federal plea bargaining and sentencing systems. Second-year students interested in the United States Attorney’s Office, Federal Public Defender's Service, and U.S. Army internships for their third year should consider taking this class first. This cseminar does not significantly overlap with my Advanced Federal Criminal Prosecution & Defense seminar.
Your grade will be based 50% on a final paper, 20% on class participation, and 30% on an in-class group project.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Law
- THU 4:15 – 6:05 pm JON 6.257
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
This seminar will be taught by a former United States Attorney and sitting federal district judge, and will provide the opportunity to explore a variety of topics related to federal criminal law, of both perennial and current relevance. We will examine substantive and recurring issues related to the controlled substances act, public corruption, wire and mail fraud, firearms offenses, immigration crimes and conspiracy. In addition, we will discuss more pragmatic aspects of federal criminal practice such as grand juries, prosecutorial discretion, plea bargaining and sentencing. This seminar should be of potential interest both to students who have specific career goals in criminal law or federal judicial clerkships, as well as those who have a more general interest in this this dynamic and important area of the law.
Students will be expected to (a) participate actively in discussion of the topic of the day, (b) identify and engage in research on a topic of current relevance related to federal criminal law, (c) submit a research paper in compliance with the seminar writing requirement, and (d) share the results on their research via an informal class discussion. Research topics will be selected in consultation with the professor, who will assist in the development of an outline. Active student engagement is expected during each class, where questions and contributions will be an important part of the experience. Due to the importance of student participation and the limited number of meetings, strict attendance is expected.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Law
- THU 4:15 – 6:05 pm JON 6.257
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This seminar will be taught by a former United States Attorney and sitting federal district judge, and will provide the opportunity to explore a variety of topics related to federal criminal law, of both perennial and current relevance. We will examine substantive and recurring issues related to the controlled substances act, public corruption, wire and mail fraud, firearms offenses, immigration crimes and conspiracy. In addition, we will discuss more pragmatic aspects of federal criminal practice such as grand juries, prosecutorial discretion, plea bargaining and sentencing. This seminar should be of potential interest both to students who have specific career goals in criminal law or federal judicial clerkships, as well as those who have a more general interest in this this dynamic and important area of the law.
Students will be expected to (a) participate actively in discussion of the topic of the day, (b) identify and engage in research on a topic of current relevance related to federal criminal law, (c) submit a research paper in compliance with the seminar writing requirement, and (d) share the results on their research via an informal class discussion. Research topics will be selected in consultation with the professor, who will assist in the development of an outline. Active student engagement is expected during each class, where questions and contributions will be an important part of the experience. Due to the importance of student participation and the limited number of meetings, strict attendance is expected.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Law
- THU 4:15 – 6:05 pm ONLINE
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.
This seminar will be taught by a former United States Attorney and sitting federal district judge, and will provide the opportunity to explore a variety of topics related to federal criminal law, of both perennial and current relevance. We will examine substantive and recurring issues related to the controlled substances act, public corruption, wire and mail fraud, firearms offenses, immigration crimes and conspiracy. In addition, we will discuss more pragmatic aspects of federal criminal practice such as grand juries, prosecutorial discretion, plea bargaining and sentencing. This seminar should be of potential interest both to students who have specific career goals in criminal law or federal judicial clerkships, as well as those who have a more general interest in this this dynamic and important area of the law.
Students will be expected to (a) participate actively in discussion of the topic of the day, (b) identify and engage in research on a topic of current relevance related to federal criminal law, (c) submit a research paper in compliance with the seminar writing requirement, and (d) share the results on their research via an informal class discussion. Research topics will be selected in consultation with the professor, who will assist in the development of an outline. Active student engagement is expected during each class, where questions and contributions will be an important part of the experience. Due to the importance of student participation and the limited number of meetings, strict attendance is expected.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Law
- THU 4:15 – 6:05 pm JON 6.206
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
This seminar will be taught by a former United States Attorney and sitting federal district judge, and will provide the opportunity to explore a variety of topics related to federal criminal law, of both perennial and current relevance. We will examine substantive and recurring issues related to the controlled substances act, public corruption, wire and mail fraud, firearms offenses, immigration crimes and conspiracy. In addition, we will discuss more pragmatic aspects of federal criminal practice such as grand juries, prosecutorial discretion, plea bargaining and sentencing. This seminar should be of potential interest both to students who have specific career goals in criminal law or federal judicial clerkships, as well as those who have a more general interest in this this dynamic and important area of the law.
Students will be expected to (a) participate actively in discussion of the topic of the day, (b) identify and engage in research on a topic of current relevance related to federal criminal law, (c) submit a research paper in compliance with the seminar writing requirement, and (d) share the results on their research via an informal class discussion. Research topics will be selected in consultation with the professor, who will assist in the development of an outline. Active student engagement is expected during each class, where questions and contributions will be an important part of the experience. Due to the importance of student participation and the limited number of meetings, strict attendance is expected.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Prosecution & Defense, Advanced
- FRI 1:05 – 2:55 pm TNH 3.125
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
Co-taught by Matt Harding.
This is a one-semester, three-unit course which meets once a week for 100 minutes. We will take a 10-minute break after the first 50 minutes. This course is not restricted 3L students though there is some preference given; second-year law students are welcome. The casebook ("CB") is Abrams, Beale, & Klein, Federal Criminal Law and Its Enforcement (6th ed. 2015), and the 2018 Supplement. The supplement is free and will be posted on Canvas. There are two copies of the textbook on reserve at our library. A used copy of either is also acceptable. Please check Blackboard ("BB") every week for reading and writing assignments. There is no final exam for the course, your grade will be determined by the quality of your class participation and your six written and two oral projects. We will discuss all aspects of investigating, charging, trying, sentencing, and appealing federal criminal charges. We will take attendance, and we expect each of you to attend and to participate in every class discussion. If you plan to miss a class, you must clear it with one of the professors first. If you miss a class unexpectedly, please call or e-mail us as soon as possible. You must also complete all written and oral projects, on time. Each late assignment will be docked one-half a letter grade for each day, unless we approve the extended due date in advance. You will frequently do the pertinent reading and begin projects at home, and then we will devote some class time to working on the projects in groups and discussing the results. The topics and the schedule may be adjusted to accommodate student interest and speaker schedules.
Interns enrolled in the internship program at the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas or the Austin Federal Public Defender Service are encouraged to enroll in this seminar, and will be guaranteed admission if they request it.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Prosecution and Defense, Advanced
- FRI 1:05 – 2:55 pm TNH 3.125
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
JD Students must have taken first-year criminal law as well as an upper-division criminal law course (includes, but not limited to: Criminal Procedure, Federal Criminal Law, Death Penalty, White Collar Offenses, any Criminal Law clinic).
The waitlist for this course is administered by Professor Klein. Please email her directly to be placed on the list and include in the email a brief description of your experience in the criminal justice system.
This is a one-semester, three-unit seminar which meets once a week for 100 minutes. We will take a 10-minute break after the first 50 minutes. This course is not restricted 3L students though there is some preference given; second-year law students are welcome. The casebook ("CB") is Abrams, Beale, & Klein, Federal Criminal Law and Its Enforcement (6th ed. 2015), and the 2018 Supplement. The supplement is free and will be posted on Canvas. There are two copies of the textbook on reserve at our library. A used copy of either is also acceptable. Please check Blackboard ("BB") every week for reading and writing assignments. There is no final exam for the course, your grade will be determined by the quality of your class participation and your six written and two oral projects. We will discuss all aspects of investigating, charging, trying, sentencing, and appealing federal criminal charges. We will take attendance, and we expect each of you to attend and to participate in every class discussion. If you plan to miss a class, you must clear it with one of the professors first. If you miss a class unexpectedly, please call or e-mail us as soon as possible. You must also complete all written and oral projects, on time. Each late assignment will be docked one-half a letter grade for each day, unless we approve the extended due date in advance. You will frequently do the pertinent reading and begin projects at home, and then we will devote some class time to working on the projects in groups and discussing the results. The topics and the schedule may be adjusted to accommodate student interest and speaker schedules.
Interns enrolled in the internship program at the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas or the Austin Federal Public Defender Service are encouraged to enroll in this seminar, and will be guaranteed admission if they request it.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Prosecution and Defense, Advanced
- THU 4:15 – 6:05 pm TNH 2.124
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
The waitlist for this course is administered by Professor Klein. Please email her directly to be placed on the list and include in the email a brief description of your experience in the criminal justice system.
This is a one-semester, three-unit seminar which meets once a week for 100 minutes. We will take a 10-minute break after the first 50 minutes. This course is not restricted 3L students though there is some preference given; second-year law students are welcome. The casebook ("CB") is Abrams, Beale, & Klein, Federal Criminal Law and Its Enforcement (6th ed. 2015), and the 2018 Supplement. The supplement is free and will be posted on Canvas. There are two copies of the textbook on reserve at our library. A used copy of either is also acceptable. Please check Blackboard ("BB") every week for reading and writing assignments. There is no final exam for the course, your grade will be determined by the quality of your class participation and your six written and two oral projects. We will discuss all aspects of investigating, charging, trying, sentencing, and appealing federal criminal charges. We will take attendance, and we expect each of you to attend and to participate in every class discussion. If you plan to miss a class, you must clear it with one of the professors first. If you miss a class unexpectedly, please call or e-mail us as soon as possible. You must also complete all written and oral projects, on time. Each late assignment will be docked one-half a letter grade for each day, unless we approve the extended due date in advance. You will frequently do the pertinent reading and begin projects at home, and then we will devote some class time to working on the projects in groups and discussing the results. The topics and the schedule may be adjusted to accommodate student interest and speaker schedules.
Students must have taken first-year criminal law before enrolling is this seminar. Criminal Procedure and Federal Criminal Law would be helpful, but are not required. Interns enrolled in the internship program at the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas or the Austin Federal Public Defender Service are encouraged to enroll in this seminar, and will be guaranteed admission if they request it.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Prosecution and Defense, Advanced
- THU 4:15 – 6:05 pm TNH 2.124
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
This course will be taught in person, with no remote participation.
The waitlist for this course is administered by Professor Klein. Please email her directly to be placed on the list and include in the email a brief description of your experience in the criminal justice system.
This is a one-semester, three-unit seminar which meets once a week for 100 minutes. We will take a 10-minute break after the first 50 minutes. This course is not restricted 3L students though there is some preference given; second-year law students are welcome. The casebook ("CB") is Abrams, Beale, & Klein, Federal Criminal Law and Its Enforcement (6th ed. 2015), and the 2018 Supplement. The supplement is free and will be posted on Canvas. There are two copies of the textbook on reserve at our library. A used copy of either is also acceptable. Please check Blackboard ("BB") every week for reading and writing assignments. There is no final exam for the course, your grade will be determined by the quality of your class participation and your six written and two oral projects. We will discuss all aspects of investigating, charging, trying, sentencing, and appealing federal criminal charges. We will take attendance, and we expect each of you to attend and to participate in every class discussion. If you plan to miss a class, you must clear it with one of the professors first. If you miss a class unexpectedly, please call or e-mail us as soon as possible. You must also complete all written and oral projects, on time. Each late assignment will be docked one-half a letter grade for each day, unless we approve the extended due date in advance. You will frequently do the pertinent reading and begin projects at home, and then we will devote some class time to working on the projects in groups and discussing the results. The topics and the schedule may be adjusted to accommodate student interest and speaker schedules.
Students must have taken first-year criminal law before enrolling is this seminar. Criminal Procedure and Federal Criminal Law would be helpful, but are not required. Interns enrolled in the internship program at the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas or the Austin Federal Public Defender Service are encouraged to enroll in this seminar, and will be guaranteed admission if they request it.
SMNR: Federal Criminal Prosecution and Defense, Advanced
- A. Brown
- S. Klein
- TUE 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.127
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
This is a one-semester, three-unit seminar which meets once a week for 100 minutes. We will take a 10-minute break after the first 50 minutes. This course is not restricted 3L students though there is some preference given; second-year law students are welcome. The casebook ("CB") is Abrams, Beale, & Klein, Federal Criminal Law and Its Enforcement (6th ed. 2015), and the 2018 Supplement. The supplement is free and will be posted on Canvas. There are two copies of the textbook on reserve at our library. A used copy of either is also acceptable. Please check Blackboard ("BB") every week for reading and writing assignments. There is no final exam for the course, your grade will be determined by the quality of your class participation and your six written and two oral projects. We will discuss all aspects of investigating, charging, trying, sentencing, and appealing federal criminal charges. We will take attendance, and we expect each of you to attend and to participate in every class discussion. If you plan to miss a class, you must clear it with one of the professors first. If you miss a class unexpectedly, please call or e-mail us as soon as possible. You must also complete all written and oral projects, on time. Each late assignment will be docked one-half a letter grade for each day, unless we approve the extended due date in advance. You will frequently do the pertinent reading and begin projects at home, and then we will devote some class time to working on the projects in groups and discussing the results. The topics and the schedule may be adjusted to accommodate student interest and speaker schedules.
Students must have taken first-year criminal law before enrolling is this seminar. Criminal Procedure and Federal Criminal Law would be helpful, but are not required. Interns enrolled in the internship program at the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas or the Austin Federal Public Defender Service are encouraged to enroll in this seminar, and will be guaranteed admission if they request it.
This course requires an application. Please review our course application page here: https://law.utexas.edu/student-affairs/academic-services/course-applications/
SMNR: Federal Criminal Prosecution, Advanced
- FRI 1:00 – 2:50 pm TNH 3.126
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
The waitlist for this course is administered by Professor Klein. Please email her directly to be placed on the list and include in the email a brief description of your experience in the criminal justice system.
This is a one-semester, three-unit seminar which meets once a week for 100 minutes. We will take a 10-minute break after the first 50 minutes. This course is not restricted 3L students though there is some preference given; second-year law students are welcome. The casebook ("CB") is Abrams, Beale, & Klein, Federal Criminal Law and Its Enforcement (6th ed. 2015), and the 2018 Supplement. The supplement is free and will be posted on Canvas. There are two copies of the textbook on reserve at our library. A used copy of either is also acceptable. Please check Blackboard ("BB") every week for reading and writing assignments. There is no final exam for the course, your grade will be determined by the quality of your class participation and your six written and two oral projects. We will discuss all aspects of investigating, charging, trying, sentencing, and appealing federal criminal charges. We will take attendance, and we expect each of you to attend and to participate in every class discussion. If you plan to miss a class, you must clear it with one of the professors first. If you miss a class unexpectedly, please call or e-mail us as soon as possible. You must also complete all written and oral projects, on time. Each late assignment will be docked one-half a letter grade for each day, unless we approve the extended due date in advance. You will frequently do the pertinent reading and begin projects at home, and then we will devote some class time to working on the projects in groups and discussing the results. The topics and the schedule may be adjusted to accommodate student interest and speaker schedules.
Students must have taken first-year criminal law before enrolling is this seminar. Criminal Procedure and Federal Criminal Law would be helpful, but are not required. Interns enrolled in the internship program at the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas or the Austin Federal Public Defender Service are encouraged to enroll in this seminar, and will be guaranteed admission if they request it.
SMNR: Financing the Clean Energy Transition
- WED 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.127
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
While estimates vary, many suggest that $100 trillion will be required to transition to a clean energy/carbon neutral environment by 2040-50. This course will cover the potential sources of this capital as well as where it will need to be invested from solar and wind (on and off-shore), to hydrogen, renewable natural gas, storage and transmission, to carbon capture. Included will be the structural alternatives for these investments and the U.S. government’s role in incentivizing and subsidizing the energy transition.
SMNR: Financing the Clean Energy Transition
- WED 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.115
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
While estimates vary, many suggest that $100 trillion will be required to transition to a clean energy/carbon neutral environment by 2040-50. This course will cover the potential sources of this capital as well as where it will need to be invested from solar and wind (on and off-shore), to hydrogen, renewable natural gas, storage and transmission, to carbon capture. Included will be the structural alternatives for these investments and the U.S. government’s role in incentivizing and subsidizing the energy transition.
SMNR: Food Safety Law
- TUE 3:55 – 5:45 pm TNH 3.116
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
The seminar on Food Safety Law will explore evolving concepts of food safety as implemented through federal regulatory programs. During the first eight weeks, seminar participants will read and discuss books and articles on risk assessment and risk management generally and on three regulatory programs aimed at ensuring food safety. After an introductory session on concepts of risk assessment and risk management in the context of risks posed by infectious microorganisms and chemical contaminants in food, the seminar will focus upon the following regulatory programs: (1) the Department of Agriculture's food safety and inspection program for beef; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency's program for establishing pesticide tolerances in foods, with a particular focus upon the risks that pesticides pose to children; and (3) the Food and Drug Administration's program for ensuring food safety and approving food additives, with a particular focus on that agency's program for regulating genetically modified foods. During the remainder of the semester, seminar participants will present seminar papers on a wide variety of topics related to food safety. Participants may draw paper topics from a wide variety of subject matter areas, including federal regulatory programs, state regulatory programs, and tort law.
SMNR: Food Safety Law
- TUE 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.126
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
The seminar on Food Safety Law will explore evolving concepts of food safety as implemented through federal regulatory programs. During the first eight weeks, seminar participants will read and discuss books and articles on risk assessment and risk management generally and on three regulatory programs aimed at ensuring food safety. After an introductory session on concepts of risk assessment and risk management in the context of risks posed by infectious microorganisms and chemical contaminants in food, the seminar will focus upon the following regulatory programs: (1) the Department of Agriculture's food safety and inspection program for beef; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency's program for establishing pesticide tolerances in foods, with a particular focus upon the risks that pesticides pose to children; and (3) the Food and Drug Administration's program for ensuring food safety and approving food additives, with a particular focus on that agency's program for regulating genetically modified foods. During the remainder of the semester, seminar participants will present seminar papers on a wide variety of topics related to food safety. Participants may draw paper topics from a wide variety of subject matter areas, including federal regulatory programs, state regulatory programs, and tort law.
SMNR: Food Safety Law
- THU 2:15 – 4:05 pm TNH 2.123
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
The seminar on Food Safety Law will explore evolving concepts of food safety as implemented through federal regulatory programs. During the first eight weeks, seminar participants will read and discuss books and articles on risk assessment and risk management generally and on three regulatory programs aimed at ensuring food safety. After an introductory session on concepts of risk assessment and risk management in the context of risks posed by infectious microorganisms and chemical contaminants in food, the seminar will focus upon the following regulatory programs: (1) the Department of Agriculture's food safety and inspection program for beef; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency's program for establishing pesticide tolerances in foods, with a particular focus upon the risks that pesticides pose to children; and (3) the Food and Drug Administration's program for ensuring food safety and approving food additives, with a particular focus on that agency's program for regulating genetically modified foods. During the remainder of the semester, seminar participants will present seminar papers on a wide variety of topics related to food safety. Participants may draw paper topics from a wide variety of subject matter areas, including federal regulatory programs, state regulatory programs, and tort law.
SMNR: Food Safety Law
- MON 4:15 – 6:13 pm ONLINE
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.
The seminar on Food Safety Law will explore evolving concepts of food safety as implemented through federal regulatory programs. During the first eight weeks, seminar participants will read and discuss books and articles on risk assessment and risk management generally and on three regulatory programs aimed at ensuring food safety. After an introductory session on concepts of risk assessment and risk management in the context of risks posed by infectious microorganisms and chemical contaminants in food, the seminar will focus upon the following regulatory programs: (1) the Department of Agriculture's food safety and inspection program for beef; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency's program for establishing pesticide tolerances in foods, with a particular focus upon the risks that pesticides pose to children; and (3) the Food and Drug Administration's program for ensuring food safety and approving food additives, with a particular focus on that agency's program for regulating genetically modified foods. During the remainder of the semester, seminar participants will present seminar papers on a wide variety of topics related to food safety. Participants may draw paper topics from a wide variety of subject matter areas, including federal regulatory programs, state regulatory programs, and tort law.
SMNR: Globalization and Balkanization
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
In our time, the nation state has been under pressure from above, where the forces of globalization are leading to the creation of transnational structures of governance and allegiance, and from below, where the forces of secession in the name of self-determination may threaten to break up once durable national structures. Just now, the forces of Balkanization are most prominent, with the UK and Brexit, which will surely lead to internal pressures of secession by Scotland, North Ireland and Wales, and serious complications on the border between North Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In Spain, meanwhile, the Catalan independence movement continues to fester. Once a progenitor of much of the modern trend towards multinational cooperation, the United States has in recent years been a force of resistance and disruption to global arrangements.. And even in the United States, the idea of secession has been floated seriously in recent months. There is a rich landscape of legal and extralegal questions raised by these events, and by the reciprocal forces of globalization. In this seminar, we will explore that landscape.
SMNR: Globalization and Balkanization
- MON, WED 9:00 – 10:21 am ONLINE
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Short course:
- 1/25/21 — 4/5/21
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.
In our time, the nation state has been under pressure from above, where the forces of globalization are leading to the creation of transnational structures of governance and allegiance, and from below, where the forces of secession in the name of self-determination may threaten to break up once durable national structures. Just now, the forces of Balkanization are most prominent, with the UK and Brexit, which will surely lead to internal pressures of secession by Scotland, North Ireland and Wales, and serious complications on the border between North Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In Spain, meanwhile, the Catalan independence movement continues to fester. Once a progenitor of much of the modern trend towards multinational cooperation, the United States has in recent years been a force of resistance and disruption to global arrangements.. And even in the United States, the idea of secession has been floated seriously in recent months. There is a rich landscape of legal and extralegal questions raised by these events, and by the reciprocal forces of globalization. In this seminar, we will explore that landscape.
SMNR: Health Justice and the Medical-Legal Partnership
- K. Warren
- MON 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 2.138
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Cross-listed with:
- Other school
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
From the redesign of complex medical care to population health management, law and policy inform every aspect of our health care system. Individually and systemically, increasing health equity depends not only on access to medical care for vulnerable populations, but also on addressing the social determinants of health—how the socioeconomic conditions in which people live, work, and play affect health and well-being. One promising approach is medical-legal partnership, which makes lawyers members of the healthcare team to collaboratively improve the health of vulnerable individuals and their families, as well as entire communities, by advocating for rights and reducing barriers. The class takes an interdisciplinary, inter-professional approach, making it valuable to law students and students in social work, nursing, pharmacy, public affairs, business, and medicine. Using interactive lectures, case studies, and simulations, students will learn to recognize and begin to collaboratively consider the relationship among medicine, law, and wellness. Through such topics as poverty and public benefits, safe and affordable housing, effective and appropriate education, and chronic conditions and public health law, we will consider how lawyers and health care providers can jointly engage in creative problem-solving. The class also provides an introduction to (1) the systems of individual and population health in the United States; (2) the role of law, policy, and legal services in informing social determinants of health; (3) diverse professional cultures and responsibilities of interdisciplinary practice; and (4) value-based metrics for evaluating the health and social benefits of legal interventions.
UPDATE: We are pleased to report strong interest in the class among Dell Medical School students, creating special opportunities for real-world collaborative projects with law and social work students. It should be a terrific class!
SMNR: Health Justice, Race, and COVID-19
- W. Sage
- K. Warren
- MON 4:15 – 6:13 pm ONLINE
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Cross-listed with:
- Other school
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.
With continuing demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice, as well as a global pandemic, 2020 has highlighted many of the pervasive, structural issues that drive health disparities and poor health outcomes. Individually and systemically, correcting these inequities depends on addressing what are frequently called the “social determinants of health”—that is, how the socioeconomic conditions in which we live, grow, work, worship, play, and age affect health and well-being. Key to understanding these risk factors is understanding the ways that law perpetuates or exacerbates the social conditions that lead to disparate outcomes and opportunities.
This class will explore COVID-19 through a health justice lens shaped by the medical-legal partnership model and with express acknowledgment of the legacy of race-based policymaking on health and well-being. Using interactive lectures, case studies, and simulations, students will learn to recognize and begin to collaboratively consider the relationship among medicine, law, and wellness. Through such topics as income and generational wealth, housing and utilities, education and employment, legal status, and familial stability, we will consider how law impacts health, and how lawyers and health care providers can jointly engage in creative problem-solving.
The class takes an interdisciplinary, inter-professional approach, making it valuable to law students and students in social work, nursing, pharmacy, public affairs, business, and medicine.
SMNR: Health, Innovation, and the Law Colloquium
- TUE 3:55 – 5:45 pm TNH 3.124
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This colloquium-style writing seminar takes on legal issues at the heart of health and innovation. We’ll explore and evaluate cutting-edge research ranging from drug pricing and regulation to corporatization of healthcare to assisted reproduction. The first two classes will introduce students to the necessary background law and policy issues—health law and innovation 101. For the rest of the semester, students will engage with works-in-progress by six of the leading scholars in the field. We will discuss and evaluate the paper together and then host workshops where these scholars will present their papers. Students are required to write concise scholarly critiques of each of the papers, which will be provided to the speaker. Students will ask questions, deliver critiques, and make suggestions for improvement in conversation with the speakers. Professors will provide detailed comments to students on each of their papers.