Course Schedule

This seminar focuses on different types of environmental litigation, including: permit hearings and appeals; enforcement hearings and litigation; rule-making and appeals; citizen suits; Superfund litigation; commercial litigation involving environmental issues; and toxic tort litigation. The purpose of the course is to provide practical guidance on litigation aspects of a substantive environmental practice. The course will address procedural and administrative law issues as well as substantive issues. The course will discuss the use of expert witnesses and will touch on public policy and ethical considerations. Grading will be based primarily on a 30-page term paper on a topic selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. For the first ten weeks or so, there will be weekly reading assignments and class discussions, with guest speakers representing agency and public interest perspectives; in the remaining sessions, students will present their draft papers. Prior experience or class work in environmental law is helpful, but is not a prerequisite.

This seminar focuses on different types of environmental litigation, including: permit hearings and appeals; enforcement hearings and litigation; rule-making and appeals; citizen suits; Superfund litigation; commercial litigation involving environmental issues; and toxic tort litigation. The purpose of the course is to provide practical guidance on litigation aspects of a substantive environmental practice. The course will address procedural and administrative law issues as well as substantive issues. The course will discuss the use of expert witnesses and will touch on public policy and ethical considerations. Grading will be based primarily on a 30-page term paper on a topic selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. For the first ten weeks or so, there will be weekly reading assignments and class discussions, with guest speakers representing agency and public interest perspectives; in the remaining sessions, students will present their draft papers. Prior experience or class work in environmental law is helpful, but is not a prerequisite.

This seminar explore the philosophical idea of equality within the liberal tradition as applied to law. We will discuss various concepts of equality and related central debates in modern political philosophy. The discussion of the application to law will focus on non-constitutional law and in particular various private law fields. The grade will be based primarily on seminar papers written by students.

This seminar explore the philosophical idea of equality within the liberal tradition as applied to law. We will discuss various concepts of equality and related central debates in modern political philosophy. The discussion of the application to law will focus on non-constitutional law and in particular various  private law fields. The grade will be based primarily on seminar papers written by students. 

This seminar explore the philosophical idea of equality within the liberal tradition as applied to law. We will discuss various concepts of equality and related central debates in modern political philosophy. The discussion of the application to law will focus on non-constitutional law and in particular various  private law fields. The grade will be based primarily on seminar papers written by students. 

This seminar explore the philosophical idea of equality within the liberal tradition as applied to law. We will discuss various concepts of equality and related central debates in modern political philosophy. The discussion of the application to law will focus on non-constitutional law and in particular various  private law fields. The grade will be based primarily on seminar papers written by students. 

SEMINAR: EXPLORATIONS IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW & POLITICS AROUND THE GLOBE This seminar will explore some of the most important constitutional issues around the globe today. We will start with fundamental questions of constitutional design. How should constitutions be enacted? Who should participate in the framing and ratification of the constitutional text? How difficult should it be to amend a constitution? One big challenge is the creation of a durable framework for liberal democracy in the context of nations emerging from tyranny and/or violent ethno-racial conflict. Constitution-framers have debated and sometimes adopted direct forms of ethno-racial group representation in national legislatures, as well as federalism arrangements that give rival groups their “own” territorial based states or provinces. What are the pros and cons of such devices for overcoming deep conflicts? 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? We will also take up a variety of cutting-edge issues in the domain of constitutional rights and their interpretation and enforcement by courts. Here we will discuss different ways of structuring the judiciary in a number of countries. We will also examine such topics as the ways 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. A further topic concerns the mechanisms democracy can use to protect itself against erosion caused by internal forces. How tolerant should democracy be towards anti-democratic groups? We will also discuss how globalization has affected the ability of national governments to pursue domestic policies for the common good. How should international organizations be structured, and how should they interact with national authorities, to better serve the interests of the people? Note: This seminar will be taught during the first half of the Spring Semester, but the final paper will not be due until the end of the semester.

SEMINAR: EXPLORATIONS IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW & POLITICS AROUND THE GLOBE Victor Ferreres Comella. This seminar will explore some of the most important constitutional issues around the globe today. We will start with fundamental questions of constitutional design. How should constitutions be enacted? Who should participate in the framing and ratification of the constitutional text? How difficult should it be to amend a constitution? One big challenge is the creation of a durable framework for liberal democracy in the context of nations emerging from tyranny and/or violent ethno-racial conflict. Constitution-framers have debated and sometimes adopted direct forms of ethno-racial group representation in national legislatures, as well as federalism arrangements that give rival groups their “own” territorial based states or provinces. What are the pros and cons of such devices for overcoming deep conflicts? 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?

We will also take up a variety of cutting-edge issues in the domain of constitutional rights and their interpretation and enforcement by courts. Here we will discuss different ways of structuring the judiciary in a number of countries. We will also examine such topics as the ways 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. A further topic concerns the mechanisms democracy can use to protect itself against erosion caused by internal forces. How tolerant should democracy be towards anti-democratic groups? We will also discuss how globalization has affected the ability of national governments to pursue domestic policies for the common good. How should international organizations be structured, and how should they interact with national authorities, to better serve the interests of the people?    

Note: This seminar will be taught during the first half of the Spring Semester.

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.

SEMINAR: EXPLORATIONS IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW & POLITICS AROUND THE GLOBE Victor Ferreres Comella. This seminar will explore some of the most important constitutional issues around the globe today. We will start with fundamental questions of constitutional design. How should constitutions be enacted? Who should participate in the framing and ratification of the constitutional text? How difficult should it be to amend a constitution? One big challenge is the creation of a durable framework for liberal democracy in the context of nations emerging from tyranny and/or violent ethno-racial conflict. Constitution-framers have debated and sometimes adopted direct forms of ethno-racial group representation in national legislatures, as well as federalism arrangements that give rival groups their “own” territorial based states or provinces. What are the pros and cons of such devices for overcoming deep conflicts? 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?

We will also take up a variety of cutting-edge issues in the domain of constitutional rights and their interpretation and enforcement by courts. Here we will discuss different ways of structuring the judiciary in a number of countries. We will also examine such topics as the ways 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. A further topic concerns the mechanisms democracy can use to protect itself against erosion caused by internal forces. How tolerant should democracy be towards anti-democratic groups? We will also discuss how globalization has affected the ability of national governments to pursue domestic policies for the common good. How should international organizations be structured, and how should they interact with national authorities, to better serve the interests of the people?    

Note: This seminar will be taught during the first half of the Spring Semester.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

This course is not restricted 3L students though there is some preference given; second-year law students are welcome. 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. 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 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. 

This course is not restricted 3L students though there is some preference given; second-year law students are welcome. 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. 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 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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.