Course Schedule

The distinction between the public and the private is one of the most fundamental concepts in liberal legal orders, carrying significant legal implications. For example, whether an entity is classified as “public” (or, conversely, as “private”) impacts its rights, powers, duties, and responsibilities. Entities may be permitted or restricted from certain actions simply based on their classification as public or private. Moreover, there are actions that only private entities can undertake or refrain from, due to their private nature. Yet, the public/private distinction is often poorly understood. As a result, some reject it altogether, while others mischaracterize it. The overall purpose of this seminar is to develop a deeper understanding of the public/private distinction by examining relevant legal doctrines and their underlying normative considerations. We will focus on key areas of public and private law, while also analyzing pressing questions such as the role of AI in making binding decisions, the regulation of social media in a democracy, the legitimacy of punitive damages in tort law, and anti-privatization doctrines in property and contract law.

Disasters and emergencies can strain the capacities of governments and the resilience of societies. They can exacerbate inequalities but also strengthen feelings of social solidarity. The United States’ legal system has various mechanisms, at federal and state levels, for preventing, preparing for, and responding to disasters and emergencies. This seminar explores those mechanisms, as well as general concerns with the regulation of risk and the differential social impacts of catastrophes. To fulfill the seminar writing requirement, students will write a series of short papers plus a longer final paper. Students will be expected to participate actively in class discussions, including by helping to present certain assigned material in class.

This seminar concerns the laws, policies and politics that define political participation rights in our American democracy and therefore influence the ability to build and exert power in our society. We explore these rights from a variety of vantage points, considering what our democracy means for individuals, communities and governmental actors and how those understandings have evolved over time. As much as possible, current political events and policy debates — particularly those impacting our Texas democracy — are used to challenge and dissect the legal principles and ideas we discuss. Particular focus is given to the communities who have been excluded from positions of power over the course of this country’s history, particularly Black Americans and other persons of color, immigrants, young Americans, and less wealthy Americans. 

No background in politics or political science is required. 

At the end of the course, you should have a strong baseline understanding of the constitutional and federal law that shapes election administration and political participation rights, and recognize how that law has evolved over time. You are also expected to hone your ability to critically analyze and deliver legal arguments through classroom discussion and debate. Finally, the essay assignments and your final paper are intended to sharpen your written communication skills, especially your ability to express novel ideas and persuade a reader of your position. 

This seminar concerns the laws, policies and politics that define political participation rights in our American democracy and therefore influence the ability to build and exert power in our society. We explore these rights from a variety of vantage points, considering what our democracy means for individuals, communities and governmental actors and how those understandings have evolved over time. As much as possible, current political events and policy debates — particularly those impacting our Texas democracy — are used to challenge and dissect the legal principles and ideas we discuss. Particular focus is given to the communities who have been excluded from positions of power over the course of this country’s history, particularly Black Americans and other persons of color, immigrants, young Americans, and less wealthy Americans. 

No background in politics or political science is required. 

At the end of the course, you should have a strong baseline understanding of the constitutional and federal law that shapes election administration and political participation rights, and recognize how that law has evolved over time. You are also expected to hone your ability to critically analyze and deliver legal arguments through classroom discussion and debate. Finally, the essay assignments and your final paper are intended to sharpen your written communication skills, especially your ability to express novel ideas and persuade a reader of your position. 

This seminar concerns the laws, policies and politics that define political participation rights in our American democracy and therefore influence the ability to build and exert power in our society. We explore these rights from a variety of vantage points, considering what our democracy means for individuals, communities and governmental actors and how those understandings have evolved over time. As much as possible, current political events and policy debates — particularly those impacting our Texas democracy — are used to challenge and dissect the legal principles and ideas we discuss. Particular focus is given to the communities who have been excluded from positions of power over the course of this country’s history, particularly Black Americans and other persons of color, immigrants, young Americans, and less wealthy Americans. 

No background in politics or political science is required. 

At the end of the course, you should have a strong baseline understanding of the constitutional and federal law that shapes election administration and political participation rights, and recognize how that law has evolved over time. You are also expected to hone your ability to critically analyze and deliver legal arguments through classroom discussion and debate. Finally, the essay assignments and your final paper are intended to sharpen your written communication skills, especially your ability to express novel ideas and persuade a reader of your position. 

This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.

The Endangered Species Act has been labeled "the pit bull of environmental statutues" because of the strong protection it provides to imperiled plants and animals. But almost 50 years after its near-unanimous passage by Congress, the Act is a lightening rod for controversy. It is often criticized by developers for causing delays and higher costs, and by environmentalists for failing to live up to its full potential, because it seldom stops projects altogether. This seminar will explore Act's record and the data that elucidate the effectiveness of the Act and the extent to which it hinders (or not) economic development in the United States. We will focus on the key legal issues associated with implementation of the federal Endangered Species Act and examine the unique challenges associated with addressing the threats to biodiversity that are posed by climate change, especially during a time that portions of the public and some policy makers are expressing skepticism about science. Students will read and discuss articles and excerpts from books about the Endangered Species Act, biodiversity protection, and climate change. After an introductory session on the structure of the Endangered Species Act, the seminar will focus on: (1) the importance of the Endangered Species Act in preventing species extinctions and the Act’s track record; (2) the responsibilities of federal agencies and non-federal actors to avoid harm to endangered species and promote species’ recovery; (3) conflicts between water and land development and endangered species protection; (4) incentives for private landowners to protect rare species; (5) the challenges of enforcing the Act; and (5) legal approaches to addressing climate change within the context of the Endangered Species Act. We will also discuss the recent regulatory changes adopted by the Trump Administration, some of which were withdrawn by the Biden Administration, and their implications for endangered species management. During the last several weeks of class, students will present their seminar papers on topics related to endangered species protection. Students may choose to develop papers about a range of subjects related to the act, including the challenges of balancing species protection with economic development, the tensions between federal and state/local control over activities that affect species, and the track record of past administrative efforts to update/reform the ESA's implementation. 

The Endangered Species Act has been labeled "the pit bull of environmental statutues" because of the strong protection it provides to imperiled plants and animals. But almost 50 years after its near-unanimous passage by Congress, the Act is a lightening rod for controversy. It is often criticized by developers for causing delays and higher costs, and by environmentalists for failing to live up to its full potential, because it seldom stops projects altogether. This seminar will explore Act's record and the data that elucidate the effectiveness of the Act and the extent to which it hinders (or not) economic development in the United States. We will focus on the key legal issues associated with implementation of the federal Endangered Species Act and examine the unique challenges associated with addressing the threats to biodiversity that are posed by climate change, especially during a time that portions of the public and some policy makers are expressing skepticism about science. Students will read and discuss articles and excerpts from books about the Endangered Species Act, biodiversity protection, and climate change. After an introductory session on the structure of the Endangered Species Act, the seminar will focus on: (1) the importance of the Endangered Species Act in preventing species extinctions and the Act’s track record; (2) the responsibilities of federal agencies and non-federal actors to avoid harm to endangered species and promote species’ recovery; (3) conflicts between water and land development and endangered species protection; (4) incentives for private landowners to protect rare species; (5) the challenges of enforcing the Act; and (5) legal approaches to addressing climate change within the context of the Endangered Species Act. We will also discuss the recent regulatory changes adopted by the Trump Administration and their implications for endangered species management. During the last several weeks of class, students will present their seminar papers on topics related to endangered species protection. Students may choose to develop papers about a range of subjects related to the act, including the challenges of balancing species protection with economic development, the tensions between federal and state/local control over activities that affect species, and the track record of past administrative efforts to update/reform the ESA's implementation. 

This seminar on energy policy, transactions, litigation, and regulation will cover both conventional energy sources such as oil and gas as well as newer alternative sources such as wind, solar, and biofuels. This seminar will emphasize the practical application of common principles across energy boundaries.

This seminar on energy policy, transactions, litigation, and regulation will cover both conventional energy sources such as oil and gas as well as newer alternative sources such as wind, solar, and biofuels. This seminar will emphasize the practical application of common principles across energy boundaries.

This seminar on energy policy, transactions, litigation, and regulation will cover both conventional energy sources such as oil and gas as well as newer alternative sources such as wind, solar, and biofuels. This seminar will emphasize the practical application of common principles across energy boundaries.

This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.

This seminar on energy policy, transactions, litigation, and regulation will cover both conventional energy sources such as oil and gas as well as newer alternative sources such as wind, solar, and biofuels. This seminar will emphasize the practical application of common principles across energy boundaries.

Music, film, television, digital online media, social media, streaming, radio, publishing, branding, NIL, celebrity rights of publicity and privacy, and cyber law - that's entertainment! This writing seminar provides an introduction to the legal aspects of the entertainment industry through the analysis and discussion of commonly used business models, contracts, relevant statutes, judicial opinions, and current events. An emphasis of the course will be to understand the underlying intellectual property assets and historical positions of the parties to entertainment related transactions to prepare students to use the knowledge acquired to not only fulfill the course requirements, but to actively participate in, and demonstrate leadership in, any facet of the entertainment industry as a lawyer. This seminar will also directly examine specific terms and provisions commonly included in most entertainment industry contracts as well as terms and provisions applicable to specific genres within entertainment industry. In addition, articles relating to current industry developments, recent legal decisions, and live pleadings will be regularly assigned for class analysis and discussion. Students in this writing seminar will: (a) select and engage in research on an approved topic relevant to the legal aspects of the entertainment industry; (b) submit a substantial research paper in compliance with the writing requirement; and, (c) give an oral presentation to the seminar class on their chosen topic. Questions and lively discussions of entertainment industry legal issues are welcomed and encouraged!

Music, film, television, digital online media, social media, streaming, radio, publishing, branding, celebrity rights of publicity and privacy, and cyber law - that's entertainment! This writing seminar provides an introduction to the legal aspects of the entertainment industry through the analysis and discussion of commonly used business models, contracts, relevant statutes, judicial opinions, and current events. An emphasis of the course will be to understand the underlying intellectual property assets and historical positions of the parties to entertainment related transactions to prepare students to use the knowledge acquired to not only fulfill the course requirements, but to actively participate in, and demonstrate leadership in, any facet of the entertainment industry as a lawyer. This seminar will also directly examine specific terms and provisions commonly included in most entertainment industry contracts as well as terms and provisions applicable to specific genres within entertainment industry. In addition, articles relating to current industry developments, recent legal decisions, and live pleadings will be regularly assigned for class analysis and discussion. Students in this writing seminar will: (a) select and engage in research on an approved topic relevant to the legal aspects of the entertainment industry; (b) submit a substantial research paper in compliance with the writing requirement; and, (c) give an oral presentation to the seminar class on their chosen topic. Questions and lively discussions of entertainment industry legal issues are welcomed and encouraged!

Music, film, television, digital online media, social media, streaming, radio, publishing, branding, celebrity rights of publicity and privacy, and cyber law - that's entertainment! This writing seminar provides an introduction to the legal aspects of the entertainment industry through the analysis and discussion of commonly used business models, contracts, relevant statutes, judicial opinions, and current events. An emphasis of the course will be to understand the underlying intellectual property assets and historical positions of the parties to entertainment related transactions to prepare students to use the knowledge acquired to not only fulfill the course requirements, but to actively participate in, and demonstrate leadership in, any facet of the entertainment industry as a lawyer. This seminar will also directly examine specific terms and provisions commonly included in most entertainment industry contracts as well as terms and provisions applicable to specific genres within entertainment industry. In addition, articles relating to current industry developments, recent legal decisions, and live pleadings will be regularly assigned for class analysis and discussion. Students in this writing seminar will: (a) select and engage in research on an approved topic relevant to the legal aspects of the entertainment industry; (b) submit a substantial research paper in compliance with the writing requirement; and, (c) give an oral presentation to the seminar class on their chosen topic. Questions and lively discussions of entertainment industry legal issues are welcomed and encouraged!

This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom. 

This three credit seminar course will focus on the environmental impacts and resulting legal issues arising from the exploration, development, production and transportation of energy sources. Students will first gain a general knowledge of the environmental impacts of nation wide energy production through a survey format. Topics will include environmental impacts of oil and gas exploration and production, bio-fuels production, coal generation, nuclear, wind and solar power. The course will then transition into the development of a working knowledge of the legal and administrative structure of Texas and Federal environmental law relating to primary energy sources utilized in Texas. Included in this segment will be a focus on issues involving fuels for mobile sources and transportation and delivery of fuels as well as disposal of fuel by-products. Students will have an opportunity to utilize the Texas regulatory and legal structure to develop a solid knowledge of the basic framework of State authority and the conflicts and interplay between State and Federal law. Students will then focus on environmental impacts of specific energy development projects from Texas and the Gulf Coast to gain a practical understanding of the legal and administrative processes involved in dealing with environmental consequences. Students will complete the semester by writing and presenting a seminar paper.

This three credit seminar course will focus on the environmental impacts and resulting legal and international issues arising from the exploration, development, production and transportation of energy sources. Students will first gain a general knowledge of the primary energy sources and environmental impacts of national and world wide energy production through a survey format. Topics will include environmental, political and geo-political impacts of oil and gas exploration and production, bio-fuels production, coal generation, nuclear, wind and solar power. The course will then transition into the development of a working knowledge of the legal and administrative structure of Texas and Federal environmental law.  We will analyze the primary energy sources utilized in Texas and specifically review the impact of the winter storm of 2021. We will also focus on issues involving fuels for mobile sources and transportation and delivery of fuels as well as disposal of fuel by-products. Students will have an opportunity to utilize the Texas regulatory and legal structure to develop a knowledge of the basic framework of State authority and the conflicts and interplay between State and Federal law. The course will then focus on various specific energy development projects, with some emphasis on Texas and the Gulf Coast, to gain a practical understanding of the legal and administrative processes involved in dealing with environmental consequences of energy production and delivery. We will then delve into the myriad foriegn policy issues and conflicts involved in energy production and climate change policies.  Students will complete the semester by writing and presenting a seminar paper.

This three credit seminar course will focus on the environmental impacts and resulting legal and international issues arising from the exploration, development, production and transportation of energy sources. Students will first gain a general knowledge of the primary energy sources and environmental impacts of national and world wide energy production through a survey format. Topics will include environmental, political and geo-political impacts of oil and gas exploration and production, bio-fuels production, coal generation, nuclear, wind and solar power. The course will then transition into the development of a working knowledge of the legal and administrative structure of Texas and Federal environmental law.  We will analyze the primary energy sources utilized in Texas and specifically review the impact of the winter storm of 2021. We will also focus on issues involving fuels for mobile sources and transportation and delivery of fuels as well as disposal of fuel by-products. Students will have an opportunity to utilize the Texas regulatory and legal structure to develop a knowledge of the basic framework of State authority and the conflicts and interplay between State and Federal law. The course will then focus on various specific energy development projects, with some emphasis on Texas and the Gulf Coast, to gain a practical understanding of the legal and administrative processes involved in dealing with environmental consequences of energy production and delivery. We will then delve into the myriad foriegn policy issues and conflicts involved in energy production and climate change policies.  Students will complete the semester by writing and presenting a seminar paper.

This three credit seminar course will focus on the environmental impacts and resulting legal and international issues arising from the exploration, development, production and transportation of energy sources. Students will first gain a general knowledge of the primary energy sources and environmental impacts of national and world wide energy production through a survey format. Topics will include environmental, political and geo-political impacts of oil and gas exploration and production, bio-fuels production, coal generation, nuclear, wind and solar power. The course will then transition into the development of a working knowledge of the legal and administrative structure of Texas and Federal environmental law.  We will analyze the primary energy sources utilized in Texas and specifically review the impact of the winter storm of 2021. We will also focus on issues involving fuels for mobile sources and transportation and delivery of fuels as well as disposal of fuel by-products. Students will have an opportunity to utilize the Texas regulatory and legal structure to develop a knowledge of the basic framework of State authority and the conflicts and interplay between State and Federal law. The course will then focus on various specific energy development projects, with some emphasis on Texas and the Gulf Coast, to gain a practical understanding of the legal and administrative processes involved in dealing with environmental consequences of energy production and delivery. We will then delve into the myriad foriegn policy issues and conflicts involved in energy production and climate change policies.  Students will complete the semester by writing and presenting a seminar paper.

This three credit seminar course will focus on the environmental impacts and resulting legal issues arising from the exploration, development, production and transportation of energy sources. Students will first gain a general knowledge of the environmental impacts of nation wide energy production through a survey format. Topics will include environmental impacts of oil and gas exploration and production, bio-fuels production, coal generation, nuclear, wind and solar power. The course will then transition into the development of a working knowledge of the legal and administrative structure of Texas and Federal environmental law relating to primary energy sources utilized in Texas. Included in this segment will be a focus on issues involving fuels for mobile sources and transportation and delivery of fuels as well as disposal of fuel by-products. Students will have an opportunity to utilize the Texas regulatory and legal structure to develop a solid knowledge of the basic framework of State authority and the conflicts and interplay between State and Federal law. Students will then focus on environmental impacts of specific energy development projects from Texas and the Gulf Coast to gain a practical understanding of the legal and administrative processes involved in dealing with environmental consequences. Students will complete the semester by writing and presenting a seminar paper.

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 based on that reading.  From time-to-time, there will be 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 based on that reading.  From time-to-time, there will be 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 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.