Course Schedule
Classes Found
SMNR: Internet Law and Policy
- C. Sharma
- WED 3:45 – 5:35 pm CCJ 3.306
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Cross-listed with:
- Other school
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
The law and policies that govern the internet touch on all aspects of our digital ecosystem. As lawyers, you can expect to engage with these issues whether you are interested in corporate law, litigation, or regulatory law. This course is intended to be a primer on the core legal frameworks that govern the internet, including those that were not designed with the internet in mind, but must still adapt to the changing technology landscape.
There is no prior knowledge required for this course. We will review tech fundamentals in the beginning of the course, going over the origins of the internet, how it was built (tubes are not involved), why it was built, and how it has changed over time (Web 1.0, Web 2.0, Web 3.0). You will gain familiarity with technical concepts such as code, algorithms, protocols, servers, open-source, the backbone, hashes, etc.
We will review the regulatory bodies at the state, federal, and international levels that govern the internet and the different — and at times conflicting — roles they play. We will consider issues such as net neutrality, internet speech and Section 230, encryption, cybersecurity, data privacy, and intermediary liability, among other things.
Grades will be based on: 30% class participation,* 15% 1,000 word paper, 20% 1,500 word paper, 35% 4,000 word paper.
*It is important to me and the ethos of the class that all individuals feel equally capable of engaging with the material and gaining value from the discussions. Therefore, if any individual is concerned with the class participation portion of the grade for personal reasons, I encourage them to reach out privately and we can work to establish an alternative grading mechanism.
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
SMNR: Jurisprudence of Sport
- WED 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.125
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
Various sports can be seen as comprising distinct legal systems. Each sport, after all, has its own set of rules, many of which are written and some of which are unwritten. Sports thus present an array of issues that are worthy subjects for legal analysis. And since each sport has its own set of rules, sports are a ripe subject for comparative law analysis. We can look at how similar issues are addressed across different sports.
Some issues present questions that are readily identifiable as legal in nature. The writing of a particular rule (say, what is a “catch” in football? in baseball?) requires legal skills. More generally, how should the rule makers decide whether a standard be used (e.g., unnecessary delay) as opposed to a more objective measure (e.g., 25 seconds to serve in tennis); or whether a rule should include a state of mind requirement? What should the standard of review be for replay officials? Should replay even be allowed? If so, when? Should officials be given discretion (like prosecutors) in whether to call a penalty? Should the rules be applied at the end of the game the same as at the beginning?
Other issues are not so obvious. Rule violations have consequences (e.g., runner advances a base, five-yard penalty, free throw). Is it helpful to think of these as the cost of an infraction (think, breach of contract) or a sanction (think, criminal law)? What turns on this? Should a sport employ a no-harm, no-consequence regime or impose a cost/sanction regardless of whether there is any harm (e.g., free throw after a made shot in basketball)? How do/should we think about gamesmanship, cheating, and sportsmanship? Should there be rules about the use of performance-enhancing drugs? If so, what is a performance-enhancing drug? And there’s lots more.
Grades for the seminar will be based on class presentations, participation in class discussion, and a substantial written paper.
SMNR: Jurisprudence of Sport
- WED 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.127
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Prof. keeps own waitlist
Description
Various sports can be seen as comprising distinct legal systems. Each sport, after all, has its own set of rules, many of which are written and some of which are unwritten. Sports thus present an array of issues that are worthy subjects for legal analysis. And since each sport has its own set of rules, sports are a ripe subject for comparative law analysis. We can look at how similar issues are addressed across different sports.
Some issues present questions that are readily identifiable as legal in nature. The writing of a particular rule (say, what is a “catch” in football? in baseball?) requires legal skills. More generally, how should the rule makers decide whether a standard be used (e.g., unnecessary delay) as opposed to a more objective measure (e.g., 25 seconds to serve in tennis); or whether a rule should include a state of mind requirement? What should the standard of review be for replay officials? Should replay even be allowed? If so, when? Should officials be given discretion (like prosecutors) in whether to call a penalty? Should the rules be applied at the end of the game the same as at the beginning?
Other issues are not so obvious. Rule violations have consequences (e.g., runner advances a base, five-yard penalty, free throw). Is it helpful to think of these as the cost of an infraction (think, breach of contract) or a sanction (think, criminal law)? What turns on this? Should a sport employ a no-harm, no-consequence regime or impose a cost/sanction regardless of whether there is any harm (e.g., free throw after a made shot in basketball)? How do we/should we think about gamesmanship, cheating, and sportsmanship? Should there be rules about the use of performance-enhancing drugs? If so, what is a performance-enhancing drug? And there’s lots more.
Grades for the seminar will be based on class presentations, participation in class discussion, and a substantial written paper.
SMNR: Jury in Theory & Practice
- J. Abramson
- WED 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.
This seminar explores issues raised by the jury as an institution of democratic justice. Issues to be discussed include: what does it mean for the jury to be a "representative" body of the community? Do jurors divide along racial, gender, and ethnic lines? Is there any "science" in scientific jury selection? Do peremptory challenges serve valid purposes or should they be abolished? Should jurors be permitted to nullify the law in order to render a verdict according to conscience? Do jurors understand and follow their instructions? Why do we require criminal juries to reach unanimous verdicts? Special attention will be given to jury selection and deliberation in death penalty trials.
SMNR: Jury in Theory & Practice
- J. Abramson
- WED 3:45 – 5:35 pm JON 6.202
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This seminar explores issues raised by the jury as an institution of democratic justice. Issues to be discussed include: what does it mean for the jury to be a "representative" body of the community? Do jurors divide along racial, gender, and ethnic lines? Is there any "science" in scientific jury selection? Do peremptory challenges serve valid purposes or should they be abolished? Should jurors be permitted to nullify the law in order to render a verdict according to conscience? Do jurors understand and follow their instructions? Why do we require criminal juries to reach unanimous verdicts? Special attention will be given to jury selection and deliberation in death penalty trials.
SMNR: Law & Economics
- 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.
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, I will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law & Economics
- TUE 12:00 – 1:50 pm ONLINE
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, I will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law and Economics
- MON 3:55 – 5:45 pm JON 6.207
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, we will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law and Economics
- TUE 3:55 – 5:45 pm JON 6.207
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
his seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, I will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law and Economics
- MON 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.126
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This seminar topic may be repeated for credit.
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, I will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law and Economics
- TUE 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.125
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, I will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law and Economics
- TUE 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.126
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, I will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law and Economics
- TUE 3:45 – 5:35 pm TNH 3.124
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, I will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law and Economics
- TUE 3:45 – 5:35 pm JON 6.207/208
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, I will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law and Economics
- MON 3:45 – 5:35 pm JON 5.257
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research in law and economics. In most of the classes, I will host a workshop during which a leading scholar will present a paper. In the weeks in which there is no outside speaker, two groups of students will each present one to the two papers that will be presented by the outside speakers in the next two workshops. All students are required to write short critiques of most of the speakers’ papers. Your critiques will be graded and made available to the speaker.
SMNR: Law and Philosophy Workshop
- TUE 3:55 – 5:45 pm JON 5.206
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course will be a survey of different topics in legal philosophy and constitutional theory. It will be organized around a series of six workshops each featuring a different scholar, who will present and discuss his or her work. The class will also meet during the weeks when there are no workshops. At those meetings, we will read and discuss materials on the topic of the next scheduled workshop in preparation for its discussion, and we will also extend the discussions of the previous workshop through short presentations by the members of the class. Written coursework will consist of two papers, each of which will be a critical discussion of ideas presented in one or more of the six workshop papers and discussions.
SMNR: Law and Philosophy Workshop
- TUE 3:45 – 5:35 pm JON 5.206
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course will be a survey of different topics in legal philosophy and constitutional theory. It will be organized around a series of six workshops each featuring a different scholar, who will present and discuss his or her work. The class will also meet during the weeks when there are no workshops. At those meetings, we will read and discuss materials on the topic of the next scheduled workshop in preparation for its discussion, and we will also extend the discussions of the previous workshop through short presentations by the members of the class. Written coursework will consist of two papers, each of which will be a critical discussion of ideas presented in one or more of the six workshop papers and discussions.
SMNR: Law and Philosophy Workshop
- THU 3:45 – 5:35 pm JON 6.207
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Cross-listed with:
- Other school
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course will be a survey of different topics in legal philosophy and constitutional theory. It will be organized around a series of six workshops each featuring a different scholar, who will present and discuss his or her work. The class will also meet during the weeks when there are no workshops. At those meetings, we will read and discuss materials on the topic of the next scheduled workshop in preparation for its discussion, and we will also extend the discussions of the previous workshop through short presentations by the members of the class. Written coursework will consist of two papers, each of which will be a critical discussion of ideas presented in one or more of the six workshop papers and discussions.
SMNR: Law and Philosophy Workshop
- THU 3:45 – 5:35 pm JON 5.257
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course will be a survey of different topics in legal philosophy and constitutional theory. It will be organized around a series of six workshops each featuring a different scholar, who will present and discuss his or her work. The class will also meet during the weeks when there are no workshops. At those meetings, we will read and discuss materials on the topic of the next scheduled workshop in preparation for its discussion, and we will also extend the discussions of the previous workshop through short presentations by the members of the class. Written coursework will consist of two papers, each of which will be a critical discussion of ideas presented in one or more of the six workshop papers and discussions.
SMNR: Law and Religion in the Modern Middle East
- S. Ayoub
- TUE 2:00 – 5:00 pm CAL 422
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Cross-listed with:
- Middle Eastern Studies
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
Law and Religion in the Modern Middle East is a seminar that examines the laws that govern religion and religious expression in Middle Eastern national constitutions, with a special focus on both the free exercise and establishment clause of Islam as the religion of the state. We shall analyze emerging legal understandings of authority and rights, and explore the interconnections of “religion” and “law”—as traditions of thought as well as sets of practices, modes of relation as well as constellations of values. In this seminar, we will consider what counts as religion for constitutional and legal purposes. Participants will be expected to read academic legal commentary on the formulations of religion in the modern Middle East. The seminar will provide extensive case-law from lower and higher courts addressing issues that affect Muslims, Christians, Jews, and other faith communities. To better situate the classroom discussions, students will read historical, anthropological, and sociological studies on the topics of family law, international religious freedom law, and leading religions’ doctrines and teachings concerning religious freedom.
SMNR: Law and Religion in the Modern Middle East
- S. Ayoub
- THU 2:00 – 5:00 pm CAL 422
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Cross-listed with:
- Middle Eastern Studies
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This is a Middle Eastern Studies course, cross-listed with the Law School.
Law and Religion in the Modern Middle East is a seminar that examines the laws that govern religion and religious expression in Middle Eastern national constitutions, with a special focus on both the free exercise and establishment clause of Islam as the religion of the state. We shall analyze emerging legal understandings of authority and rights, and explore the interconnections of “religion” and “law”—as traditions of thought as well as sets of practices, modes of relation as well as constellations of values. In this seminar, we will consider what counts as religion for constitutional and legal purposes. Participants will be expected to read academic legal commentary on the formulations of religion in the modern Middle East. The seminar will provide extensive case-law from lower and higher courts addressing issues that affect Muslims, Christians, Jews, and other faith communities. To better situate the classroom discussions, students will read historical, anthropological, and sociological studies on the topics of family law, international religious freedom law, and leading religions’ doctrines and teachings concerning religious freedom.
SMNR: Law and Religion in the Modern Middle East
- S. Ayoub
- MON 3:00 – 6:00 pm ONLINE
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Cross-listed with:
- Middle Eastern Studies
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.
Law and Religion in the Modern Middle East is a seminar that examines the laws that govern religion and religious expression in Middle Eastern national constitutions, with a special focus on both the free exercise and establishment clause of Islam as the religion of the state. We shall analyze emerging legal understandings of authority and rights, and explore the interconnections of “religion” and “law”—as traditions of thought as well as sets of practices, modes of relation as well as constellations of values. In this seminar, we will consider what counts as religion for constitutional and legal purposes. Participants will be expected to read academic legal commentary on the formulations of religion in the modern Middle East. The seminar will provide extensive case-law from lower and higher courts addressing issues that affect Muslims, Christians, Jews, and other faith communities. To better situate the classroom discussions, students will read historical, anthropological, and sociological studies on the topics of family law, international religious freedom law, and leading religions’ doctrines and teachings concerning religious freedom.
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
SMNR: Law of the United States-Mexico Border
- MON 5:45 – 7:35 pm TNH 3.114
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 397S
- Cross-listed with:
- Other school
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This writing seminar will explore the interaction of the U.S. legal system with Mexican law in the border region, focusing on the power and limitations of law in resolving border-related disputes. We will examine American court decisions along with other supplemental materials. Topics will include boundary questions, border detentions, immigrants’ rights, family law, real estate transactions, finance and trade, torts, crimes, environmental law, and Mexican law within the United States.