Course Schedule

This class provides practical training in the art and craft of formulating legal advice, solving thorny problems, giving sage and reasoned counsel, and sets conditions for success in the real world.  Students will work through the analysis of case studies that involve difficult legal, institutional, and personal stakes.  Many of the case studies will be drawn from military settings, and at times may offer a glimpse into some of the distinctive challenges that arise in that environment.  The lessons of the course, however, are entirely applicable to the practice of law in all other settings and beyond.  In addition to participation in highly-interactive class sessions, students will be expected to complete a series of written analyses of multilayered, real-world-based fact patterns.  The course will contemplate nuanced and complex issues involving international law, ethics, criminal law, leadership, the digital-age, litigation, management, administrative law, investigations, and more.

This class provides practical training in the art and craft of formulating legal advice, solving thorny problems, giving sage and reasoned counsel, and sets conditions for success in the real world.  Students will work through the analysis of case studies that involve difficult legal, institutional, and personal stakes.  Many of the case studies will be drawn from military settings, and at times may offer a glimpse into some of the distinctive challenges that arise in that environment.  The lessons of the course, however, are entirely applicable to the practice of law in all other settings and beyond.  In addition to participation in highly-interactive class sessions, students will be expected to complete a series of written analyses of multilayered, real-world-based fact patterns.  The course will contemplate nuanced and complex issues involving international law, ethics, criminal law, leadership, the digital-age, litigation, management, administrative law, investigations, and more.

The 28195 section of this course will be taught in person but with the option of occasional remote participation via Zoom.  If students require all remote participation, they must register for the 28182 section of this course, which is identical but web-based.

This one credit hour seminar will use documentary films and readings to explore the nature of political conflict surrounding the siting and construction of energy facilities, such as pipelines, wind farms, transmission lines, nuclear power plants, and fossil fueled energy production facilities.  There will be six, two-hour class meetings, and grades will based upon participation and a series of short (1-2 page) papers students write analyzing the conflicts depicted in the films.  We will view documentaries about the Cape Wind project in Nantucket sound, the Dakota Access Pipe Line, nuclear power, fracking, and more.  Readings will consist of some classic works exploring the nature of “not in my backyard“ (NIMBY) movements, risk perception, internet “filter bubbles,”and environmental justice.

"[T]he threat of filibusters has become an almost daily fact of life in the Senate, influencing how we handle virtually everything debated on the Senate floor," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said. "The filibuster used to be the exception to the rule. In today's Senate, it is becoming a straitjacket." On the other hand, "[s]trong minority rights have always been the Senate’s distinguishing feature," Senate Minority Mitch McConnell has written. "On legislation, however, the Senate’s treasured tradition is not efficiency but deliberation. One of the body’s central purposes is making new laws earn broader support than what is required for a bare majority in the House."

The most prominent of legislative tactics, the filibuster is the favored tactic of the minority of the day. Its use is blamed for the death of judicial nominations and needed government policy. Although its application has been modified over the last 60 years, it remains a powerful tool for determined Senators. This course examines the historical development of the filibuster, the actual consequences of its application to significant legislation and nominations, and proposals for reform. We are concered with answering these questions. First, does the filibuster play an important role in ensuring consensus in the political process or has it become a partisan tool for defeating electoral majorities. Second, how does the filibuster help or hold back the Senate from meeting its institutional responsibilities in the 21st century? Third, is reform or abolition the remedy and how should the remedy be fashioned?

In addition to historical source material, we will read the prominent defenses and critiques of the filibuster and discuss and debate those in class. Three short response papers (750 words each) and class participation form the basis for the final grade.

"[T]he threat of filibusters has become an almost daily fact of life in the Senate, influencing how we handle virtually everything debated on the Senate floor," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said. "The filibuster used to be the exception to the rule. In today's Senate, it is becoming a straitjacket." On the other hand, "[s]trong minority rights have always been the Senate’s distinguishing feature," Senate Minority Mitch McConnell has written. "On legislation, however, the Senate’s treasured tradition is not efficiency but deliberation. One of the body’s central purposes is making new laws earn broader support than what is required for a bare majority in the House."

The most prominent of legislative tactics, the filibuster is the favored tactic of the minority of the day. Its use is blamed for the death of judicial nominations and needed government policy. Although its application has been modified over the last 60 years, it remains a powerful tool for determined Senators. This course examines the historical development of the filibuster, the actual consequences of its application to significant legislation and nominations, and proposals for reform. We are concered with answering these questions. First, does the filibuster play an important role in ensuring consensus in the political process or has it become a partisan tool for defeating electoral majorities. Second, how does the filibuster help or hold back the Senate from meeting its institutional responsibilities in the 21st century? Third, is reform or abolition the remedy and how should the remedy be fashioned?

In addition to historical source material, we will read the prominent defenses and critiques of the filibuster and discuss and debate those in class. Three short response papers (750 words each) and class participation form the basis for the final grade.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.

Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.