This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.
This is a writing seminar designed to explore various mechanisms by which law enforcement actors - in particular police and prosecutors - are regulated. The readings will present the opportunity to learn about and critically assess judicial, bureaucratic, internal, and civilian regulatory and oversight strategies, including but not limited to constitutional doctrine (such as the Fourth Amendment limits on search and seizure), criminal justice oversight agencies (such as the Texas Forensic Science Commission and the newly created New York Prosecutorial Misconduct Commission), policies and procedures governing police departments and prosecutors offices, and civilian police oversight (such as Austin's Office of the Police Monitor). Readings will include scholarly articles, judicial opinions, investigative reports, and proposed and enacted policies and legislation. In addition to discussion of assigned reading, class meetings will also include the opportunity to meet and question several guest speakers with direct experience in a variety of aspects of criminal justice oversight. Students are expected to participate actively in each week's discussion, to submit brief reading reflections/questions on a weekly basis, and to complete original research which may take the form of either traditional legal scholarship or a policy brief.
Laurin, Jennifer E.