This is a writing seminar designed to teach key features of the doctrines developed in connection with 42 U.S.C. 1983, the primary vehicle for federal civil rights litigation in connection with constitutional violations by state and local officials. The readings and class content will be aimed at teaching the mechanics of Section 1983 litigation, and also with exposing students to scholarly assessments of the doctrine. Topics will include state-action doctrine, qualified and absolute immunity, municipal liability, damages and attorneys fees, and additional issues. Class sessions will include discussion of cases and scholarship pertaining to the assigned topic, as well as sessions with practitioners in the field. Students will be evaluated based on their weekly preparation and active participation in discussion, and on their completion of a work of original research related in some way to Section 1983 litigation. This content of the course will be useful to any students contemplating work in civil rights litigation, a federal clerkship, or government lawyering (particularly in state attorney general or city or county attorneys' offices), or with general interest in federal courts or remedies for constitutional violations.
Laurin, Jennifer E.