Lobbying and the Legislative Process

Catalog description

This course is designed as a seminar to introduce students to the legislative process and the role of lawyers in legislative advocacy and policymaking. The course will offer students a fundamental overview of the processes and steps for the enactment of legislation, the manner in which legislative texts and legislative history are important to lawyers and the courts, and the connection between lawyers, legislation and the creation of public policy. In addition, students will be directly exposed to lawmaking in action by attending legislative hearings at the NH State House, meeting with state legislators, and interacting with lobbyists who advocate before the state legislature. Through practical exercises, students will develop skills in conducting policy analysis as background for lawmaking, drafting written testimony, and making oral presentations to legislative committees. This class is particularly appropriate for students who want to enhance their exposure to lawyering for social justice.