Sexuality, Gender and the Law

Catalog description

This course examines how the law addresses consensual sexuality, sexual orientation and gender expression and identity. We will analyze the application of a number of constitutional doctrines, including the right to privacy, freedom of expression, freedom of association, church-state separation, and the rights to due process and equal protection. Our study will encompass state criminal laws against sodomy and prostitution, the law of abortion and contraception, and the treatment of gay and transgendered Americans in family law (marriage, domestic partnership, adoption and child custody), public and private employment discrimination law, military law and education law. Primary course materials include cases and law review articles, supplemented by interdisciplinary readings in history, media, psychology, medicine and sociology.