Law and Social Policy: Foundations

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the basics of the American legal system, offering an overview of the intersection of litigation and social policy. Students will learn how law, and particularly case law, is made. Students will study the structure of court systems at both state and federal levels as well as the litigation process and the role of law and courts in shaping and addressing social policy issues. Students will also learn the basics of several areas of substantive law, with an eye toward consideration of how that law has been, and can be, used to effect social change. Students who already have a basic understanding of the American legal system should take MSSP 6310 .