Political Violence and the Law

Catalog description

Recent years have brought questions of political violence to the forefront of public discussion, whether it is state violence, violence targeting government officials, or politically motivated acts against other members of the public. How does the law conceptualize "political" crimes or "crimes against the state"? What is the meaning of legal and rhetorical categories such as treason, terrorism, insurrection, sedition, and hate crimes? How should government institutions, including executive agencies and courts, respond to threats of political violence while protecting rights, equality, and democratic accountability? This seminar explores contemporary policy questions in light of a broader theoretical, historical, and legal context. There are two grading options. You may either choose to complete four reflection papers (4-5 pages each) responding to the week's readings or to write a 18-20 page research paper for R credit. Elements used in grading: Attendance, class participation, and written assignments or a final research paper.