Discussion (1L): Excursions in Criminal Law

Catalog description

This discussion seminar will focus on four topics/cases surrounding the impact of criminal law on society. The probable content will likely be as follows: One session will likely focus on The Central Park 5 case where five youths were wrongfully convicted in 1990 of the assault in Central Park on a jogger. They were ultimately exonerated in 2002, but the racial overtones associated with their conviction still lingers. The second session will likely focus on the weaponization of the Department of Justice as a political matter and what it implies for the rule of law. The third session will likely discuss the use of solitary confinement and its justification and consequence to those incarcerated and subjected to its application. The fourth will likely discuss the case pending in the Supreme Court of California concerning racial disparity in the application of California's Three Strikes Law. We will likely have guests who are intimately involved in these matters join us for one or more sessions. Elements used in grading: Full attendance, reading of assigned materials, and active participation. Class meets: 4:30 PM-6:30 PM on Sept. 15, Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 27.