COURSE DESCRIPTION 2012 2013

Prof. Victoria J. Dodd,

3 credits day; 3 credits evening. This is a seminar conducted in a discussion format. The focus of the course is on reported decisions, primarily U.S. Supreme Court cases dealing with important rights issues, coupled with policy discussions about education today. The course paper will be weighted as two-thirds of the course grade, with one-third of the grade being based on class participation, etc. The course paper is guided by the Professor, and is written through a series of steps spread over the semester. Periodic discussions of career possibilities in the field of education law take place during the course (it may be helpful to listen to Professor Dodd's podcast on "Education Law" on the Law School's website). Education Law is a varied field, covering the many legal issues that arise in institutions of learning on the elementary and secondary levels as well as on the higher education level. This course will examine both the public and private sectors, including such issues as affirmative action, freedom of speech, student dismissals, tenure, institutional closings, religion and the schools, and business planning. Course materials include textbook and supplementary materials drawn from a number of sources. Grade is determined by both paper (2/3) and in-class participation (1/3).

Prerequisite: Constitutional Law

Enrollment is limited: 20

Elective Course

May Fulfill Legal Writing Requirement

Final Paper Required

Elder Law/Disabled Client