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Global Inequality
LAWS 92403
- 01
(3)
c/l, m, r, w, x
Global income and wealth are highly concentrated. The richest 2% of the population own about half of the global assets. Per capita income in the United States is around $47,000 and in Europe it is around $30,500, while in India it is $3,400 and in Congo, it is $329. There are equally unsettling inequalities in longevity, health, and education.
In this class, we ask what duties nations and individuals have to address these inequalities and what are the best strategies for doing so. What role must each country play in helping itself? What is the role of international agreements and agencies, of NGOs, and of corporations in addressing global poverty? How do we weigh policies that emphasize growth against policies that emphasize within-country equality, health, or education?
In seeking answers to these questions, the class will combine readings on the law and economics of global development with readings on the philosophy of global justice. A particular focus will be on the role that legal institutions, both domestic and international, play in discharging these duties. For, example, we might focus on how a nation with natural resources can design legal institutions to ensure they are exploited for the benefit of the citizens of the country.
Students will be assessed via a substantial research paper and class participation.
Non-law students are welcome but need permission of the instructors, since space is limited.
Winter 2013
Martha Nussbaum, David A. Weisbach
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Greenberg Seminar: 99:1 – Inequality Past and Present
LAWS 95902
- 04
(1)
a, x
In this seminar we will read and discuss popular books such as Christopher Hayes, Twilight of Elites: America after Meritocracy and Branko Milanovi's The Haves and the Have-Nots: A Brief and Idiosyncratic History of Global Inequality.
We will meet in the professors' home on five Thursday evenings spread across the Autumn and Winter Quarters. Students who register for this seminar should keep the evenings of October 4, October 25, November 8, January 10, January 24, and February 14 free.
Autumn 2012
Saul Levmore, Julie Roin
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Greenberg Seminar: Can You Have It All?
LAWS 95902
- 03
(1)
+, a
The past thirty years have seen a dramatic rise in women’s participation in the workforce, a rise paralleled by a dramatic shift in the composition of our law school class. Feminists cheered these developments and the leveling of the playing field. But a recent series of writings by prominent and successful women have sounded some alarms about work-life balance and what it takes to succeed professionally as well as personally. The issue is a large one for men and women, as well as society as a whole. It is also one you all will soon face directly. Perhaps our basic institutional arrangements, such as what the workplace is, how we measure performance, how we pay, and so forth, need to be rethought to accommodate professional women and a new breed of professional men. Or, perhaps, things are fine just the way they are.
In this Greenberg, we will read books (fiction and non-fiction) and articles about work-life balance, which we hope will provoke a lively discussion on these issues, which affect not only the choices each of us make but also how our society is structured. We will address questions such as: To what extent are the issues faced by men and women the same? To the extent they are different, why are they different? Should employers accommodate those differences, and, if so, how and why? What policy implications flow from our recent experiences with greater gender equality in the workforce?
In the Greenberg tradition, we will meet at our houses. In the spirit of this particular Greenberg, we warn you in advance of interruptions from children, last minutes changes from one house to the other, and possible (unsolicited?) contributions from our professional (one lawyer; one doctor) spouses. Because we are eager to foster a broad conversation that incorporates a range of views with gender as a focus, we hope to achieve rough gender balance in the seminar.
Students wishing to register should email a short statement of interest to both professors by September 14.
Autumn 2012
Emily Buss, M. Todd Henderson
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Greenberg Seminar: Law and Disaster
LAWS 95902
- 06
(1)
a, x
The Greenberg seminar on law and disaster will examine different ways in which the law responds to, or prepares for, disasters, and how disasters shape the law. Natural calamities like Hurricane Katrina, mass accidents like the Titanic, environmental tragedies like a large oil spill, economic crashes like the collapse of the financial markets, impending catastrophes like climate change, and even colossal legal blunders -- all have met patterns of legal responses that are uniquely shaped by the social and psychological attitudes towards disaster.
The seminar meetings will be held in the Winter and Spring terms.
Winter 2013
Omri Ben-Shahar, William H. J. Hubbard
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Greenberg Seminar: Race and Place in Chicago
LAWS 95902
- 05
(1)
a, x
In this Greenberg seminar, we will read a series of books concerning the way in which race has affected, in particular, the urban landscape of Chicago. Its aim is to enable students to reflect on the rich and complex history and contemporary circumstances of their city.
Autumn 2012
Daniel Abebe, Aziz Huq
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Greenberg Seminar: The Book of Revelation and Literature It Has Inspired
LAWS 95902
- 01
(1)
+, a
The Apocalypse of John (also called by other names, such as the Revelation and the Revelation of Jesus Christ), the last book of the New Testament, is itself a splendid work of literature (and the subject of an excellent recent study by Elaine Pagels) and, as important, the inspiration of a fascinating literary, artistic, and even musical (e.g., "Battle Hymn of the Republic") tradition that includes works ranging from Paradise Lost to classics of science fiction by such writers as E. M. Forster, H. G. Wells, Kurt Vonnegut, and Margaret Atwood and to popular fiction such as the "Left Behind" series. In the seminar we will read works and selections of works in the tradition inaugurated by the Apocalypse of John for the literary, ethical, religious, and epistemological contributions of these works.
Students wishing to register should email a short statement of interest to both professors, by September 14, including their background in relevant areas and the reasons for their interest in the seminar.
This seminar is capped at 15. 12 seats will be allocated to J.D. students and 3 to LL.M. students.
Graded Pass/Fail.
Autumn 2012
Richard A. Posner, Martha Nussbaum
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Greenberg Seminar: The Life and Times of the Warren Court (1954-1968)
LAWS 95902
- 02
(1)
a, x
In this Greenberg Seminar, we will explore the historical significance and jurisprudence of the Warren Court, dealing with such issues as race and sex equality, the right to vote, criminal procedure, religion, and free speech. We will consider not only the Court's opinions, but also history, biography, film, novels and music.
Graded Pass/Fail.
Autumn 2012
Geoffrey R. Stone, Jane Dailey
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Health Care Policy
LAWS 68504
- 01
(3)
c/l, m, r, w, x
This seminar will review basic health care economics and policy. We will discuss the regulation of providers (doctors, hospitals, drug companies) and insurance markets (government insurance through Medicaid and Medicare, state and federal regulation of insurance). Much of the seminar will focus on provisions in the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In the process we will discuss challenges that health care markets face, including physician-induced supply and moral hazard and adverse-selection in insurance markets. We will also discuss efforts to control costs and the impact of rising health care costs on the federal budget.
Students will be assessed via a substantial research paper and class participation.
Autumn 2012
Anup Malani
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Health Law
LAWS 46201
- 01
(3)
This course surveys the law and policy applicable to health care financing and delivery in the United States. The course will split its time between reviewing the new health care bill and covering traditional topics such as informed consent, medical malpractice liability, drug regulation, ERISA preemption, Medicare, Medicaid, and the application of antitrust law to health care.
Spring 2013
Anup Malani
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Higher Education and The Law
LAWS 52102
- 01
(3)
m, w, x
The university has long maintained that its history and role as a creator of knowledge and refuge for society's critics require that the government and the courts extend a special respect to the academy's need to govern itself. This seminar discusses how the courts have dealt with this argument in areas such as academic freedom; student admissions and discipline; faculty tenure, dismissal, and unionization; and teaching and research restrictions. Discussions focus on the competing interests of society and the university and the role of the courts in balancing these interests.
The student's grade is based on class participation and a major or substantial paper.
Winter 2013
Arthur Sussman
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History of Civil Liberties in the United States
LAWS 70707
- 01
(2 to 3)
m, r, w, x
This seminar examines changing understandings of civil liberties in American legal history. It emphasizes legal and ideological contests over the meaning of free speech, religious freedom, and reproductive rights during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Readings explore the intersection between legal struggles and broader developments in social, cultural, and political history, with a particular focus on the labor, civil rights, and feminist movements.
Grading will be based on class participation and a series of short response papers.
Students can also elect to write a longer paper that satisfies the SRP requirement for an additional credit.
Autumn 2012
Laura Weinrib
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Housing Initiative Clinic
LAWS 95013
- 01
(1 to 2)
a, s
The Housing Initiative is a transactional clinic in which students provide legal representation to community-based housing developers, tenant groups, and other parties involved in affordable housing development. Students serve as deal lawyers, advising clients on structuring issues; negotiating, drafting and reviewing construction loan documents, construction contracts, purchase and sale agreements, partnership agreements, and other contracts; securing zoning and other governmental approvals; assisting clients in resolving compliance issues under the applicable state and federal housing programs; and participating in the preparation of evidentiary and closing documents. Some of our work also involves community organizing and legislative and policy advocacy around affordable housing and public housing issues. In addition to working on specific transactions and projects, students in the Housing Initiative Clinic meet as a group in a weekly seminar in autumn quarter, and periodically during winter and spring quarters, to discuss the substantive rules and legal skills pertinent to housing transactions and to examine emergent issues arising out of the students' work.
Academic credit for the Housing Initiative Clinic varies and is awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.
Winter 2013
Jeff Leslie
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Housing Initiative Clinic
LAWS 95013
- 01
(1 to 2)
a, s, x
The Housing Initiative is a transactional clinic in which students provide legal representation to community-based housing developers, tenant groups, and other parties involved in affordable housing development. Students serve as deal lawyers, advising clients on structuring issues; negotiating, drafting and reviewing construction loan documents, construction contracts, purchase and sale agreements, partnership agreements, and other contracts; securing zoning and other governmental approvals; assisting clients in resolving compliance issues under the applicable state and federal housing programs; and participating in the preparation of evidentiary and closing documents. Some of our work also involves community organizing and legislative and policy advocacy around affordable housing and public housing issues. In addition to working on specific transactions and projects, students in the Housing Initiative Clinic meet as a group in a weekly seminar in autumn quarter, and periodically during winter and spring quarters, to discuss the substantive rules and legal skills pertinent to housing transactions and to examine emergent issues arising out of the students' work.
Academic credit for the Housing Initiative Clinic varies and is awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.
Autumn 2012
Jeff Leslie
-
Housing Initiative Clinic
LAWS 95013
- 01
(1 to 2)
a, s
The Housing Initiative is a transactional clinic in which students provide legal representation to community-based housing developers, tenant groups, and other parties involved in affordable housing development. Students serve as deal lawyers, advising clients on structuring issues; negotiating, drafting and reviewing construction loan documents, construction contracts, purchase and sale agreements, partnership agreements, and other contracts; securing zoning and other governmental approvals; assisting clients in resolving compliance issues under the applicable state and federal housing programs; and participating in the preparation of evidentiary and closing documents. Some of our work also involves community organizing and legislative and policy advocacy around affordable housing and public housing issues. In addition to working on specific transactions and projects, students in the Housing Initiative Clinic meet as a group in a weekly seminar in autumn quarter, and periodically during winter and spring quarters, to discuss the substantive rules and legal skills pertinent to housing transactions and to examine emergent issues arising out of the students' work.
Academic credit for the Housing Initiative Clinic varies and is awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.
Spring 2013
Jeff Leslie
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Immigration Law
LAWS 50001
- 01
(2)
x
This course will focus on an examination of US immigration policy with respect to the admission and exclusion of immigrants. In particular, the class will focus on: the federal government’s authority over immigration law and policy; deportation and removal; the intersection of criminal and immigration law; family-based immigration; the law of asylum; and citizenship and naturalization.
The student's grade is based on a proctored final examination.
Winter 2013
Elizabeth Frankel
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Independent Research
LAWS 49901
- 01
(1 to 2 to 3)
+, r, w
Second-year, third-year, and LL.M. students may earn course credit by independent research under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Such projects are arranged by consultation between the student and the particular member of the faculty in whose field the proposed topic falls.
Autumn 2012
-
Independent Research
LAWS 49901
- 01
(1 to 2 to 3)
+, r, w
Second-year, third-year, and LL.M. students may earn course credit by independent research under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Such projects are arranged by consultation between the student and the particular member of the faculty in whose field the proposed topic falls.
Winter 2013
-
Independent Research
LAWS 49901
- 01
(1 to 2 to 3)
+, r, w
Second-year, third-year, and LL.M. students may earn course credit by independent research under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Such projects are arranged by consultation between the student and the particular member of the faculty in whose field the proposed topic falls.
Spring 2013
-
Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship
LAWS 67613
- 01
(1)
a, s, x
The Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, or IJ Clinic, provides legal assistance to local lower-income entrepreneurs who are pursuing the American Dream on a shoestring. Students in the IJ Clinic advise clients on issues such as business formation; license and permit application; contract and lease review; contract negotiations; intellectual property protection; and basic tax and regulatory compliance. Students are involved in all phases of client representation and have the opportunity to interview and counsel clients; draft business documents and contracts; negotiate with contractors, investors, or lenders; prepare documents for filing; research complex regulatory schemes and advise clients on how to comply; and occasionally represent clients before administrative bodies. Students gain both practical skills in transactional lawyering and a deep understanding of the entrepreneur's role in the inner city.
Academic credit varies and will be awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical staff.
The seminar Entrepreneurship & The Law is a prerequisite unless a student has received special permission from the instructors based on equivalent coursework.
A commitment of at least two quarters is required.
Winter 2013
Elizabeth Kregor, Erika Pfleger
-
Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship
LAWS 67613
- 01
(1)
a, s, x
The Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, or IJ Clinic, provides legal assistance to local lower-income entrepreneurs who are pursuing the American Dream on a shoestring. Students in the IJ Clinic advise clients on issues such as business formation; license and permit application; contract and lease review; contract negotiations; intellectual property protection; and basic tax and regulatory compliance. Students are involved in all phases of client representation and have the opportunity to interview and counsel clients; draft business documents and contracts; negotiate with contractors, investors, or lenders; prepare documents for filing; research complex regulatory schemes and advise clients on how to comply; and occasionally represent clients before administrative bodies. Students gain both practical skills in transactional lawyering and a deep understanding of the entrepreneur's role in the inner city.
Academic credit varies and will be awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical staff.
The seminar Entrepreneurship & The Law is a prerequisite unless a student has received special permission from the instructors based on equivalent coursework.
A commitment of at least two quarters is required.
Autumn 2012
Elizabeth Kregor, Erika Pfleger
