The course is entitled the Politics of Law Practice. In it, Peter and I have tried to merge critical legal theory and actual law practice. It is based on the dialectic of the lawyer's desire for politically meaningful work and the law student's uncynical vision of what the legal system should be. The course begins by placing students in public and private law offices. The lawyers are committed not only to supervising the students' work, but also to meeting one hour a week with the students to discuss the political implications of the work.
All areas are open to question.
The class sessions dissect legal culture. The students are taught that in each area there are choices which are being made. They are to reflect on whether those choices build power or increase powerlessness. Later, the students discuss these questions and critiques with the lawyers and legal workers. Finally, we urge students and lawyers to develop a vision of their own practice.