The targets for reform include prisons, foster care, environmental protection, homeless services, special education, educational finance, and far more. This seminar addresses how courts go about writing, implementing, modifying, and terminating orders, with special focus on strategies for winning and defending such cases and the implications for government and voters. Attorneys and judges involved in the many high visibility court orders against New York City join the classroom for discussion. The seminar should be useful to those who seek to work for law reform organizations or to participate in law reform litigation on either side. A paper will be required.
Enrollment is limited.
This course surveys the major legal and governmental issues of state and local government, emphasizing both historical antecedents and current problems. The course offers a national perspective, but uses New York State precedents where applicable. Short written papers may be assigned.