An exploration of the relationship between law and society from an interdisciplinary perspective. Major themes cover the impact of law on society, society on law and social change.

An analysis of the legal institutions of law through a social lens focusing on judicial interpretation, case law, statutes and regulations.

The focus of this Practicum is a naturalization workshop whereby students will assist eligible Marylanders in applying for citizenship. Students will work with faculty, attorneys, and law students to design, plan, and implement a naturalization workshop, to take place during the second weekend of April in the spring semester. Students will participate in assisting applicants. Students will cultivate a range of skills, including outreach, direct services, working with interpreters, and proficiency in U.S. naturalization laws and processes.

This course focuses on how legal institutions have been used to respond to environmental problems. In the last four decades, the public law of environmental protection has grown dramatically to become a vast and complex field of law. Thus, this course is designed to discuss the most important concepts in environmental law through selective coverage of topics and the enforcement of environmental law.

An examination of domestic and international legal responses to the perpetration of the various forms of human trafficking. Students will explore policy initiatives along with civil and criminal law techniques designed to punish traffickers and protect victims.

Restriction: Must be enrolled in the Law and Society minor program. Cross-listed with GVPT331. Credit only granted for GVPT331 or MLAW358W.

Prerequisite: GVPT170; and GVPT331 or MLAW358W. Restriction: Must be enrolled in the Law and Society minor program. Credit only granted for GVPT432 or MLAW358Y.

A study of civil rights in the American consitutional context, emphasizing freedom of religion, freedom of expression, minority discrimination, and the rights of defendants.

An exploration of the power police officers display when they apply their discretion to stop, question or arrest individuals. Students will dissect State and Federal Court decisions regarding appropriate use of these powers sanctioned by the Fourth Amendment.

From the evolution of tenant rights in the 20th century to the mortgage crisis of 2008, housing and land rights and disputes have figured prominently in how societies are shaped and develop over time. This course aims to explore some aspects of the diverse and increasingly complex body of laws, policies, and attempted solutions related to housing and land in a largely unequal world and society. How has private land ownership changed societies in the modern era? What is the role of the state in addressing housing shortages and injustices related to land and housing? What does a fundamental human right to housing look like in the real world? These issues, and others, including urbanization, re-colonization, climate change, and discrimination form the core of a course that will provide students with both local, national and international perspectives on a fundamental issue for all humans living today - shelter and sustenance.

This course will examine the law, public policy, human resources practices, as well as sociology and economics underlying federal and state law regarding discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. Current controversies regarding "D.E.I." (diversity, equity and inclusion) make all aspects of this field highly controversial and contested right now. More broadly, this subject also provides a lens through which to consider adjacent elements of constitutional law, democracy and modern governance.

Restricted to students within the Law and Society minor.