Course Description:
Advanced constitutional law course on issues relating to civil rights and civil liberties, including the enforcement of the due process clause and the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution, as well as the first amendment rights of free speech and the freedom of religion. The course will focus on Section 1983 claims (against state and local governmental officials and against local municipalities) as well as Bivens claims (against federal governmental officials). The course will consider not only the theories of liability that plaintiffs may raise in the process of litigating constitutional claims, but also the remedies that are available to plaintiffs in constitutional litigation (including injunctive relief, damages, and attorney’s fees). The course will feature cases on discrimination on the basis of race, sex, and sexual orientation. Public Interest and Social Justice Law certificate course.