Statutory Analysis
Certificate(s): Public Interest and Social Justice Law (List C)
Course Description:
Introduction to the various approaches used to interpret statutes. Students are asked to develop the “ideal approach” to statutory interpretation.
Class Notes:
The purpose of this course is to give you an introduction to statutory interpretation- a skill that you will need to use throughout your legal career. The required text for the class is Jane Ginsburgs & David Louk, Legal Methods: Cases & Materials 5th Ed. 2020 . If you have trouble getting the text prior to class, please let me know at your earliest convenience. From time to time, I will supplement our text with my own handouts (which will mostly be posted on Camino). Note: None of the handouts have been posted at this time.
I will be breaking the class into Law Firms for purpose of class participation. The Law Firms should be no fewer than two students or greater than four. I will provide a sign up sheet during the first class.
Grading in the class will be based on two factors: First, participation in the course, including both participation in class and within your Law Firm. Second, a take home exam will be given out shortly after Spring Break and will be due approximately two weeks later.
The take home exam will involve a “closed universe of materials” (i.e. , no research!) and you will be able to discuss the exam with any member of the class but with no one else. However, you will be required to submit your own exam answer.
