Perspectives on Judging

1 credits · Law

In this course, Judge Florence Y. Pan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit will draw on over seventeen years of experience on the bench to reflect on the role and the responsibilities of being a judge. Having served in the judiciary at both the trial and appellate levels and within the state and federal court systems, Judge Pan will provide unique insights into the judicial decision-making process. Students will not only engage with myriad legal issues -- such as sentencing, procedural fairness, and constitutional law -- but also with the various practical concerns of being a judge, including running a courtroom and chambers, recruiting and working with law clerks, and managing heavy dockets. The course will consider these issues from a diversity of perspectives, including those of guest co-teachers: Chief Judge James E. Boasberg and Judge Jia M. Cobb of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and Justice Goodwin H. Liu of the California Supreme Court. Elements used in grading: Attendance, class participation, written assignments. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available on the SLS Registrar website https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.