The Evolution of Holistic Defense

2 credits · Law School

Holistic defense recognizes the notion that clients are not defined by the moment that brings them to intersection with the criminal, child welfare or housing legal systems. This course explores the foundation of transformative justice through a lens of holistic defense. Teaching the skills developed through work at Still She Rises, the first holistic defense office in the country dedicated exclusively to the representation of mothers in both the criminal and civil legal systems, this course will train students as future holistic lawyers with the goal of offering seamless access to services that meet clients' legal and social support needs. In this course, students will examine how government, philanthropy, client community and others impact the development of holistic practices. Through this course we will examine various models to address whether holistic defense is essential for client centered advocacy. Students who have taken LAW 7271 may not enroll in this course. Pass/Fail. Enrollment limited. [2]