Sexuality and the Law: Theory and Practice

3 units

Enrollment limit: 20. This course will introduce students to existing and emerging jurisprudence in areas of sexuality and the law with an emphasis on practical litigation perspectives. The course will examine caselaw in the context of current legal debates related to gender, sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of privacy, equal protection, employment, free speech, education, relationship recognition, parenting, violence and military service, helping students understand how to devise litigation strategy to expand or restrict existing precedent, and assess the impact of emerging litigation and test cases. The course is directed to students interested in learning about substantive law related to sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation and to students interested in developing an understanding of public interest and impact lawyering in emerging civil rights arenas. Students will analyze emerging cases and be asked to assess their impact potential, the application of existing precedent, and strategic and ethical issues that the cases raise. Class time will include periodic visits by lawyers practicing in topic areas who will help frame the issues and offer practical insight to the practice. class attendance and participation, a final case memorandum (in lieu of final exam) and oral presentation. 3 units.