Constitutional Litigation | L4168
This course examines individual and class action litigation brought against government officials for the violation of constitutional rights under 42 U.S.C. 1983, the primary federal civil rights statute, as well as other Reconstruction-era civil rights statutes, including 42 U.S.C. 1981, 1982, and 1985. The class focuses on critical substantive issues in constitutional litigation, including the history and purposes of section 1983 and related statutes, elements of constitutional torts, rules governing liability of government officials and municipal liability, the doctrines of absolute and qualified immunity, availability of remedies, indemnification, jurisdictional and procedural barriers to civil rights litigation, and recovery of attorneys fees. The class will also incorporate discussion of strategic and ethical issues specific to civil rights litigation.
Prerequisites: N/A
Credit Hours: 3