Past Offerings
Useful Links
Local Government Law (7051): This course will examine the source, scope and limits of local government power. It will consider the relationship of local governments to state and federal government and of the relationship of local governments to the individuals and communities within and around them. Specific themes will include the potential of local governments to be responsive democratic communities, the potential of local governments to become isolated or exclusive enclaves, and the effect of local governments on the metropolitan political economy. The course will examine state and federal doctrine that affects local government, political/ social theory and urban planning/ development literature. Students may write papers in lieu of the final exam. Upon instructor consent, students interested in writing should enroll in Law 427-0-02. Students who do not receive a spot in section 02 may enroll in section 01. Elements used in grading: Exam or paper and class participation.
Sections
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2023-2024 AutumnSchedule No Longer Available
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2023-2024 AutumnSchedule No Longer Available
Local Government Law (7051): Local governments exert tremendous influence over socioeconomics, race relations, environmental health, political power, and housing and real estate. This public law course will investigate the law of these governments (including cities, counties, and special districts) from four vantage points: (1) local governments within the federalist system, including the balance of power between local, state, and federal governments; (2) horizontal questions of power, including hierarchy and specialization among local governments; interlocal cooperation and competition; and the creation, expansion, and dissolution of local entities; (3) innovative uses and delegations of local authority to achieve state or local public policy goals; and (4) the nature of local democracy and local finance, including citizen influence of local lawmaking through initiatives and referenda, alternative voting schemes, and responses to fiscal distress. Discussions and in-class projects in the course will be situated in locations ranging from rural towns to major metropolises across the country. This class is limited to 30 students, with an effort made to have students from SLS (25 students will be selected by lottery) and up to five non-law students by consent of instructor. Elements used in grading: Class participation; in-class presentation, and one-day take home exam.
Sections
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2022-2023 WinterSchedule No Longer Available
Local Government Law (7051): This course will examine the source, scope and limits of local government power. It will consider the relationship of local governments to state and federal government and of the relationship of local governments to the individuals and communities within and around them. Specific themes will include the potential of local governments to be responsive democratic communities, the potential of local governments to become isolated or exclusive enclaves, and the effect of local governments on the metropolitan political economy. The course will examine state and federal doctrine that affects local government, political/ social theory and urban planning/ development literature. Students may write papers in lieu of the final exam. Upon instructor consent, students interested in writing should enroll in Law 427-0-02. Students who do not receive a spot in section 02 may enroll in section 01. Elements used in grading: Exam or paper and class participation
Sections
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2021-2022 WinterSchedule No Longer Available
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2021-2022 WinterSchedule No Longer Available