COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES IN FAMILY LAW REFORM (2) (PBL295)

Visiting Professor Beverly Balos
The course will offer students the opportunity to study and engage in experiential learning and examine the role of lawyer as problem solver in community-based settings. The students will participate in developing public policy proposals, such as changes in police or court protocol, statutory reform, or technical assistance to community organizations. Examples of projects completed in the past include mapping the family court system to identify areas of intervention and procedural obstacles for pro se litigants when domestic violence is present, current authority and use of third party “neutrals” (such a parenting coordinators) in family court and their effect on custody determinations, and an analysis of the differences and overlap between state and federal statutes regulating firearms when domestic violence is present. Once the project is agreed upon, students will work in teams to engage in research, policy formation, and development of a suggested plan for implementing their projects. Their work will require that they engage with their class colleagues, faculty, and agency staff to develop best practices and identify potential unintended consequences of proposed policy changes. The purpose of the course is to expose students to multi-disciplinary perspectives and to have them experience a range of legal roles with the goal of broadening their views with respect to the contribution lawyers can make in tackling crucial societal issues. Students also will be exposed to the formation, development, and implementation of public policy.
 

Students will have an opportunity to further develop professional skills and values including intellectual and cognitive skills; research and information gathering; communications; planning and organizing; conflict resolution; working with others; and character. There are no prerequisites; “Domestic Violence and the Law” is recommended. This course may satisfy course or capstone requirements of the Abbey Center or the Justice Action Center.
 

To apply, please submit a resume and a one paragraph statement of interest. Maximum number of students: six.