General Course Descriptions for Terms: state and local government
795 - State & Local Government Law
Study the allocation of authority within and between state and local governments. Begin with analysis of state constitutions and the three branches of state government. Study how state and local governments interact, covering home rule and intrastate preemption as well as conflicts between localities. Analyze how local governments are financed. Consider the practical, normative, and theoretical implications of current doctrines and policies and explore how state and local government law plays out in the context of contemporary disputes, including over housing, education, and more.
940 - State Democracy Research Initiative (SDRI) Research Seminar
Public law at the state level affects our everyday lives and shapes our national democracy. This research seminar, in collaboration with the law school’s State Democracy Research Initiative (SDRI), will examine state constitutions, state government institutions, and state democratic processes—topics that are too often overlooked in legal circles. The seminar will be interactive, with a mix of foundational readings, guest speakers, and hands-on research projects. Students will complete two research memos over the course of the semester. Research topics may include analysis of state court decisions within a state or across states; analysis of state constitutional amendments; or analysis of the existing practices of state courts, legislatures, or executives. Examples of recent SDRI projects are available on SDRI’s website. The Law School’s course in State and Local Government Law or prior experience working on issues of state or local government law are prerequisites for the course. Interested students should complete this form: https://forms.gle/p6uZJDCzg7LctneC7