Civil Rights Litigation

This course centers on causes of action that allow injured parties to sue government actors for violations of constitutional rights. The primary focus is 42 U.S.C.1983, but the course also considers related statutes, causes of action derived directly from the Constitution, basic aspects of federal habeas corpus, and some international law. Important themes and topics include federalism, sovereign immunity, individual immunities, municipal liability, the scope of the civil rights cause of action, and remedies (including the remedies associated with institutional reform litigation). The grade will be based on a final examination. This course probably will not be offered in 2012-13.

The American Bar Association accreditation standards require students to regularly attend the courses in which they are registered. Lewis & Clark expects students to attend classes regularly and to prepare for classes conscientiously. Specific attendance requirements may vary from course to course. Any attendance guidelines for a given class must be provided to students in a syllabus or other written document at the start of the semester. Sanctions (e.g., required withdrawal from the course, grade adjustment, and/or a failing grade) will be imposed for poor attendance.