Philosophy of Law: Protest, Punishment, and Racial Justice

Philosophy of Law: Protest, Punishment, and Racial Justice (LAW 5811): In this course, we will examine some of the central questions in philosophy of law, including: What is law? What gives law its authority? Must we obey the law? If so, when and why? How should we understand and respond to unjust laws? When is civil disobedience morally permissible? Is civil disobedience ever morally required? What is punishment for? What are prisons for? What does the state owe us? There will be a 50-minute mandatory TA session (Date and Time TBA). Law students have the option to write an independent research paper for R credit with instructor consent. After the term begins, students accepted into the course can transfer, with consent of the instructor, from section (01) into section (02), which meets the R requirement. Elements used in grading: discussion questions, final paper abstract and outline, final paper presentation, final paper, attendance. Cross-listed with Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity (CSRE 175W), Ethics in Society (ETHICSOC 175W), and Philosophy (PHIL 175W/PHIL 275W).