Course Description

LAWS 5323
Courtroom Observation Civil
General Description:
This course, available to first year students only, is an elective course, not required. It will require students to spend fifteen hours observing actual civil proceedings in a courtroom or courtrooms, to attend a two-hour class meeting every other week, and to prepare and submit a journal recording his or her observations. Figuring out how to gain access to appropriate proceedings is part of the student's work, although the professor is available for advice and guidance if needed. The professor will also read and evaluate the students' journals; encourage sharing and reflection on their experiences; suggest further research when useful to address perplexities or confusion encountered during their observations; and provide information designed to clarify and enrich their observations. The course is pass-fail, and the size of a section is limited to 20.

Select Term:



LAWS 5323-801

Instructor(s): Colene Robinson

Meeting Times & Locations:

Syllabus: Syllabus Court Observation Civil Syllabus.pdf

Description: Focusing on problem-solving courts such as drug treatment court, mental health court, teen court, truancy court, and juvenile court, this one credit elective course requires students to observe civil proceedings, attend a two-hour class meeting every other week, and prepare and submit short papers recording his or her observations. During the class, the students will discuss their observations and debate the value of problem-solving courts and their role in social change. The course is pass-fail, and the size of a section is limited to 20.