Legislation and Statutory Interpretation
Legislation is one of the most important forms of law in modern American society. Indeed, it has been said that we are living in an 'age of statutes.' The legislative process, however, generally has been considered a political more than a legal project. In this course, we will examine the legal theory and practice of the making and enforcement of statutes. To understand this process we must first understand the nature and sources of legislative power. We will then move on to the process of statute-making, focusing on its legal characteristics. We will end the course by examining the enforcement of statutes, and legislation outside the legislature. While the main purpose of this course is to introduce students to the law of legislatures and legislation, this course is also designed to expose students to an understanding of law that is not court-centered. There will be a take-home final for this course.
Please note that course organization and content may vary substantially from semester to semester and descriptions are not necessarily professor specific. Please contact the instructor directly if you have particular course-related questions.
Sections/Instructors
Guy-Uriel Charles
Legislation and Statutory Interpretation 363.01
Spring 2010