Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor Gabriel Eber

J.D. Seminar 1080 | 2 credit hours

This seminar will explore the implications of incarcerating more than two million men, women, and children in the United States. Readings and other course materials will examine current issues in correctional law and practice from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives, including constitutional law, science and health, public safety, and advocacy. We will closely examine the rights of prisoners and conditions of confinement including access to medical and mental health care, restriction of First Amendment rights, and environmental conditions. In addition to reviewing relevant case law, we will go beyond published opinions and look at primary litigation materials such as expert reports, medical records, testimony, and briefs to better understand the lived experiences of the prisoners and correctional officials. Using solitary confinement as a case study, students will learn to think critically about complex and challenging criminal justice issues. Students will develop practical advocacy and analytical skills, including interviewing techniques, review of health care records, research design and methods, and factual investigation.

Prerequisites: Students must complete the required first-year program prior to enrolling in this course (part-time and interdivisional transfer students may enroll prior to completing Criminal Justice, Property, or their first-year elective).

Students may not receive credit for this class and the Practicum classes Mass Incarceration and Solitary Confinement or Prison Litigation Advocacy.

The first meeting of this class will not be on Thursday, September 5, because of the Rosh Hashanah holiday. Professor Eber will hold two make-up sessions during the add/drop period. Students are strongly encouraged to attend one of the two make-up sessions scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. or Monday, September 9, 7:55 p.m. – 9:55 p.m. Room assignments will be announced in September.