Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professors Rizzi and Borden

J.D. Seminar 376 (cross-listed) | 2 credit hours

This seminar explores the multi-disciplinary issues involved in the regulation of government ethics as applied to Executive Branch political appointees, members of Congress, and Article I and III judges and their staffs. In addition to the traditional use of lectures, class discussion and outside speakers, this course will examine contemporary political “scandals” related to the regulation of government ethics as a means of mastering the substantive and technical legal issues involved in the field. As part of this course, class members will also examine the work and roles of the White House Counsel’s Office, the Office of Government Ethics, agency ethics counsel, political nominees and the press. The course will provide an interdisciplinary approach to the lawyer’s role in this area, including introduction to the underlying theory and principles, statutory and regulatory framework, treatment of pre- and post-employment restrictions, conflicts of interest, prohibited gifts and emoluments, tax and financial planning and other rules.