Community Courts is a one-semester clinical program that combines a classroom component and a clinical placement one day a week with a judge in a community based state court. (The day is flexible and is coordinated with the judge.) The seminar is taught by Judge Jay Blitzman. Classes will explore the structure of state trial courts that are based in the community and how they have traditionally operated. The course will also examine the evolution of "problem-solving" or "specialized courts," throughout the country. A non-inclusive list of topics that will be covered during the semester includes: * The Roles and Function of Court Personnel- Including prosecutors, defenders, probation, court clinicians and judiciary. * Restorative Justice and Due Process- Discussions will include consideration of pre-adjudicatory and post-adjudicatory models, including drug, domestic violence and youth courts, and the Red Hook Community Justice Center in Brooklyn. * The First of the Specialized Courts: The Juvenile Court- Discussions will include analysis of relationship of court process to related systems, including public education, mental health and community based service providers. * Ethical Considerations For Lawyers and the Judiciary In Community Engagement. COREQUISITE: Students will also register for Community Courts: Fieldwork (JD 738).

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.