This course introduces students to a number of legal issues relating to children and to how various social, economic, political, and legal institutions shape childhood and child development. A central focus is the allocation of decisional power among the child, the family, and the state: how the legal system attempts to reconcile commitments to the fundamental constitutional liberty of parents, state authority for promoting the well-being and protecting the interests of children, and the rights and interests of children themselves. Among the topics considered are the scope of parental liberty as a constitutional right, children’s rights (including human rights) and obligations, the debate over children’s rights, education, defining and creating the parent-child relationship (including adoption), economic support of children, parental discipline of children, child abuse and neglect, foster care, medical treatment of children, sexual and reproductive rights and responsibilities of adolescents, delinquency, and legal representation of children. Students have two options for the written requirement: a final exam or three papers on assigned topics. There is also a limited research paper option. In addition, there will be one skills exercise and one reflection paper. NOTE: This course satisfies the upper-class professional skills requirement.

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