LLM Domestic Violence Law

Domestic Violence is offered in the fall semester for three credits. It is a co-requisite for enrollment in the Domestic Violence Clinic but is open to all students. The course will examine domestic violence in the criminal justice system and in family law, with a special focus on practical legal skills. Topics include domestic violence as a violation of criminal law, civil rights, international human rights and as a tort, and the role of domestic violence in divorce law and custody. While examining the issue systemically, students will also learn important practice skills through simulated role plays and demonstrations. For example, students will examine the use of expert witnesses to prove post traumatic stress disorder, the interaction of lawyers and doctors, the role of a lawyer in counseling a domestic violence client. (3 credits).