Civil Rights and the Future of American Democracy

The study of civil rights law has to be grounded in a firm understanding of constitutional law, civil procedure, and criminal procedure—the building blocks of any legal education. Michigan Law takes an innovative approach to these foundational courses, taught by leading scholars and practicing litigators. 

Your engagement with theoretical understanding of civil rights and the law will be bolstered by opportunities for practical experience in civil rights litigation. Taught by the former long-time legal director of the ACLU of Michigan, the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative brings together clinical experience to prepare you to use the law to advance social justice. But opportunities for practical experience do not end there. Many of our clinics deal with civil rights issues, and you can also choose from practice simulations in civil rights litigation, pro bono opportunities, and student organizations advocating for civil rights across venues.

Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse

Founded by Professor Margo Schlanger, the Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse brings together and analyzes information and documents about important civil rights cases across the United States. It is available to scholars, teachers, students, policymakers, advocates, and the public, to allow greater understanding of historical and contemporary American civil rights litigation.

Litagation