This seminar will examine the civil justice system, both in theory and in practice. We will begin by considering the aims of the civil justice system: What is civil justice, anyway? And why is it attractive? We will also ask what measure of justice the civil justice system achieves, and for whom, and under what circumstances. Throughout, we will focus on questions of access to civil justice. In so doing, however, we will consider “case studies” of different types of civil litigation—torts, prisoner suits, securities cases, class actions generally. We will read from both academic and popular sources, and conclude by assessing various civil justice reforms.
For details on class times, days of the week, instructors, and grading and exam details, please view the Michigan Law Class Schedule.