This course provides a combined seminar and trial practice experience. Students will study domestic violence law, including state and federal attempts to create protections for victims which also protect the due process rights of the alleged abusers. The treatment of domestic violence in related laws (such as divorce, child custody, civil rights and criminal) will be explored. Throughout the term, students will engage in a broad, interdisciplinary study of domestic violence, including social/psychological issues and public policy questions. The application of feminist legal theory to domestic violence will be included. Contrasting viewpoints on the topic will be discussed. An intensive training program at the beginning of the term will concentrate on the practice of domestic violence law in Washtenaw County. Along with the study of domestic violence law and related topics, students will participate in simulated interviews, negotiations, hearings and a trial. Domestic violence cases will serve as the problems for the practice exercises. Faculty will provide feedback on individual performances, through direct observation and review of videotaped simulations. In addition, students may elect to enroll in the Faculty Law Project externship for one credit per semester, for up to two semesters. The externship will provide an opportunity for students enrolled in this course to be actively engaged in the representation of clients seeking protection from an abusive domestic partner through the Family Law Project.