LAW-2273 State and Local Government
States and local governments exercise significant law-making and regulatory authority. They are responsible for the provision and financing a vital public goods and services and serve as key sites for political participation. While many law school courses focus on federal law, state and local law has a more direct effect on most people’s daily lives. This course examines the relationships between local, state, and federal governments; between state and local governments and their residents; and between local governments and their neighbors. We will consider theories regarding the vertical allocation of powers; the constitutional status of states and local governments; and the legal rules that structure their powers and obligations. Specific topics may include: local government formation and boundary changes; state-local relations and local home rule; interlocal conflicts; regional governance; education policy; land use and environmental issues; voting rights and public participation; and state and local finance, including tax and debt limitations and municipal bankruptcy. The course will give particular attention to both federal and state constitutional issues, and to the interplay between legal rules and state and local policies. Classes will involve a range of learning modalities, including lectures, on-call discussion, and small group exercises. Grading will be based primarily on a scheduled final examination.
Offered
Fall, Spring