Apart from their assigned mod courses, 1L students may only enroll in courses offered as 1L electives. A complete list of these courses can be found on the 1L Elective Listings page. 1L students must use the 1L class number listed on the course description when enrolling.
226.15 sec. 001 - Truth, Proof, and Evidence: Comparing Courtroom, Politics, News, Lab, and Church (Spring 2024)
Instructor: Christopher Edley (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only | profile)
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 2
Grading Designation: Graded
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meeting:
Th 08:00 AM - 09:50 AM
Location: Law 240
From January 11, 2024
To April 18, 2024
Course End: April 18, 2024
Class Number: 33952
This course is open to 1Ls.
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 22
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 24
As of: 04/27 08:46 AM
Discerning the truth could be all-consuming and is often impossible. Is the defendant innocent? Which candidates are most committed to combating climate change? Has the journalist faithfully reported what happened and why? Is the vaccine safe and effective? Should we use phonics to teach reading? When can or should we decide with evidence and when with scripture or faith? When should we expect that people will determine truth using the same decision rules?
This multidisciplinary seminar will explore how context shapes the concepts of truth, proof, and evidence. The differences influence how we adjudicate justice, construct public policy, and engage in politics. More practically, these concepts guide how we persuade one another or mediate disagreements, be they civic or personal. The four central topics are how decision-makers might benefit from understanding decision-making in other settings, how society might promote truthfulness in matters of public import, when might truth not be so important in public life, and, specifically, the degree to which a successful democracy requires truth. Guest speakers will include academic and civic thought leaders. After taking this course, students will be better able to appreciate the complexity of evidence-based decision-making in public and private domains. Grades will be based on class participation and two papers: one will be a response paper to the readings and the other, a paper on a course topic of their choice.
Non-J.D. graduate students are invited to enroll, with the instructor's permission.
Exam Notes: (None) Class requires a series of papers, assignments, or presentations throughout the semester
Course Category: Public Law and Policy
This course is listed in the following sub-categories:
Social Justice and Public Interest
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Readers:
No reader.
Books:
Instructor has indicated that no books will be assigned.