Schedule of Classes
282.1 sec. 1 - Domestic Violence Law (Fall 2009)
Instructor: Nancy K.D. Lemon (view instructor's teaching evaluations | profile)
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Units: 3
Meeting Time: Tu 10:00-12:40
Meeting Location: B-1 Hearst Field Annex (HFA)
Course Control Number (Non-1Ls): 49778
Main Section Enrollment:
Enrolled: 23
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 28
As of: 11/25 06:43 AM
This course will examine the legal system's response to domestic violence. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we will cover historical and psychological materials as well as topics in criminal, family, tort, immigration, welfare, and constitutional law. Ethical and policy issues will be included throughout, as will discussion of how domestic violence affects different groups - people of color, disabled women, etc.
Class will include discussion of problems of protective orders, and the efficacy of mandatory arrest or no drop prosecution policies. In the realm of family law, the class will consider how domestic violence is or should be taken to account in custody proceedings, examining how alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, work or don't work in the context of domestic violence. The class will also look at interstate custody problems affecting battered women who flee with their children.
The course will consider how traditional intentional torts have applied to domestic violence, and the erosion of interspousal immunity. The liability of police departments and other government bodies for failure to enforce protective orders or to otherwise act to protect victims of domestic violence will also be an issue. The class will evaluate welfare issues affecting battered women. The legal rights and problems of immigrant and refugee battered women will also be covered. The pros and cons of medical personnel reporting domestic violence to police will also be addressed. The class will cover battered women as complaining witnesses and as defendants, including the claim of self-defense, and the use of expert testimony on the common experiences of victims of domestic violence.
The class will use the small group discussion format. Several guest speakers and videotapes will be included. Grading will be Credit/ No Credit. A research project in lieu of a final exam is possible. No limit on enrollment.
Nancy Lemon also teaches the Domestic Violence Practicum, 295.5Q and 283Q,
each semester. While students are allowed to take the Domestic Violence
Law seminar separately from the practicum, they are encouraged to enroll
in both courses, either simultaneously or sequentially, and students may
take the practicum multiple semesters. In the practicum, students work in
non-profit offices around the Bay Area or with Nancy Lemon on policy
issues. Topics students work on include prosecution, criminal defense,
immigration and asylum law, family law, employment issues, housing, and
public benefits. For more information, go to
www.law.berkeley.edu/clinics/dvp
Prerequisites:
None
This course may satisfy the Writing Requirement.
New - Submit Teaching Evaluations (enrolled students only)
Exam Notes: F/P
This is a credit only course
Course Category: Family Law
Course Subcategories:
Criminal Law
Public Law and Policy
Social Justice and Public Interest
If you are the instructor, you may add a file like a syllabus or a first assignment to this page.
Books:
Required Books are in blue
- Nancy K. Lemon - Domestic Violence Law - Ed. 3rd edition/2009 - Publisher: West/Thomson - ISBN: 9780314204509
