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.
224.24 sec. 001 - Police, Policing, and Police Use of Force (Spring 2026)
Instructor: Osagie K Obasogie (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only)
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 2
Grading Designation: Graded
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meeting:
Th 3:35 PM - 5:25 PM
Location: Law 113
From January 15, 2026
To April 23, 2026
Course End: April 23, 2026
Class Number: 34071
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 18
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 24
As of: 03/10 12:45 PM
Excessive force by law enforcement is often described as a function of individual officers making depraved decisions driven by malice – the proverbial “bad apple.” This seminar complicates the traditional narrative by taking a public health approach that examines the social, political, and doctrinal determinants of police use of force. A public health perspective invites us to ask whether the adverse health impacts connected to police use of force are determined by social and legal structures rather than simplistic ideations about expired fruit.
By placing public health law – i.e. how law shapes health outcomes and has the capacity to reduce harms and disparities – in conversation with relevant aspects of criminal procedure and constitutional torts, this seminar encourages a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of excessive force by police and promotes the development of innovative strategies that can lead to change. Specific topics include the history of police use of force, doctrinal evolutions and limitations, policing’s community impacts, and how to imagine a better future with law and other tools. No prior courses are required.
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Requirements Satisfaction:
Units from this class count towards the J.D. Race and Law Requirement. |
Exam Notes: (P) Final Paper
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Course Category: Public Law and Policy
This course is listed in the following sub-categories:
Race and Law
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