Course Information

8312 - Election Law

Professor: Edward B. Foley
Semester: 2012 Autumn

Second Writing Requirement? No
Seminar? No
Professional Responsibility? No
Prerequisites: Constitutional Law
Means of Assessment: Take-Home Exam

Course Description

We cover four major areas: (1) legislative districting; (2) nominating candidates; (2) campaign practices, including campaign financing; and (4) the casting and counting of ballots. Taking these topics in this order permits us to follow the "life cycle" of a campaign, and we use real-world examples to illustrate issues. This year (2012) we will pay close attention to the presidential election, as well as other competitive races--including those for Congress or state supreme court. We will examine the role that attorneys play in advising candidates, political parties, and others interested in the operation of the electoral process, and we will also consider the extent to which the current system needs reform (and, if so, what sorts of reforms might be advisable). Some students who have taken this class in past years have, after graduation, entered elective politics themselves and/or provided legal advice in the context of other elections.

The course materials listed above are for informational purposes only and should not be considered final. Students must check with the Registrar for a current list of closed courses.