Criminal Regulation of Vice   [Archived Catalog]
2015-2016 School of Law Bulletin (Archived Copy)
   

LAWS 756 - Criminal Regulation of Vice


Credits: 2/3

This seminar is an advanced course in criminal law that takes an in-depth look at the legal regulation, particularly the criminalization, of vice. The purpose of the course is to provide students with an understanding of and the ability to apply criminal law theory through a survey of six categories of vice: gambling,alcohol,illicit drugs, nontraditional sex, prostitution, and pornography. For each category of behavior, students will review historical regulation, discuss contemporary legal regimes, and consider the justifications for continued criminalization and the expected benefits and costs of alternative methods of regulation. Through readings, guest speakers, and moderated in-class discussions, students will engage with both descriptive and normative questions about the regulation of vice. The course will meet once per week for two hours. Students may choose to take the course for 2 or 3 credit hours. Students who enroll in the 2 credit hour course are responsible for an in-class presentation and three one-page response papers during the semester and a ten-page research paper at the end of the semester. Students who enroll in the 3 credit hour course are responsible for an in-class presentation and three one-page response papers during the semester and a thirty-page research paper at the end of the semester. The three credit hour version of the course will satisfy the upper level writing assignment.

Prerequisites: Criminal Law

Note: Qualifies as a perspective course; can satisfy the writing requirement.

Basis of Grade: written work, in-class presentation, participation

Form of Grade: Letter