Legal Theory Workshop

The Legal Theory Workshop brings leading scholars from around the world to discuss their works in progress with law students, graduate students in philosophy, and an interdisciplinary group of faculty.   All the papers will address legal issues from a theoretically informed perspective or theoretical issues relevant to the understanding of law.  The seminar will involve biweekly discussions with leading scholars, with intervening preparatory weeks for students to gain background in the relevant topic.  The course offers the opportunity for students to interact with prominent scholars, to help shape cutting-edge work, to hone their writing skills, to develop their own ideas through independent research, and to gain practice and feedback about the art of asking a good question. Students will be expected to attend  all sessions, participate regularly, write a handful of short reaction papers (1-2 pages) and complete a longer analytical paper involving little research (12-15 pages) at the end of the term about one of the subjects covered in class. Students who wish SAW credit may elect to write a somewhat longer paper.  The course has no pre-requisites other than an active interest in theoretical approaches to legal issues.This year's speakers include eminent scholars who work on the theoretical foundations of criminal law, constitutional law, remedies, contracts, private law, responsibility, and forgiveness.  The list of speakers is available at http://www.law.ucla.edu/centers/interdisciplinary-studies/law-and-philosophy-program/events/legal-theory-workshop/