LAW 682SEM - Child Abuse & Neglect

In this seminar, we will compare and contrast the civil and criminal investigative and adjudicative systems for the prosecution of child abuse cases. We will hear from guest speakers who work “in the trenches” on these difficult and sensitive cases. Students will observe child welfare cases in family court. We will explore topics including child interviewing, medical evidence in child abuse cases, sex offender registration laws, children?s exposure to domestic violence, social science and psychological studies on children?s memory, suggestibility and recall, and more. Students will be responsible for completing a substantial research and writing project on an approved topic within this broad and rich subject.

Credits: 3