Study

579 State Attorneys General Seminar

This seminar explores the important and evolving role of state Attorneys General in American law. Through study of case law, news articles, academic scholarship, and primary-source materials such as AG opinions and amicus briefs, students will examine the legal authorities, political influence, and strategic litigation practices of state AGs. Emphasis will be placed throughout on the role of state AGs not only in enforcing the law, but also as key actors in shaping and developing it across areas as diverse as consumer protection, civil and voting rights, and federalism. Does not fulfill SRWP.

Course Areas of Practice
  • Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
  • Law, Democracy, and Society
Evaluation Methods
  • Reflective Writing
  • Research and/or analytical paper(s), 15-20 pages
  • Oral presentation
  • Class participation
Degree Requirements
JD elective
IntlLLM-SJD-EXC elective
IntlLLM writing
PIPS elective
Course Type
  • Seminar
Learning Outcomes
  • Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law

Fall 2026

2026
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

579.01 2
  • Reflective Writing
  • Research and/or analytical paper(s), 15-20 pages
  • Oral presentation
  • Class participation
 Ryan Park

This seminar explores the important and evolving role of state Attorneys General in American law. Through study of case law, news articles, academic scholarship, and primary-source materials such as AG opinions and amicus briefs, students will examine the legal authorities, political influence, and strategic litigation practices of state AGs. Emphasis will be placed throughout on the role of state AGs not only in enforcing the law, but also as key actors in shaping and developing it across areas as diverse as consumer protection, civil and voting rights, and federalism. Does not fulfill SRWP.

Degree Requirements
Pre/Co-requisites
None

In this section

*Please note that this information is for planning purposes only, and should not be relied upon for the schedule for a given semester. Faculty leaves and sabbaticals, as well as other curriculum considerations, will sometimes affect when a course may be offered.