611AB Readings

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings. This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis. Students are required to participate for the full academic year.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Degree Requirements
Course Type
  • Seminar
Learning Outcomes
  • Legal analysis and reasoning, legal research, problem-solving, and written and oral communication in the legal context

Spring 2025

2025
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings. This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis. Students are required to participate for the full academic year.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Fall 2024

2024
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This one-credit, pass-fail seminar will meet at least six times during the 2024–2025 academic year. It is designed for students interested in U.S. national security law practice issues, but no background in the area is necessary.

This salon-style discussion and instruction class will introduce some of the ethical issues confronting lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment as military or civilian attorneys practicing in the U.S. government, members of a law firm, or counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization.

We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may (or may not) apply in the national security law setting and examine specific cases of problematic lawyer behavior. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in high-stress situations and the "work-life" balance in this practice area.

The instructor, with an impressive 48 years of legal experience (including over 34 in the military), will use real-life episodes to illustrate issues and provide practical advice, offering a unique and privileged learning opportunity.

The curriculum, which includes a film and readings across various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material, will address the timely challenges presented by the integration of artificial intelligence into the national security enterprise. Furthermore, it will delve into issues related to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, making the course highly engaging and connected to current events.

Students are required to read three books for discussion: Paul Scharre’s Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War; P.W. Singer’s Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution, and parts of The Origins of Victory: How Disruptive Military Innovation Determines the Fares of Great Powers – specifically pages 3-159, and 342-443. (Origins of Victory is available for free online from the Duke Law Library)

The meetings for the fall of 2024 will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Sunday afternoons of September 15th, October 27th, and November 3rd. The session on November 3rd will be at the Law School from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as we will show the movie Eye in the Sky and discuss it.

Students are asked to reserve November 24th as a make-up date if needed.  All dates are subject to change.

The spring of 2025 dates are tentatively set for January 26th, February 2nd, and April 6th. (March 23 is a potential makeup date.)

The seminar sessions, except for the movie session, which will take place at the Law School, will be held in the unique and intimate setting of Maj. Gen. Dunlap’s home, located just ten minutes from the Law School. With Mrs. Dunlap as the hostess, the sessions will provide a comfortable and relaxed learning environment. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Spring 2024

2024
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This seminar is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2023–2024 academic year. The seminar is designed for students with an interest in U.S. national security law practice issues, and it is not necessary to have any sort of background in the area. 

It will introduce some of the ethical issues confronting lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment as a military or civilian attorney practicing in the U.S. government, a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization.

We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may (or may not) apply in the national security law setting and examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice.

The instructor will relate episodes from his more than 47 years as a lawyer (including more than 34 in the military) to illustrate issues and offer practical advice.

The curriculum will include a film and readings across various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. During the 2023–2024 academic year, the seminar will place special emphasis on the challenges presented by the integration of artificial intelligence into the national security enterprise. In addition issues related to the conflict in Ukraine will be discussed.

Students are required to read three books for discussion: Paul Scharre’s Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War; P.W. Singer’s Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution, and On Killing Remotely: The Psychology of Killing with Drones.

The meetings for the fall of 2024 will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Sunday afternoons of September 10th and October Ist and November 5th.  The session on November 5th will be at the Law School go from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as we will show the movie, Eye in the Sky, and have a discussion about it.  The dates for the spring of 2024 are tentatively set for January 21st, February 11th and April 7th.  Students are asked to reserve February 4th as a make-up date if needed.  All dates are subject to change.

The sessions of the seminar (except for the movie session which will take place at the Law School) will take place at Maj. Gen. Dunlap’s home (about ten minutes from the Law School), with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Syllabus: 611AB-01-Spring2024-syllabus.docx84.72 KB

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings. This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis. Students are required to participate for the full academic year.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Fall 2023

2023
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This seminar is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2023–2024 academic year. The seminar is designed for students with an interest in U.S. national security law practice issues, and it is not necessary to have any sort of background in the area. 

It will introduce some of the ethical issues confronting lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment as a military or civilian attorney practicing in the U.S. government, a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization.

We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may (or may not) apply in the national security law setting and examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice.

The instructor will relate episodes from his more than 47 years as a lawyer (including more than 34 in the military) to illustrate issues and offer practical advice.

The curriculum will include a film and readings across various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. During the 2023–2024 academic year, the seminar will place special emphasis on the challenges presented by the integration of artificial intelligence into the national security enterprise. In addition issues related to the conflict in Ukraine will be discussed.

Students are required to read three books for discussion: Paul Scharre’s Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War; P.W. Singer’s Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution, and On Killing Remotely: The Psychology of Killing with Drones.

The meetings for the fall of 2024 will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Sunday afternoons of September 10th and October Ist and November 5th.  The session on November 5th will be at the Law School go from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as we will show the movie, Eye in the Sky, and have a discussion about it.  The dates for the spring of 2024 are tentatively set for January 21st, February 11th and April 7th.  Students are asked to reserve February 4th as a make-up date if needed.  All dates are subject to change.

The sessions of the seminar (except for the movie session which will take place at the Law School) will take place at Maj. Gen. Dunlap’s home (about ten minutes from the Law School), with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess. Refreshments and snacks will be served. 

Syllabus: 611AB-01-Fall2023-syllabus.docx84.72 KB

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings. This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis. Students are required to participate for the full academic year.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Spring 2023

2023
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings. This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis. Students are required to participate for the full academic year.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings. This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis. Students are required to participate for the full academic year.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Fall 2022

2022
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5
  • Reflective Writing
  • Class participation
Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This seminar is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2022–2023 academic year. The seminar is designed for students with an interest in U.S. national security law practice issues, and especially students with little or no background in the area.

It will introduce some of the ethical issues confronting young lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment as a military or civilian attorney practicing in the U.S. government, a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization.

We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may (or may not) apply in the national security law setting and examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice.

The instructor will use episodes from his more than 46 years as a lawyer (including more than 34 in the military) to illustrate issues and offer practical advice.

The curriculum will include a film and readings across various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. During the 2022–2023 academic year, the seminar will place special emphasis on the challenges presented by the integration of artificial intelligence into the national security enterprise.

Students are required to read three books for discussion: Paul Scharre’s Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War; P.W. Singer’s Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution, and William P. Barr’s One Damn Thing After Another: Memoirs of an Attorney General.

The meetings for the fall of 2022 will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Sunday afternoons of September 11th and October 2nd and November 13th. The session on November 13th will go from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as we will show the movie, Eye in the Sky, and have a discussion about it. The dates for the spring of 2023 are tentatviely set for January 22nd, February 12th and March 5th. Students are asked to reserve January 29th as a make-up date if needed. All dates are subject to change.

The sessions of the seminar (except for the movie session which will take place at the Law School) will take place at Maj. Gen. Dunlap’s home (about ten minutes from the Law School), with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Special Notes:

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5
  • Reflective Writing
  • Class participation
Thomas B. Metzloff

This discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system, and issues of current societal importance or interest. Each section of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.

Readings courses focused on public interest may count towards the Public Interest and Public Service Certificate.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Spring 2022

2022
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Fall 2021

2021
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This seminar is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2021–2022 academic year. The seminar is designed for those with an interest in U.S. national security law practice issues, and especially students with little or no background in the area. It will introduce some of the ethical issues confronting young lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment as a military or civilian attorney practicing in the U.S. government, a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization.

We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may (or may not) apply in the national security law setting, and examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in very high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice.

The instructor will use episodes from his more than 34 years as a military lawyer to illustrate issues, and offer practical advice.

Readings will include various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. A film will also be part of the curriculum. The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. During the 2021–2022 academic year the seminar will place special emphasis on the challenges occasioned by the integration of artificial intelligence into the national security enterprise.

Students are required to read three books for discussion: Paul Scharre’s Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War; Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution, and Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead.

The meetings for the fall of 2021 will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Sunday afternoons of September 12th and 26th, October 24th, and November 7th. The session on November 7th will go from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as we will show the movie, Eye in the Sky, and have a discussion about it. The dates for the spring of 2022 will be discussed once the seminar in assembled. All dates are subject to change.

If Law School rules permit, the sessions of the seminar (except for the movie session which will take place at the Law School) will take place at Maj. Gen. Dunlap’s home (about ten minutes from the Law School), with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess. Refreshments and snacks will be served so long as allowed by the rules prevailing at the time.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Spring 2021

2021
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Fall 2020

2020
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This seminar is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2020–2021 academic year. It will be presented in-person on the Law School campus if possible (with virtual options for students who cannot attend).    

The seminar is designed for those with an interest in U.S. national security law practice issues, and especially students with little or no background in the area.  It will introduce some of the ethical issues confronting young lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment, either as a military or civilian attorney practicing in the U.S. government, a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization.

We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may (or may not) apply in the national security law setting, as well as examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in very high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice.

The instructor will use episodes from his more than 34 years as a military lawyer to illustrate issues, and offer practical advice.

Readings will include various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. A film will also be part of the curriculum.  The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. During the 2020–2021 academic year the seminar will place special emphasis on the challenges occasioned by the integration of artificial intelligence into the national security enterprise.

Students are required to read three books for discussion: Paul Scharre’s Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War; Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution, and Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead.

The meetings for the fall of 2020 will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Sunday afternoons of September 20th and October 4th.  The session on October 25th will go from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as we will show the movie, Eye in the Sky, and have a discussion about it.  The dates for the spring of 2021 will be January 24th, February 21st and March 7th.  All dates are subject to change. 

If Law School rules permit, it is hoped that the spring sessions of the seminar will take place at Maj. Gen. Dunlap’s home (about ten minutes from the Law School), with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess.  At in-person meetings, refreshments and snacks will be served so long as allowed by the rules prevailing at the time.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Review specific section descriptions to see if they can be used towards a specific degree or certificate requirement.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Spring 2020

2020
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.04 0.5 Jonathan B. Wiener

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.05 0.5 Stephen E. Sachs, Amanda Schwoerke

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Fall 2019

2019
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This course is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2019-2020 academic year. The seminar will introduce some of the issues confronting young lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment either as an attorney practicing in government, as a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization. We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may apply in the national security law setting, as well as examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in very high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice. Readings will include various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. A film will also be part of the curriculum. The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. Students are required to read two books for discussion, Paul Scharre’s Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War, and the novel, Allegiance by Kermit Roosevelt.  In addition, the short book, The American Military: A Concise History, is required for background.  Although only six meetings are anticipated, students are asked to reserve the following seven dates so that the seminar will have flexibility: Sept 8, Oct 23, Oct 27, and Nov 17, 2019, and Jan 12, Jan 26, and Feb 2, 2020.  Meetings will be on Sunday afternoons, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., usually in Maj Gen Dunlap’s home (about ten minutes from the Law school), with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess. Refreshments and a light buffet be served.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

A total of 112 individuals have served as Justices of the United States Supreme Court.  They have come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.  Most were judges before becoming Justices, but others were law professors, attorneys in private practice, or even politicians with no prior judicial experience.  Once on the Court, many of the Justices have surprised and sometimes disappointed those who appointed and supported them. How has a Justice’s life story and prior experiences shaped and molded their judicial philosophy?

This one-credit readings class will focus on reading biographies of Supreme Court Justices.  During the course of the year, we will select and read six different biographies (three per semester).  This will include Becoming Justice Blackmun by Linda Greenhouse, and The Man Who Once Was Whizzer White:  A Portrait of Justice Byron R. White by Dennis Hutchison.  The class will determine what other Justice’s biographies to read during the course of the year.

For each book, the class will meet for a two-hour discussion session (at Professor Metzloff’s home).  Students will write a short reaction paper (2-3 pages) focusing on some aspect of the Justice’s life story.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.04 0.5 Jonathan B. Wiener

Human travel to the Moon and/or Mars is now being planned by NASA, ESA, China, and other government space agencies, and perhaps even sooner by private companies such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, or the European firm MarsOne.  “A new life awaits you in the off-world colonies – a chance to begin again in a golden land of opportunity and adventure!”  But what will or should be the rules and norms of this new life?  Human settlements on the Moon, Mars, or another off-Earth colony would pose challenges that are not only scientific and engineering, but also social and legal.  Examining the optimal social/legal approaches in advance may help such a colony succeed.  And it may also offer a useful thought experiment for assessing and improving social/legal arrangements on Earth.  For example, who can/should own the property rights to such a “golden land of opportunity” and its resources?  (Is recent US law on space mining in conflict with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty?)  What should the environmental laws be to protect – or intentionally terraform – the other planet?  What should “planetary protection” regulations provide, to avoid harmful microbial contamination of the off-Earth colony, and of the Earth?  What should the laws be for ordinary life off the Earth, including accidents, crimes, marriage, divorce, citizenship, etc. …  And, who should decide on these laws – raising constitutional questions of, e.g., rule by each government that sends settlers, or by each private company that sends them, or by an international agreement, or by the settlers themselves in their new home …  This Readings course will explore these and other questions about the “Laws of Mars.”

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.05 0.5 Stephen E. Sachs, Amanda Schwoerke

The law of abortion is in flux. With new appointments to the Court and new legislative initiatives in the states, there is a greater likelihood of significant shifts in constitutional doctrine than at any point in the last few decades. As a result, it has become particularly important for future lawyers to have an opportunity to study the issue in detail and to decide what they think.

This one-credit, ungraded year-long readings course is intended to give students the chance to discuss, in a relaxed academic setting, the difficult and important questions of ethics, policy, and law raised by the issue of abortion. The course meets on eight Wednesday evenings, roughly once a month, from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Sessions are held at the instructors’ home—depending on enrollment, either at our dinner table or in our living room. (You should have your dinner beforehand; we provide the coffee and dessert.)

The questions raised by abortion are both highly abstract and deeply personal. While they are the subject of intense and heartfelt commitment on both sides, this course is offered in the belief that they are also a proper subject for intellectual inquiry. We will insist that discussions be conducted in a civil and respectful manner, and that you address and listen to your fellow students, whatever their views, with an open mind. Within each unit, the assigned readings are roughly balanced as to viewpoint; they take deeply conflicting positions, and you will certainly disagree with some of them. The course is offered on a credit/no-credit basis partly to ensure that you are neither penalized nor rewarded for sharing the views of either of the instructors.

Two-page response papers are due 24 hours before each meeting. They may be uploaded to the ‘Forum’ section of the course website, so that you can read your classmates’ papers in advance. Response papers should address some issue raised in your mind by that session’s readings; they needn’t discuss every reading, and they should respond to the readings rather than summarize them. Each student is expected to participate fully in the discussions.

There is one required text, What Roe v. Wade Should Have Said (Jack M. Balkin ed., 2005). Other required readings are available online or in the coursepack. (Because the course focuses on basic principles rather than the details of current doctrine, it leaves out such decisions as Gonzales v. Carhart, Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, or Azar v. Garza, as well as a number of important cases in state or circuit courts.)

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Spring 2019

2019
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This course is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2018-2019 academic year. The seminar will introduce some of the issues confronting young lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment either as an attorney practicing in government, as a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization. We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may apply in the national security law setting, as well as examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in very high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice. Readings will include various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. A film will also be part of the curriculum. The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. Students are required to read two books, Paul Scharre’s Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War, and the novel, Allegiance,  by Kermit Roosevelt.  The four meetings for the fall of 2018 are scheduled (subject to change) be on Sunday afternoons, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on September 9th and 23rd, October 31st, November 2nd (movie shown at the Law School). The two spring of 2019 meetings will be Feb 3rd and March 3rd. Meetings will usually take place in Maj Gen Dunlap’s home, with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess. Refreshments will be served.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

A total of 112 individuals have served as Justices of the United States Supreme Court.  They have come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.  Most were judges before becoming Justices, but others were law professors, attorneys in private practice, or even politicians with no prior judicial experience.  Once on the Court, many of the Justices have surprised and sometimes disappointed those who appointed and supported them. How has a Justice’s life story and prior experiences shaped and molded their judicial philosophy?

This one-credit readings class will focus on reading biographies of Supreme Court Justices.  During the course of the year, we will select and read six different biographies (three per semester).  This will include Becoming Justice Blackmun by Linda Greenhouse, and The Man Who Once Was Whizzer White:  A Portrait of Justice Byron R. White by Dennis Hutchison.  The class will determine what other Justice’s biographies to read during the course of the year.

For each book, the class will meet for a two-hour discussion session (at Professor Metzloff’s home).  Students will write a short reaction paper (2-3 pages) focusing on some aspect of the Justice’s life story.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.03 0.5 Stephen E. Sachs, Ernest A. Young

This one-credit year-long readings course explores different approaches to American law that have fallen under the heading of ‘conservatism.’ Over the course of the year, students will gain an appreciation of the debates and disagreements among conservative thinkers, both as to general theories and specific subjects. The course will meet on occasional Wednesday evenings, approximately once a month, in two-hour sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. Sessions will alternate between the professors’ houses in Apex and Chapel Hill. Each student will be expected to participate with knowledge of the extensive readings, and two-page response papers will be due 24 hours before each meeting. (Students taking the course in conjunction with an independent study paper may be exempted from the response-paper requirement.) Grading will be on a credit/no-credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Fall 2018

2018
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This course is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2018-2019 academic year. The seminar will introduce some of the issues confronting young lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment either as an attorney practicing in government, as a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization. We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may apply in the national security law setting, as well as examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in very high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice. Readings will include various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. A film will also be part of the curriculum. The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. Students are required to read two books, Paul Scharre’s Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War, and the novel, Allegiance,  by Kermit Roosevelt.  The four meetings for the fall of 2018 are scheduled (subject to change) be on Sunday afternoons, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on September 9th and 23rd, October 31st, November 2nd (movie shown at the Law School). The two spring of 2019 meetings will be Feb 3rd and March 3rd. Meetings will usually take place in Maj Gen Dunlap’s home, with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess. Refreshments will be served.

 

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.03 0.5 Stephen E. Sachs, Ernest A. Young

This one-credit year-long readings course explores different approaches to American law that have fallen under the heading of ‘conservatism.’ Over the course of the year, students will gain an appreciation of the debates and disagreements among conservative thinkers, both as to general theories and specific subjects. The course will meet on occasional Wednesday evenings, approximately once a month, in two-hour sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. Sessions will alternate between the professors’ houses in Apex and Chapel Hill. Each student will be expected to participate with knowledge of the extensive readings, and two-page response papers will be due 24 hours before each meeting. (Students taking the course in conjunction with an independent study paper may be exempted from the response-paper requirement.) Grading will be on a credit/no-credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Spring 2018

2018
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Fall 2017

2017
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This course is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2017-2018 academic year. The course is will introduce some of the issues confronting young lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment either as an attorney practicing in government, as a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization. We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may apply in the national security law setting, as well as examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in very high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice. Readings will include various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. A film will also be part of the curriculum. The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. There is no textbook for this course, but the students need to obtain and read the novel Allegiance by Kermit Roosevelt. The instructor will provide other readings. The four meetings for the fall of 2017 are scheduled (subject to change) be on Sundays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on September 24th, October 29th, November 12th, and December 3rd (movie shown at the Law School; this session will go from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ). The two spring of 2018 meetings will be January 14th and 28th.. Meetings will usually take place in Maj Gen Dunlap’s home, with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess. Refreshments will be served.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Spring 2017

2017
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611AB.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611AB.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

This year-long discussion course focuses on readings that explore connections between the law, the practice of law, the legal system and issues of current societal importance or interest.  Each of the course is expected to have a different specific focus and different readings.  This course is assessed on a credit/no credit basis.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Fall 2016

2016
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611A.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This course is a one-credit, pass-fail seminar that will meet at least six times over the course of the 2016-2017 academic year. The course is will introduce some of the issues confronting young lawyers as they try to navigate today's national security environment either as an attorney practicing in government, as a member of a law firm, or as a counsel for a corporation or non-governmental organization. We will consider, for example, how the existing rules of professional conduct may apply in the national security law setting, as well as examine specific cases of problematic behavior by lawyers. We will also address the practical issues of dealing with clients in very high-stress situations, as well as the "work-life" balance in this area of practice. Readings will include various case studies, law journal articles, and other relevant material. A film will also be part of the curriculum. The instructor may augment his own experience with guest discussants. There is no textbook for this course, but the instructor will provide the readings. The four meetings for the fall of 2016 are scheduled (subject to change) be on Sundays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on September 4th, September 18th, October 16th, and November 6th (movie shown at the Law School). The two spring of 2017 meetings will be January 22nd and February 5th.  Meetings will usually take place in Maj Gen Dunlap’s home, with Mrs. Dunlap being the hostess.  Refreshments will be served.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

611A.02 0.5 Thomas B. Metzloff

A total of 112 individuals have served as Justices of the United States Supreme Court.  They have come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.  Most were judges before becoming Justices, but others were law professors, attorneys in private practice, or even politicians with no prior judicial experience.  Once on the Court, many of the Justices have surprised and sometimes disappointed those who appointed and supported them. How has a Justice’s life story and prior experiences shaped and molded their judicial philosophy?

This one-credit readings class will focus on reading biographies of Supreme Court Justices.  During the course of the year, we will select and read six different biographies (three per semester).  This will include Becoming Justice Blackmun by Linda Greenhouse, and The Man Who Once Was Whizzer White:  A Portrait of Justice Byron R. White by Dennis Hutchison.  The class will determine what other Justice’s biographies to read during the course of the year.

For each book, the class will meet for a two-hour discussion session (at Professor Metzloff’s home).  Students will write a short reaction paper (2-3 pages) focusing on some aspect of the Justice’s life story.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

Spring 2016

2016
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

611B.01 0.5 Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.

This discussion course centers around readings that, implicitly or explicitly, draw connections between the practice of law, the experience of being a lawyer, the substance of the law, and ethics (including not only professional responsibility but issues of moral commitment and action more generally). Each section of the course is expected to have a different specific focus, and different readings, but all will center on the general topics of professionalism and ethics.


The class will meet about six to nine times throughout the year at a time agreed upon by the class members, though most likely in the evenings. The instructor will help guide the discussion, but one or two students will be expected to take an active role in shaping each class's discussion, perhaps by circulating in advance a brief set of suggestions for discussion and, on the night of the class, beginning the conversation.


The course will be graded on a credit/no credit basis, and no research paper will be required.


Ethics Requirement: Students can satisfy the Law School's two-credit ethics requirement by taking this course and the one-credit course entitled Ethics and the Rules of Professional Conduct. The courses need not be taken concurrently.

Pre/Co-requisites
None

*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.