771 Dignitary Torts

American law attempts to protect individual interests in personal dignity and to guarantee a robust system of free expression. Both concerns are implemented, in part, through the common law of dignitary torts, and US constitutional law addresses their overlap and potential conflict. This course will cover the torts of defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional harm, and the related constitutional doctrines that the Supreme Court has developed since 1964. 

Course Areas of Practice
Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
Law, Democracy, and Society
Course Type
Seminar
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law
2017
Fall 2017
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor Meeting Day/Times Room

771.01 3
  • Final research paper (25+ pages in length)
 H. Jefferson Powell MW 10:55-12:20 PM 4172

American law attempts to protect individual interests in personal dignity and to guarantee a robust system of free expression. Both concerns are implemented, in part, through the common law of dignitary torts, and US constitutional law addresses their overlap and potential conflict. This course will cover the torts of defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional harm, and the related constitutional doctrines that the Supreme Court has developed since 1964. 

Degree Requirements
Pre/Co-requisites
None
Enrollment Restrictions
None
2016
Fall 2016
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor Meeting Day/Times Room

771.01 3
  • Scheduled in-class examination
 H. Jefferson Powell MW 1:45-3:06 PM 4040

American law attempts to protect individual interests in personal dignity and to guarantee a robust system of free expression. Both concerns are implemented, in part, through the common law of dignitary torts, and US constitutional law addresses their overlap and potential conflict. This course will cover the torts of defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional harm, and the related constitutional doctrines that the Supreme Court has developed since 1964.  J. Powell

Degree Requirements
None
Pre/Co-requisites
None
Enrollment Restrictions
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.