How can we leverage the law to vindicate civil rights? This course explores the doctrines governing the enforcement of civil rights in federal court by individual plaintiffs. Major topics include causes of action for constitutional violations (42 U.S.C. § 1983 and Bivens), defenses and limitations to liability for such violations (including qualified immunity and municipal liability), remedies, and procedural considerations (such as exhaustion). As we consider the substantive and procedural underpinnings of contemporary civil rights litigation, we will also examine different models of civil rights lawyering and the role that litigation can play to advance social justice movements. This course is designed for students with a strong interest in complex litigation and civil rights, and it is an exam-based course.

Prerequisites: Constitutional Law I (Governance) and Constitutional Law II (Individual Rights).