Revised Course Description (based on 21-22 CEL REport)
In particular, students in this course will examine how inequities in American society shape the legal system and potential solutions. New Americans, including refugees and immigrants, are often financially and culturally disadvantaged when navigating courts. In the classroom, students will learn how a purportedly equal justice system can, in fact, reproduce and exacerbate inequalities. The class with partner with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, which provides free legal services to those who otherwise could not afford it. Through this partnership, students will provide direct and supporting services to Legal Aid and its clients. Students will provide invaluable assistance to Legal Aid, which depends on volunteers and donations, while experiencing first-hand the ways inequities permeate our legal system and the opportunities and challenges to transforming that system.