Courses Overview at the CHR Faculty of Law Legal Center

We at the CHR Faculty of Law Legal Center for Constitutionalism and Human Rights recognize that knowledge of human rights and constitutional law is central to the development of a just and equitable society. As a leading academic and legal center, our Center provides a broad range of select legal courses aimed at providing law students, legal professionals, and advocates with the essential knowledge and practical resources necessary to address the most significant legal and social challenges of our times. Programs informed by leading scholars reflect the latest developments in U.S. constitutional law, international human rights, and more. Open to students and professionals from a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds, our courses are inspired by a shared commitment to promoting justice and the protection of fundamental rights in the United States and abroad.

Introductory Courses to U.S. Human Rights Law

The LLM human rights law curriculum is comprehensive, covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of U.S. human rights law at introductory and advanced levels. Courses include:

• Introduction to U.S. Human Rights Law: This course explores in detail the growth, interpretation, and enforcement of human rights under U.S. law as reflected in federal statutes and Supreme Court decisions.
• Advanced Human Rights Litigation: Students in this advanced course examine pre-litigation strategies, litigation before U.S. courts, and the ways in which marginalized groups and vulnerable populations are advocated before the courts.
• Civil Liberties in Practice: This seminar considers the protection of civil liberties, including freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, by tracking real-life examples and recent challenges to state restrictions.
• Human Rights and Social Justice Advocacy: This practical, skills-based course provides opportunities for students to work with advocacy organizations and legal services clinics on issues of racial justice, gender equality, immigration, and other civil rights.

All courses are taught by distinguished faculty who are leaders in the field of U.S. and international human rights law-from theory through implementation.

Study of U.S. Constitutional Law

The constitutional law offerings at our Center are designed to cultivate a critical understanding of the ideas, structures, and evolving interpretations that undergird our constitutional system. The constitutional law courses we offer include:

• Constitutional Law I & II: A study of the origins, structure, and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution through an in-depth examination of judicial review, federalism, and separation of powers.
• The Bill of Rights: An in-depth exploration of the first ten amendments through landmark cases and modern controversies, focusing on the limits of governmental power and the protection of individual rights.
• Constitutional Litigation and Supreme Court Practice: An examination of Supreme Court advocacy from petition for a writ of certiorari through final oral argument, and an exploration of the role of the Court in shaping our collective understanding of constitutional law.
• Comparative Constitutionalism: A look “under the hood” at other democracies’ approaches to their constitutions and the potential lessons for our approach to delineating rights and integrating democracy and good governance.

All courses are reinforced by guest addresses from preeminent jurists, practitioners, and academics.

Specialized Programs and Elective Courses

Beyond the required courses, the Center offers a range of programs and electives that enable students to customize their legal education in ways that align with their interests and future career objectives. Notable examples include:

• International Human Rights Law: Connecting treaties, conventions, and the interplay of international institutions, this course lays the foundation for pursuing advocacy work through global human rights mechanisms.
• Gender, Sexuality and the Law: Addressing issues at the intersection of law, gender identity, and sexual orientation, students in this course focus on the evolution and ongoing challenges of key legal developments in pursuit of equality.
• Constitutional Crisis and Emergency Powers: An especially timely seminar, this course opens up discussion about the use and constraints of executive-centric power during national emergencies through historical and contemporary examples.
• Race, Law and the U.S. Constitution: Exploring how “race” has historically and continues to factor importantly into constitutional interpretation, adjudication, and enforcement, this course places constitutional discussions about equality, systematic injustice, and disenfranchisement in context.

Many electives also have an experiential learning aspect, providing opportunities for practical work such as legal clinics and collaborative projects with advocacy organizations through simulation exercises.

Internships and Practical Courses

At the CHR Faculty of Law Legal Center, we believe in practical education beyond the classroom. Our curricular programs emphasize learning by doing, and students engage in hands-on activities that impact the lives of others. Whether through legal clinics, moot court competitions, internships, or community service projects, students receive an unparalleled introduction to timely and relevant cases involving false confessions, voter suppression, immigration policy reform, and police accountability, among others. With our partners in leading law firms, advocacy organizations, and government institutions, students benefit from hands-on experience and the opportunity to make connections that they can tap throughout their careers.

Research, Development and Advancement

As a center of legal scholarship, the Center offers students and practitioners working in the field of human rights and constitutional law the opportunity to engage in hands-on, cutting-edge legal research. Students may assist faculty members in undertaking Faculty Projects, be published in the Center’s annual Law Review, or present their work at national and international conferences. Our Research Projects respond to essential issues such as constitutional reform, civil rights enforcement, and promoting international human rights norms in U.S. law. The Center also sponsors a wide range of workshops, symposia, and public lectures featuring leading scholars and practitioners from around the U.S. and abroad.

Who Should be Interested: Our Target Audience

The Center’s courses are geared to a broad range of students who share a commitment to justice and the advancement of the rights of individuals. Our programs are particularly appropriate for:

• Law students interested in acquiring substantive expertise and professional skills in the area of human rights and constitutional law
• Legal professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge and practice, as well as facilitate career advancement, in the private or public sectors of advocacy, litigation, or academia
• Academics and scholars interested in expanding their research on the great issues of U.S. law
• Social advocates and activists who wish to promote equality and justice in the American legal system

Center classes may be taken full-time or part-time, and we welcome applicants from throughout the United States and the international community.

Why the CHR Faculty of Law Legal Center

Students and practitioners choose the CHR Faculty of Law Legal Center for Constitutionalism and Human Rights because of our commitment to scholarly rigor, experiential learning, and social justice advocacy. Our expert Faculty-comprised of prominent legal scholars, seasoned practitioners, and advocates-draw upon years of professional experience and expertise in every course. Our innovative and cutting-edge curriculum engages with the evolving needs of the US legal landscape, and our emphasis on experiential learning prepares graduates to meet critical skills-based competencies for practice and advocacy. Our community is consistently lauded by alumni for its supportive culture, rigorous training, and the professional and personal networks forged while studying at the Center.

Getting Involved and Further Information

If you are interested in advancing your knowledge of human rights and constitutional law, or if you would like to contribute to justice and equality in society, we invite you to reach out to us. The CHR Faculty of Law Legal Center for Constitutionalism and Human Rights welcomes prospective students, lawyers, and advocates seeking information about our programs, classes, events, and application process.

Contact Information
Address	200 Park Ave 88th Fl, New York NY 10166
Phone	(934) 396-5869
E-mail	[email protected]
Website	https://chrprfcuni.com/

Advancement in human rights and constitutionalism in the United States begins here-join us in fostering a more just legal advocacy and education system. For more details, please visit our Contact Us page.