Children's Law

This class will focus on abuse/neglect and delinquency issues: How we as a society protect and prosecute our children. The course material will consider not only how the Children's Court functions in New Mexico but will incorporate broader policy issues being addressed nationally. How can we effectively protect our children without unduly interfering with parental decision-making? Does the state sometimes do more harm than good? Should we be treating younger children as adults and subject them to adult criminal sanctions?

In addition to lectures/discussions and guest speakers, we will have several practice exercises during the semester to give students an opportunity to address the practical issues of appearing as counsel in Children's Court. The grade in this class will be based on class participation, performance during assigned exercises, and a final examination.