This seminar explores the principles and practices which shape how legislation is conceived, introduced, presented and managed through the legislative process to become law. It explores the role of various actors in the legislative process and numerous “veto gates,” or procedural hurdles that legislation must successfully overcome to avoid being defeated or otherwise derailed. To provide “hands on” experience in conceiving, writing, advocating for, and negotiating the passage of laws, the seminar will conduct a multi-day legislative exercise. Additionally class members will have the opportunity and be expected to work with one of many actors involved in the New Mexico state legislative session that will occur during the semester. Potential roles would involve working with non-profit advocates or groups, legislative committees or executive branch agencies, or individual legislators assisting with legislative projects and analysis. More specific information regarding such roles and opportunities will be developed by the professor in the fall. To extent that students express an interest in the seminar at an early date, it will facilitate optimal student placement. Because some of the most important legislative work is often done well in advance of the session, some of these placements may require making a commitment or doing work prior to the start of the spring semester. Total time commitment throughout the semester will be balanced out to ensure it is appropriate for a 2 or 3 credit course, as the case may be. A limited number of students, with the professor’s approval in advance, may take the course in satisfaction of the law school’s writing requirement.