While the national government remains gridlocked over the most fundamental federal responsibilities , states and local governments make decisions every day that have wide-ranging effects on the lives of every person in Montana and across the country. State and local governments regulate local land use, build and maintain roads, provide law enforcement protection, protect health, provide many other services, and, importantly, decide how these services and functions are to be paid for.
The State and Local Government course explores the many ways states and local governments affect Americans’ lives. The course will begin with a study of the constitutional and statutory provisions that define the powers of the state and local governments. The class will discuss issues of inherent local power, sovereign state powers, the relationship between states, local governments, and the federal government, and other background principles. Once a firm foundation is laid in these basics, the class will study problems formulated by the professor to illustrate the challenges that can confront lawyers who advise states and local governments, and lawyers representing clients who interact with the state and local governments and their agencies. Consistent with the Law School’s mission, the course objective is to acquaint students thoroughly with the substantive law while providing practical training for students who will be representing clients involved with states and local governments. Grades will be assigned based on a mid-term paper, class participation, and a day-long take-home final examination. |
