Program Goals and Values

Philadelphia, PA

Law & Public Policy II – 3 credits
After spending the summer in Washington, DC, the Program continues in the Fall with Law & Public Policy II where Scholars shift their attention to the power of municipalities to effectuate change. The students work in collaborative teams to study some of the most pressing issues facing the City of Philadelphia and present novel suggestions for reform.  Former Scholars who work with Philadelphia City Council help us identify the issues and then help the Scholars get their ideas before policy makers.

State Legislative Policy – 3 credits
This upper level course examines the role state legislatures play in crafting public policy and explore the notion that a state can “serve as a laboratory; and try novel and social economic experiments.”  It examines principles of federalism and state constitutional law.

How to Run for Office – 3 credits
History has shown that lawyers disproportionately end up in leadership positions, including political office. In the Pennsylvania May 2018 primary elections, four current Law & Public Policy Scholars ran for elected office – two won.  There are now a total of four Scholars who hold elected office on the local level.  This course provides an in depth look at the law and rules governing elections.