Students must apply to be admitted to this seminar. Enrollment is capped at 16. Application forms are available through Records Office Online. Interested students should email Professor Asimow to receive a syllabus that explains how the seminar will be structured as well as the professor�s expectations for seminar members. The grade is based primarily on a paper. There are no pre-requisites for this seminar and no preference for 3Ls.
This seminar focuses on the interface between two very important subjects: law and popular culture. Before class, students will see about ten films relating to law, lawyers, and the legal system. We will discuss the films� treatment of subjects such as the adversary system, good and bad lawyers, female and gay lawyers, the life of lawyers, legal education, the jury system, and criminal and civil justice. The seminar discussions will draw on film theory and film-making technique to deepen understanding of the interrelationship between law and popular culture. The discussions will illuminate the ways in which pop culture products (such as film and television) both reflect and change the social views about law and lawyers.