LAW 7020 - Legislative Process

This course involves the study of legislative process at the state and federal level with an emphasis on Utah state legislative process and issues. The course is divided into two components. First is the study of the current legal issues surrounding the legislative process, including: the initiative and referendum process, the single subject rule, redistricting, and theories of statutory interpretation. This part of the course will focus on current and recent events, e.g., the voucher controversy and the omnibus education bill, from the Utah legislature. This part of the class will be conducted through traditional lectures and will conclude with a mid-term exam at the end of the segment. The second component involves the formulation, drafting and enactment of legislation. The study of this second component will be done through role play where each student will draft legislation, present oral testimony in front of a legislative committee, and sponsor amendments to other students bills.