University of Arizona Law Introduces First-of-its-Kind Free Online Course on the Law of the Police, Open to the Public
In response to the tragic murder of George Floyd in 2020, the American Bar Association (ABA) established the ABA Legal Education Police Practices Consortium, a groundbreaking collaboration between numerous law schools dedicated to supporting the understanding and advancement of the practice of policing and promoting racial equity in the criminal legal system.
Starting on October 16, 2024, University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law will host The Law of the Police online course, a first-of-its-kind learning opportunity, run in partnership with the ABA Legal Education Police Practices Consortium. The seven-week course is designed to support students in comprehending the laws that police are tasked with upholding, the case law that protects citizens and officers in their interactions, as well as the laws that hold the profession of policing accountable.
The self-paced (asynchronous) online course will be open not just to law students but to others such as police officers, attorneys and the public, at no cost.
“Understanding the complex legal landscape that governs policing is not just essential for law students, but for anyone involved in law enforcement or interested in the pursuit of justice,” said University of Arizona Law Dean Marc Miller, a founding member of the Deans Advisory Committee to the consortium. “We are proud to offer this course to the public, empowering legal professionals, law enforcement, and the community with the knowledge they need at a crucial time for our society.”
Each of the seven weeks is led by a different legal subject matter expert to examine the evolution and reality of policing as well as inspire learners to be part of an evidence-based approach to understanding safety and security, that protects the rights and lives of all people.
“Once again University of Arizona Law leads the way, educating law students, law enforcement and the public on the critical issues of policing responsibility and oversight. I am thrilled that this groundbreaking initiative is being launched here in Arizona and hope that it reaches learners across the country,” said Patricia Refo, ABA past president, who was actively involved with the consortium during her time as president.
The course is based on “The Law of the Police” casebook (not required to take the course) by Professor Rachel Harmon. Harmon is the Harrison Robertson Professor of Law and directs the Center for Criminal Justice at the University of Virginia Law School. She is one of the nation’s leading scholars on policing and the law, a field of study she helped create. The course was designed by the College of Law Instructional Design team.
University credit, professional development hours or CLE hours may be available.
For more information and to register for the course, please visit law.arizona.edu/lawofpolice.