The University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.

Law School Launches New Course Named After Breonna Taylor

A Kentucky-based law school is introducing a new course named after Breonna Taylor.

The University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law recently launched “Breonna Taylor’s Louisville: Race, Equity and Law,” a 14-week class open to 2L and 3L students. As reported by the Courier Journal, students in the class will hear from different speakers who discuss topics such as reparations, housing, policing and more.

Dean Colin Crawford, who created the course, says that while Breonna Taylor’s name is symbolic of the impetus behind the course and a greater movement in the nation, students in the course will be examining amendments to laws that contribute to systematic inequality.

“…As I watch these (protests) unfold, I think of the importance of the importance of the law at times like these,” Crawford says in a press release.  “Law is everywhere at this moment. Lawyers likely approved the no-knock warrant policy that has now been rescinded. Lawyers originally charged Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, for the shots he fired from his own, permitted firearm. A lawyer – the Commonwealth Attorney – subsequently rescinded those charges. Lawyers will represent Taylor’s family and Walker going ahead, as they will do for the police involved.”

LAWYER HAVE BECOME ADVOCATES

Crawford highlights the growing importance behind lawyers in times like these.

Specifically, he calls out a principle included in the 14th amendment that underlines equality of treatment before the law.

“The inequities that led to its passage, as recent events demonstrate, are tragically still with us,” Crawford says. “For my part, I therefore hope that this historical moment will lead all of us to re-examine the persistent disparities and inequities that too often characterize the structure and practice of our institutions, enabling systematic oppression of particular groups, and especially of African Americans.”

In relation to the police brutality and protests that erupted this year, Crawford reinforces the idea that lawyers will become more important than ever in pushing for change and justice.

“Lawyers will be evermore important in the coming months and years,” he says. “More will be demanded of us as we are called upon to dedicate ourselves, as officers of the court and as those who translate our highest principles into laws and regulations, to the cause of justice applied equally and fairly for all people, no matter what they look like or their station in life.”

Sources: courier journal, U of L News, University of Louisville