Ethical Issues in the Law: A Novel Approach (JS 619)
Tuition
1979
Conference Fee
549
Days
to
Course Location
Ashland, OR
Course Fees
Tuition
$1979
Conference Fee
$549
This course engages the participant in in-depth discussions and analyses of ethical behavior and justice at the point which law, literature, and life experience intersect. The curriculum involves a two-text approach: the literary text and the life text (the life experience of the judge who participates in the discussions). Participants attend plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and discuss the ethical dilemmas posed within the plays as the dilemmas relate to the judiciary. Plays this year will be determined at a later date.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1935 with the singular mission of bringing transformative, world-class theatre to Southern Oregon. In 2025, OSF will celebrate 90 unbelievable years with nine exceptional shows including Shakespearean works, reimagined classics, a powerful play from August Wilson’s canon, and the highly anticipated revival of our hit 2014 production of Into the Woods. Each of these selections offers a captivating taste of adventure, redemption, and insight into the human condition. Join NJC in Oregon for an anniversary season to remember!
towards degree programs
Course $1979
Conference Fee $549
During this course, you will learn to:
- Describe the ways in which literature exemplifies ethical issues facing the judiciary.
- Identify an author’s views of justice and the judge’s responsibilities to administer justice in poetry, short stories, and the selected works of William Shakespeare.
- Explain and apply judicial ethics in a manner that enhances public confidence in the judiciary.
Why should I take this course?
This course is designed to spark in-depth discussion and analysis of ethical behavior and justice at the point which law, literature, and life experience intersect. Participants will immerse themselves in literary works that serve as the focal point of discussion. The curriculum involves a two-text approach: the literary text (a play, short story, novel, poem or essay) and the life text (the life experience of the judge who participates in the discussions). Participants attend plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and discuss the ethical dilemmas posed within the plays as the dilemmas relate to the judiciary. Participants must read the assigned literary texts prior to attending this course.
Who should attend?
This course is appropriate for any type of judge, but especially judges with at least ten years on the bench. Judges who are willing to look at the foundations from which they make decisions should attend to explore the ethical and professional dilemmas they face.
Who are the members of the faculty?
Faculty members are members of the judiciary with an interest in literature and the humanities, who are versed in the model code of judicial conduct and facilitating discussions that dovetail ethics and literature.
How is this course taught?
In advance of the course, participants will be given access to the required readings. The course is taught as a facilitated discussion group with faculty providing background information and facilitating dialog about the plays seen during the week and the literature read in advance.
What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?
This course uses literature as a vehicle to explore questions of ethics and justice, and the role and function of the judge in these contexts. The texts provide a common basis for discussion and sharing ideas about ethical behavior on and off the bench. The judge’s own experiences provide the “subtext” for the course.
Whom should I contact for more information?
For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.
This course qualifies for 2 credits toward the Master of Judicial Studies Degree Program and Judicial Studies Doctoral Program at the University of Nevada, Reno upon successful completion of the course and passing the course exam. In addition, this course qualifies for The National Judicial College Certificate in Judicial Development program Administrative Law Adjudication Skills, Dispute Resolution Skills, General Jurisdiction Trial Skills, Special Court Trial Skills, and Tribal Judicial Skills disciplines.
This course engages the participant in in-depth discussions and analyses of ethical behavior and justice at the point which law, literature, and life experience intersect. The curriculum involves a two-text approach: the literary text and the life text (the life experience of the judge who participates in the discussions). Participants attend plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and discuss the ethical dilemmas posed within the plays as the dilemmas relate to the judiciary. Plays this year will be determined at a later date.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1935 with the singular mission of bringing transformative, world-class theatre to Southern Oregon. In 2025, OSF will celebrate 90 unbelievable years with nine exceptional shows including Shakespearean works, reimagined classics, a powerful play from August Wilson’s canon, and the highly anticipated revival of our hit 2014 production of Into the Woods. Each of these selections offers a captivating taste of adventure, redemption, and insight into the human condition. Join NJC in Oregon for an anniversary season to remember!