Poverty Law: Housing and Government Benefits Law – 6220

This course reviews constitutional, federal, state, and municipal law as they specifically affect low income persons. It focuses on private landlord-tenant law and applications for various government benefits programs and eligibility requirements, both of which are common issues addressed by legal aid and pro bono attorneys. The course does not have an exam, but will have a couple of paper assignments. It is practice-based and satisfies the Experiential Learning requirement for students under the Clinic/Simulation category.

The course is one of two Poverty Law courses that cover complementary aspects of the subject. They may be taken independently or in any order. Taking either or both courses will prepare the student for providing pro bono work while in private practice, working at a legal aid office, or serving in public law.