Exam Type: In Class

This course deals with characteristic arrangements under American law for the creation and transfer of rights to control and exploit property. The relationships of these arrangements to efficient resource use, the pattern of wealth distribution, and other social concerns will be explored as they are reflected in both judicial decision-making and legislative reform. Subject to variations of emphasis among professors, topics will cover aspects of commercial land transfers such as leases, conveyances, recording, and other methods of title assurance; the role of property law in producing and remedying racial and economic inequality; private land use planning methods; and zoning, health and safety regulations, and takings doctrine. The historical categories and assumptions of American real property law will be considered with a view to examining their relevance to modern social and economic conditions.