Thomas Jefferson School of Law

 

This course explores legal concepts relating to fine art and cultural property, and the practical impact of applying such concepts in the "art world", comprised of artists, collectors, critics, historians, restorers, dealers, galleries, auction houses, museums, art schools, guilds, government departments and agencies, and the like. Students will examine relevant domestic and foreign law, together with multilateral treaties and conventions, and analyze issues involving the creation, ownership, sale, purchase, lending, licensing, movement, display, reproduction, adaptation, destruction, theft, and recovery of fine art and cultural property. Some of these issues manifest in high-profile cases of censorship, smuggling, forgery, grave plundering, and wartime looting, a few of which will be addressed. In addition, seminar participants will review agreements and other documents used in fine art and cultural property transactions. Seminar sessions will require student participation in guided discussions. In addition to such discussions, students will be required to outline, draft, and complete a research paper on a related topic of their choosing (subject to approval by the professor), which will qualify for Upper Level Writing Requirement credit. Finally, each student will conduct an oral presentation on their paper topic. The final grade will be based upon preparedness, class participation, the final research paper, and the oral presentation.

 

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