The Boston University School of Law welcomes former Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley to its faculty as an adjunct professor this spring.
Coakley will teach a three-credit course titled “Criminal Law, Civil Order: Policing in the 21st Century,” which focuses on the history and future of community policing. Inspiration for the course came after the assessment of current community policing in cities like Baltimore, Chicago and Ferguson, Coakley said.
“As I saw what was happening around the country with police shootings and civil concerns about policing, I thought about putting together a seminar for law students on the issues involving community policing and how we could make it better going forward,” Coakley said.
Coakley, alumnus from the School of Law class of 1979, said she enjoyed her time at BU and would like to give her students the experience she had at the university.
“I see this as an opportunity for students to look at real life situations, which sometimes you don’t really get to do in law school because you’re looking at cases that have been decided a long time ago,” Coakley said.
When asked about teaching full-time at BU, Coakley said she would like to remain as an adjunct professor.
“I’ve enjoyed practicing law, and I’ve always enjoyed the adjunct professor role,” Coakley said. “So right now, I’m very happy doing that.”
BU School of Law professor Jack Beermann said in an email that Coakley’s joining the faculty is a great advantage for the law school.
“Teaching here, she will be able to share her experiences as attorney general and Middlesex County district attorney, which our students and faculty will benefit from immensely,” Beermann said, “and as a graduate of BU Law, she is a shining example of the success of our students.”
BU spokesperson Colin Riley said Coakley’s current work with Foley Hoag’s Litigation Department might be a reason for not filling the role of a full-time professor. However, Coakley’s position as an adjunct professor will not compromise her impact on students, Riley said.
“Anyone who has had such a career as Coakley’s recognizes the value and benefit of talking to law school students,” Riley said. “[The students] are people who will be practicing law in the next 20 to 30 years, shaping the landscape both legally and politically.”
Several students said they are excited the Coakley is becoming a part of the BU community, and are looking forward to enrolling in the class.
Michael Ospina, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, said he hopes Coakley’s presence will bring friendlier debates to the classroom.
“Everyone has a right to express their opinions, but sometimes people take it too far,” Ospina said. “Hopefully she’ll create an atmosphere where students can express their opinions with a law practice and to not be biased.”
Adam Cohen, a first-year law student, said he hopes Coakley will share her expertise and experience with students during her time at BU.
“I think that’s one of the most important aspects of coming to a professional law school, getting that real world perspective,” Cohen said. “She’s a big name and you don’t get the opportunity to study with someone like that too often.”
Evan Bailey, also a first-year law student, said he would take Coakley’s course, though first-year students usually face some challenges when it comes to scheduling.
“Unfortunately, first-years don’t get to pick their own courses,” Bailey said. “You take pretty much the same classes your first year no matter where you go.”
Bailey also said Coakley adds innovation to the list of faculty members, for “she brings a strong public sector experience to complement [professors] with more experiences in the private sector, which gives everything a different viewpoint that you don’t always get.”
