LAWS8702 · Law

Introduction to Government Oversight

Boston College Law School

Government oversight is essential to holding public officials and government employees accountable. This course introduces students to the role of inspectors general who conduct oversight of publicly funded agencies and entities. Typically created by statute, inspectors general are charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse in the expenditure of public funds. By any measure, this is a broad mandate. With a case study as a guide, students will learn and practice issue spotting exercises, witness interview techniques, and how to draft letters and present recommendations to government officials. Understanding the principles of government oversight will expand the knowledge base for first year law students particularly those who have an interest in criminal law, regulatory and compliance practice, and in-house counsel work.