Supreme Court Litigation Seminar - LAWB 6249

Credits Hours: 2

Deals primarily with the process of constitutional litigation as seen from the perspective of the U.S. Supreme Court. The course includes a historical analysis of Article III and, more specifically, a consideration of the Court’s evolution over its almost 200 years of existence, with detailed attention to the way in which the courts (lower federal and state courts) operate in exercising the unique power of “judicial review.” Some time is spent on constitutional theory, principally involving the legitimacy and scope of judicial authority in constitutional cases. Focus then shifts to the practical issues related to constitutional litigation–how cases are initiated, how the Supreme Court functions in screening and deciding cases, the essentials of effective appellate advocacy in constitutional cases, and the role and impact of leading justices.

Required: Elective
Fulfills these Designated Graduation Requirements: Policy and Perspective, Upper Level Writing
Prerequisites: Constitutional Law