Legal Studies 291A - S-Narrative and the Law

In a courtroom, people tell conflicting stories and case law produces two sets of documents: an authoritative and performative narrative (the majority opinion) and a counter-narrative (the dissent). We will survey legal documents in American history to analyze narrative techniques, such as framing, juxtaposition, hyperbole, and the outcomes of these rhetorical strategies. What drives narrative choices? We will also read historical documents regarding the cases, such as newspaper or literary accounts, in order to understand the specific cultural and political contexts of competing stories.

Open to Legal Studies majors only. LEGAL 101