What if a Constitution drafted in the 18th century is inadequate to the needs of a 21st century nation? How should we amend it? In this hands-on course blending team-based learning and discussion-based classes, students will jointly identify a small number of perceived deficiencies in the US Constitution, research the history, interpretation, and application of the operative provisions, explore alternative models from other constitutions, and develop proposed amendments for presentation to and discussion by the entire class.

This course is part of the Political Science and Legal Studies Undergraduate Research Engagement Program (UREP). When possible, student interests are paired with faculty in need of research assistance. Please visit the Political Science department website for information.

This course is part of the Political Science and Legal Studies Undergraduate Research Engagement Program (UREP). When possible, student interests are paired with faculty in need of research assistance. Please visit the Political Science department website for information.

This course is part of the Political Science and Legal Studies Undergraduate Research Engagement Program (UREP). When possible, student interests are paired with faculty in need of research assistance. Please visit the Political Science department website for information.

This course is part of the Political Science and Legal Studies Undergraduate Research Engagement Program (UREP). When possible, student interests are paired with faculty in need of research assistance. Please visit the Political Science department website for information.

The course will deal with issues that are unique to each of the respective trial courts. Case studies will address the manner in which disputes are resolved by trial or settlement. Some of the issues to be examined are sex offender registration requirements, termination of parental rights, sexually dangerous person proceedings and administrative agency appeals. The course will also focus on the equitable jurisdiction of the courts as well as an introduction into real property rights including the right, or lack thereof, to access beachfront property.

This course is designed to help students improve their ability to analyze and write about complicated legal issues. You should expect to do a lot of writing in this course. You will learn how to read and understand court opinions and how to find your way around a law library. Writing assignments include your own resume and a job application letter, case briefs, memoranda, OP-ED essays, and a research paper. These assignments are written from the perspective of a lay person writing to another lay person.

This course begins from this premise: what the courts do -- or fail to do -- matters for public policy. Through this semester, we will evaluate this claim. Our focus will be on examining the complexity of the law and of the policy process, and the role of courts in the policy process. The course will start with a broad introduction to courts, their power, and limitations on their power, and will then proceed through a series of studies demonstrating the place and power of courts in the policy process.

The relationship between law and social activism. The use of court decisions to effect change and mobilize support for causes. A critical look at such strategies to determine if and when they are effectve in achieving activists' goals. How sociolegal scholars should define social change and understand the role legal professionals play in structuring movement practices.