PO333 The American Judiciary: Law and Politics
This course approaches law as a product of the many political factors that influence judicial processes and legal decision-making rather than as a mere application of legal doctrine. We will also study the ways that law and courts play an integral role in the political process in the United States, with the court weighing in on some of the nation’s most controversial issues, including abortion, gun control, marriage, healthcare, and campaign finance. Topics to be covered include the structure of state and federal courts, the procedures for criminal and civil trials, the roles of judges and juries, and finally, a special emphasis will be placed on the operation of the Supreme Court and its role as interpreter of the Constitution.