Supreme Court

An examination of the U.S. Supreme Court as an institution, how the justices decide cases, and the role of the Court in the American political system. After studying the nomination and confirmation process, students then turn to the work of the Court in deciding what cases to hear on the merits and then how to resolve them. Students convene as the Court to review, discuss, and vote on actual cases from the current term of the Court. Other topics such as the role of law clerks, the Solicitor General’s office, and amicus curiae are considered. Students may write a paper or draft majority and dissenting opinions in actual cases. Prerequisites: Constitutional Law I & II.