Fall 2017 Course Schedule

The Supreme Court (LAW-707A-001)
Stephen Wermiel

Meets: 01:00 PM - 02:50 PM (M) - Warren - Room N101

Enrolled: 28 / Limit: 28 / Waitlist: 1

Administrator Access


Notices

Meets Upper-Level Writing Requirement with prior professor approval. Assessment:Paper; In-class Project(s); Out-of-class Project(s); Class Participation.

Description

The seminar examines in detail the way the Supreme Court operates as an institution. Topics include the nomination process, the granting of certiorari and shaping of the docket, the role of law clerks, the purpose of oral arguments, the influence of briefs and amicus briefs, the impact of the media and public opinion, and the process for deciding the cases. There will be role-playing exercises designed to promote critical thinking about the business of the Court, including voting on certiorari petitions and drafting short, collaborative opinions. The seminar requires class participation and a research paper, which may be used to satisfy the upper-level writing requirement. The final grade will be based on the paper and both written and oral class participation.

Textbooks and Other Materials

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First Class Readings

Not available at this time.

Syllabus

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