Constitutional Law | L4164
This required introductory course examines the role of the United States Supreme Court and, in particular, the Court's power in exercising judicial review in cases interpreting the U.S. Constitution. The course focuses primarily on two topics. First is the doctrine of Separation of Powers: examining the structure and interrelationship of the three branches of the federal government, Congress, the Executive Branch, and the federal judiciary. Second is the doctrine of Federalism: the relationship and power distribution between the federal government and state governments. In addition, all sections will devote part of the course to an introduction to at least one aspect of the large field of individual constitutional rights. The specific rights covered will vary by instructor. Among the possible topics are: the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, the First Amendment, and/or the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause. Students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of these topics are strongly encouraged to take Constitutional Law II.
Prerequisites: None
Credit Hours: 4