This course examines the federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as the major social and legal issues they have jurisdiction over. Every week we'll examine and discuss America's most hotly debated cases and the issues that shape them. Covering both the substantive and the procedural law, students learn how to identify legitimate arguments for and against each topic and gain an understanding of constitutional challenges and limitations.

The class employs a student-centered approach, where I act as a facilitator asking questions and prompting discussions in order to promote critical thinking. Research projects and class participation will be encouraged, but not required.  

Students will be informed of the topic for each class the week prior. Each week students will be encouraged to bring a news article to discuss for the week's session. Students will be encouraged to look past the headlines. Topics include:  

Week 1: Court jurisdiction 
Marbury v. Madison 
McCulloch v. Maryland 

Week 2: First Amendment 
Tinker v. Des Moines 
Morse v. Frederick
Brandenburg v. Ohio

Week 3: Equal protection
Dredd Scott v. Sanford
Plessy v. Ferguson
Brown v. Board of Education
U.C. Regents v. Bakke. 

Week 4: Incorporation clause
Barron v. City of Baltimore
Mapp v. Ohio

After week 4 sessions will include new topics related to current topics being considered on the court docket or notable federal/state court decisions.