The Supreme Court and public policy.

REVISED SYLLABUS (2/6/14) This course examines major Supreme Court decisions in light of constitutional doctrine and the public policy controversies at the time they were handed down. It then places them in broader historical context. The overarching thesis of this course is that the Supreme Court is a major player in just about every major public policy in the United States. Its decisions regularly address times aspects of major policy issues. The questions are, just how important is the Court, and just how much impact do these decisions have? The course will examine a number of major Supreme Court decisions and explore the political context in which they emerged, as well as the impact they have had. In addition to reading cases, we will read relevant political commentary of the times in order to establish the context in which these decisions arose and the impact they had. A basic American history text book (an out of date edition is fine) that covers U.S. political history from 1789 to the 1970s. (You can check used book stores in the area, shop on-line, or check one out of the library. If in doubt about a book, check with your GSI.) It is important that you become familiar with the political controversies at the time cases were handed down; between 1803 and the 1980s (other sources of information for more recent cases will be supplied as needed). Assignments There are five types of assignments for the course. 1.Briefs.You are expected to prepare a one page single space brief (400 words more or less) for each of the cases designated by an asterisk (*), and have prepared it before coming to class the day the case is discussed. They are like drug tests and will be randomly collected in class, read, evaluated, and returned from time to time. A brief consists of the following parts (pay close attention; all should be done in one single spaced typed page, of 400 words or less): 1.Name of Case (Date) 2.The Question (one sentence asking the single biggest question in the case) 3.Reasoning (a few sentences summarizing the court's reasons) 4.The Answer (one sentence answering the question) 5.Other Opinions (dissents; concurrences) 2.Class Participation. You are expected to read each assignment carefully before class and come prepared to be called upon to analyze the case assigned for the day. This means having read the case carefully, being able …