PSC 391 - U.S. Civil Liberties (3 cr.)

An examination of the crucial role of the U.S. Supreme Court as definer and defender of constitutionally based civil rights and liberties. Particular emphasis is on the U.S. Bill of Rights and the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Legal and extra-legal influences on constitutional interpretation are assessed including the impact of judicial philosophy and ideology on constitutional interpretation. The Court’s role in the U.S. governmental structure and its interactions with other political/legal actors is also assessed. Students read landmark Supreme Court decisions in civil rights and liberties cases.
Liberal arts
Prerequisite(s): PSC 100 or POI.
Semester(s) Offered: Spring