LAW 200

Law and Society
Fall 2024

This course has six principal learning objectives.

1. Analyze decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court, so that you can accurately identify:

   • The circumstances triggering the dispute

   • The question(s) presented

   • The outcome

   • The reasoning/methods used

   • The doctrine/standard/rule announced

   • Alternative views

2. Articulate, from a global perspective, the unique role that the Supreme Court plays in American self-governance.

3. In the context of decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court, identify and evaluate legalistic principles of constitutional interpretation, including text, precedent, history, structure, and consequentialism /pragmatism.

4. Analyze and explain the ways in which marginalized and excluded groups have been and have not been successful in using the Constitution and litigation before the Supreme Court to enhance rights and equity.

5. Understand the extent to which non-legalistic factors—including political values and various political/constitutional theories—affect the Court's decisions.

6. Apply your knowledge to cases that the Court has not decided (including hypothetical disputes).