Course Information

8896.02 - Sem: Supreme Court Litigation

Professor: The Honorable Jeffrey S. Sutton
Semester: 2012 Autumn

Second Writing Requirement? Yes
Seminar? Yes
Professional Responsibility? No
Prerequisites: None
Means of Assessment: paper

Course Description

This seminar deals primarily with the process of constitutional litigation as seen from the perspective of the U.S. Supreme Court.  It includes a historical analysis of Article III and, more specifically, a consideration of the Court’s evolution over its almost 200 years of existence, with detailed attention to the way in which the courts exercise the unique power of “judicial review.” Some time will also be spent on constitutional theory, principally involving the legitimacy and scope of judicial authority in constitutional cases. Focus will then shift to the “nuts and bolts” of constitutional litigation--how cases are initiated, how the Supreme Court functions in screening and deciding cases, the essentials of effective appellate advocacy in constitutional cases, and the role and impact of leading justices. A “bench memorandum” on a currently pending Supreme Court case and a biographical essay about a sitting Justice are required. There is no exam.

The course materials listed above are for informational purposes only and should not be considered final. Students must check with the Registrar for a current list of closed courses.