Constitutional Law

The study of constitutional law examines the ways in which the United States Constitution distributes power in the American political system and limits the exercise of those powers. Constitutional law issues arise in most areas of law. Accordingly, courses within this area of study may be relevant to a wide range of student interests.

In addition to courses focused on the structure of the Constitution, students also may choose courses focused on the rights it guarantees.

Six Ohio State faculty members have worked as law clerks at the Supreme Court of the United States. One of our newest faculty members, Christopher Walker, recently clerked for Justice Anthony Kennedy, often the "swing" vote in close 5-4 decisions. Professor Walker teaches a Constitutional Litigation course for any students planning a career in constitutional law or civil rights.

The Federalist Society, a traditionally conservative group, is very active at Ohio State and sponsors dozens of speakers and events each semester. The American Constitution Society, a traditionally more liberal organization, has a similar number of activities each semester. It is common for the groups to co-sponsor "point/counterpoint" events.

Moritz fields at least two constitutional law moot court teams each year. In addition, many of the articles published by the Ohio State Law Journal are focused on constitutional law, including those written by students.

Course Sampling for Constitutional Law

• Advanced Constitutional Law
• Civil rights
• Constitutional Litigation
• Criminal Procedure: Adjudication
• Criminal Procedure: Investigation
• Federal Courts
• Federal Death Penalty/habeas
• First Amendment
• Fourteenth Amendment
• Law and religion
• State Constitutional Law
• Supreme Court Litigation