This course is an advanced seminar on the theory and practice of American
constitutional interpretation with a focus on civil rights and civil liberties. The
course focuses on case law. Legal theory and social science research are also studied
in an effort to explain the voting behavior of the Court and illustrate debates about
theories of legal interpretation and judicial decision-making. After completing the
course, students will be better prepared to read and analyze Supreme Court decisions,
isolate the factors that influence why judges vote the way they do, and understand
their impact on the policymaking process.

I.    Introduction and Judicial Power 
      A. Interpreting Legal Texts and “The Jurisprudence of Original Intent”
      B. Judicial Review
II.   The “Incorporation” of the Bill of Rights 
III.  Economic Substantive Due Process 
IV.   The Right of Privacy: Substantive Due Process Revisited?
V.    Freedom of Speech 
VI.   Freedom of the Press 
VII.  Freedom of Religion 
VIII. Equal Protection of the Laws

All academic work must meet the standards contained in "A Culture of Honesty."  
Students are responsible for informing themselves about these standards before 
performing academic work.  The penalties for academic dishonesty are severe and 
ignorance is not an acceptable defense.  Also note that the course syllabus is a 
general plan for the course and that deviations announced to the class by the 
instructor may be necessary.  (www.uga.edu/ovpi/academic_honesty/academic_honesty.htm)