Course Description
The relationship between law and society, types of law, and the operation of the judicial branch of government, particularly in the United States.
Athena Title
Judicial Process Behavior Hon
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 4740, POLS 4740E
Prerequisite
(POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S) and permission of Honors
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is to provide a framework for students to critically examine the functions of the legal system. To accomplish this goal, students will learn the organization of American courts, the processes surrounding civil and criminal litigation, and basic legal principles in specific legal policy areas.
Topical Outline
1. Function of law and legal system 2. Federal court organization 3. Federalism and state court systems 4. Judicial selection: federal and state methods 5. Lawyers and legal education 6. Criminal court process, including plea bargaining and trials 7. Civil litigation 8. Access to the courts and resources 9. Judicial review and other instruments of judicial power 10. The role of the courts in a democracy 11. Judicial policies: implementation and impact 12. Constitutional interpretation 13. Statutory interpretation 14. Influences on judicial decision making