Constitutional Law Seminar- Legal History: Slavery, Lincoln and the Trauma of Civil War

Catalog description

This seminar focuses on the constitutional and legal history of the Civil War era. Beginning with an examination of the legal history of slavery and the Supreme Court's treatment of slavery cases, including the notorious Dred Scott case, the seminar participants examine Lincoln's conception of executive power and the arguments arrayed against his broad claims. The constitutional theories both supporting and rejecting the right of states to secede are also studied. The development of military and international law during the Civil War is also examined. Both original and secondary materials are used throughout the course and a paper is required. This course will satisfy the Upper Level Writing Requirement.