Courts, Judges, and Controversies

Catalog description

This course explores courts and judging. Why do we have courts and judges? What does it mean for a judge to be impartial? Do judges' backgrounds, preferences, or biographical characteristics affect their decisions? What about the structure of courts - does institutional design affect outcomes? This course explores these and other topics surrounding courts, judges, and the decisions they make. In studying these questions, we will evaluate the American judiciary and justice system.