Constitutional Law VIII: 1787 and Original Intent

Catalog description

The central inquiry in Constitutional Law, and the question which most guides the U.S. Supreme Court, is whether the intentions of the Framers of 1787 should exclusively direct justices in interpreting constitutional provisions, or if it is necessary to adjudicate cases in light of changing legal and social circumstances not known to members of the Philadelphia Convention. We will begin with a study of the 1787 Convention and then read a series of law review articles advocating both of these perspectives. Supreme Court opinions will not be covered in this course. Prerequisite: POL 370 or POL 371 or POL 372 or POL 373 or POL 374 or POL 375 or POL 376 . Offered Occasionally.