DDRO 27A37 - The Role of the Supreme Court in American Politics

To a greater extent than in most countries, in the United States social and political struggles play out in the courts. Landmark Supreme Court decisions, such as those dealing with racial

segregation and civil rights, women’s and LGBT+ rights, capital punishment and the rights of the accused, and freedom of speech and religion, have provided important focal points of political contestation. This course will consider the role of the Supreme Court and of constitutional law in American politics, through both an overview of key cases, and a closer reading of a selection of them. Students will be asked to critically assess the legacy of the American legal system from an institutional and a socio-political -- rather than strictly legalistic -- perspective, particularly for popular movements seeking greater equality and the expansion of democracy.

Assessment will be based on…….