Categories: Constitutional Law

Instructor(s)

Coan, Andrew

Course Data

Room 2260
R 9:50am-11:50am

Pass/Fail: No

Course Description

This course will focus on the major institutions created by the American Constitution—Congress, the Presidency, the federal courts, and the states—and their role in constitutional theory and practice. At its heart, every constitutional case involves a choice between two or more of these institutions. It is therefore crucial for judges and lawyers to understand the strengths and limitations of each and the complex interactions among them. To that end, this course will equip students with a comprehensive framework for understanding, predicting, and comparing institutional performance. It will then apply that framework to areas of constitutional law ranging from the Commerce Power to the Nondelegation Doctrine to the Takings and Equal Protection Clauses. Grades will be based on class participation, including a major presentation, and seven weekly response papers.

This is a very demanding course, which requires students to come quickly up to speed on a wide range of constitutional doctrines. Students also need to be comfortable with the basic tools of economic analysis, though no formal training in economics is expected or required. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to speak with past students or the instructor for more information before enrolling.

Con Law I required to take this course; Con Law II is recommended. This course meets Con Law II Requirement.

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