The American Legal System
Political Science 222: 6175 (4 credits)

Professor Michael Paris

[email protected]

June 1—24.

Hybrid: Class Meets:
In Person: Mon., Tue., Wed., 9:00-12:30
Online Asynchronous, Thurs.

This introductory survey course examines the role of law in American society and politics.  The course covers a broad range of topics in legal studies, including:  (1) the nature of law and the logic of legal reasoning; (2) feminism and the law; (3) crime and punishment; (4) the legal profession, legal education, the “adversary ethic”; (5) law and morality; and (6) the jury system.  Throughout, we will be concerned with law and its relationships to cultural change, political conflict, and morality.  This course will also include viewing and responding to several films, including:  State v. Coon, Powell, et al. (The Rodney King Trial); and 12 Angry Men.