POLI 382 - Judicial Politics, Rights, Power

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

Rights constitute a central and inescapable ideal in the United States. The government routinely commits itself to upholding rights while minority groups advance rights claims to influence policy and challenge the status quo. This seminar will examine the US Supreme Court as a political institution, the nature and scope of judicial power, and the ability of the Supreme Court to generate political and social change. In addition, we will explore fundamental questions such as: What are rights? If, when and why do rights have power? What happens when rights conflict? We will focus on social and political movements in the United States that use rights-claims, as well as the various advantages, limitations and problems that accompany rights-based appeals. As part of our study, we will explore several cases including the African American Civil Rights Movement, the struggle for LGBT equality, campaign finance reform, and voting rights. Ms. Zuber.

One 2-hour period.