Law 798:  Social Justice and the Supreme Court

This course examines the issues of police violence and racism in law enforcement, evolution of the Supreme Court’s role in policing decisions from the late eighteenth century to the mid-1950’s and landmark rulings from the Burger, Rehnquist and Roberts courts. A review of the legal reasoning the Court employs to impose minimal constitutional checks on police while gutting remedies plaintiffs might use to challenge police conduct will be addressed. Finally, the class will explore the national debate regarding inequality and how American society can move forward with common-sense police reform that incorporates best practices while assuring constitutional protection. The course focuses on the narrow issue to juxtapose to the broader movement of the Court over time.

Sequence and Prerequisites: None

Evaluation: Evaluation will take place through a final paper.