Prerequisites: None

Exam Type: No Exam

This course will examine changing judicial views on fundamental questions concerning the structure of government. The new composition of the Supreme Court coupled with the expressed interest of certain of the justices in re-thinking these concepts has led and will lead to the Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeals to re-consider these issues. These disputes will play out in cases addressing the interplay between the branches; between the federal government and the states; and standing and other doctrines that consider the ability of the judicial branch to confront these issues. Students will read very recent cases on these subjects. To the extent that there are cases on the Supreme Court docket that have not been decided, the students may also read the merits briefs and listen to portions of the oral arguments.

Note: This reading group will meet on the following dates: 9/11 , 9/25, 10/10*, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20.