THE FIRST AMENDMENT

POLISCI 412

This course undertakes an historical examination of the development of American constitutional thinking about individual rights and civil liberties from the founding era to the present day. Issue that are considered include freedoms guaranteed by the original Articles, the Bill of Rights, and the Civil War Amendments (XIII, XIV, and XV) as these issues appear in constitutional law, constitutional politics, and social and economic developments. The role of the federal courts, the nature and operation of principles of federalism, and the authority of Congress to protect constitutionally guaranteed rights are also major topics of consideration.

LAW 901

Explores American constitutional law governing speech, association, the press, and religion. It focuses on the leading First Amendment cases that have created the most expansive protection for expression anywhere in the world. Consider not only the reasons for protecting these rights, but also countervailing interests - such as public safety, national security, and equality - that may justify restrictions on expression. Consider arguments that the U.S. Supreme Court has gone too far in protecting some forms of speech and association, such as false statements, sexually explicit materials, hate speech, and corporate political spending.

LEGALST/LIS 645

An examination of intellectual freedom in the United States including censorship, minors' rights, the Internet, privacy, and copyright with focus on theoretical questions related to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and historical developments.

POLISCI 460

Investigation at an advanced level of selected problems in political philosophy.

POLISCI 937

Exploration of themes in legal and/or constitutional theory.