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Politics, Government & Legal Issues   

Course and Lecture Request Process: August 4 - 15, 2025

This course is full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, click the Add to Waitlist button. 

Beyond the Merits Docket: The Rise and Reach of the Supreme Court's Emergency Decisions

In recent years, the Supreme Court's emergency or "shadow" docket has moved from a relatively quiet procedural track to a more prominent part of the Court's work. Learn how the emergency docket differs from the Court's regular merits docket and its growing use in areas such as immigration, public health, and election administration. And, what is known about the frequency and characteristics of these decisions and their implications for precedent and transparency of the Court.

On Campus Session

  • Section Code: F26SSFPGL021A
  • Instructor: Rachael Houston

  • Dates: 4/22/2026 - 4/22/2026

  • Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

  • Sessions: 1

    Days: W

  • Building: Secrest Wible

    Room: 119

 

Criminal Death Penalty: Justice or Myth?

Death penalty has been the most extreme punishment throughout history. It has changed in its use, cultural application and acceptance over time. Most recently it has been subject to increased attention and has again become a major political concern. How is the death penalty applied in Texas, and how does it differ from capital punishment in comparison to the other states, countries and cultures in our world? What changes have occurred and why, and what concerns and ideas draw the attention of Silver Frogs?

On Campus Session

  • Section Code: F26SSFHCE215A
  • Instructor: Greg Hennig

  • Dates: 3/12/2026 - 4/9/2026

  • Times: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

  • Sessions: 4

    Days: Th

  • Building: Secrest Wible

    Room: 119

 

This course is full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, click the Add to Waitlist button. 

I Promised a Hitman He Would Get the Death Penalty

The court-appointed lawyer for a hit man charged with the capital murder of a husband, wife and 14-month old baby so the wife's brother could inherit a $400,000 estate will present the case facts, the jury trial, the appeal, and the aftermath of a highly publicized Harris County case that had more twists and turns than could be imagined.

Stevenson Oaks

  • Section Code: F26SSFPGL015A
  • Instructor: Ken Sparks

  • Dates: 5/7/2026 - 5/7/2026

  • Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

  • Sessions: 1

    Days: Th

  • Building: Stevenson Oaks

    Room: Fort Worth

 

This course is full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, click the Add to Waitlist button. 

Kings of France: Let Them Eat Cake!

During most of its history, France was ruled by kings. The course will dive into the facts, myths and folklore of the French monarchy. Get ready to learn more about the intrigue, glamour and debauchery of the royal families. Learn wig melting, head chopping, and odd tidbits of information to impress your friends and family.

On Campus Session

  • Section Code: F26SSFHCE041A
  • Instructor: Ken Seeling

  • Dates: 4/14/2026 - 5/5/2026

  • Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

  • Sessions: 4

    Days: Tu

  • Building: Secrest Wible

    Room: 119

 

Land Titles and Title Insurance--What Can Go Wrong?

Learn the basics of land titles and of title insurance from its origin in 1874 to today. Gain an understanding of how title companies work to prevent claims and losses--and why. Explore unexpected things that often come up before or during a transaction. Learn why title companies sometimes require unexpected people to sign documents. Along the way listen to stories about what can go wrong even when everyone does everything right.

On Campus Session

  • Section Code: F26SSFFIN036A
  • Instructor: Janet Minke

  • Dates: 4/17/2026 - 4/17/2026

  • Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

  • Sessions: 1

    Days: F

  • Building: Secrest Wible

    Room: 119

 

This course is full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, click the Add to Waitlist button. 

Legacy of Henrietta Lacks: Ethical and Legal Issues Involving Human Body Property Rights

Henrietta Lacks unknowingly donated cervical cancer cells for research in 1951. Her cells were the first human cells able to reproduce indefinitely. The cell line, known as HeLa, led to major medical discoveries and is still being used today. The HeLa cells generated huge profits for biomedical companies but neither Lacks nor her descendants were given an opportunity to share in the profits. This case raises questions about whether our bodies are our "property" and who owns our cells, specimens, and genetic material once they are no longer part of us.

On Campus Session

  • Section Code: F26SSFHCE171A
  • Instructor: Maxine Harrington

  • Dates: 3/10/2026 - 3/10/2026

  • Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

  • Sessions: 1

    Days: Tu

  • Building: Secrest Wible

    Room: 119

 

This course is full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, click the Add to Waitlist button. 

The Plague of Ignorance

In today's complicated world, ignorance is a huge, compelling problem. It has far-reaching implications in politics and life in general. This illustrated lecture will examine types of ignorance and its ramification for ethics, truth, responsibility, and better living. Importantly, we will address the personal implications of ignorance and how you can mitigate its effects.

Trinity Terrace

  • Section Code: F26SSFPGL020A
  • Instructor: William Greer

  • Dates: 4/29/2026 - 4/29/2026

  • Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

  • Sessions: 1

    Days: W

  • Building: Trinity Terrace

    Room:

 

This course is full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, click the Add to Waitlist button. 

The Supreme Court and the Rastafari

The United States Supreme Court agreed in the summer of 2025 to hear the appeal of a former Louisiana prisoner, Damon Landor, whose dreadlocks were cut by prison officials in violation of Landor's Rastafari faith convictions. Our lecturer, Dr. Middleton, helped to write an "amicus brief" that his team filed in September 2025. Middleton will describe his experience on this religious liberty case, comment on what this means for the Rastafari religious movement nationally and internationally, and then answer any questions you may have.

**Course time change to 3pm - 4:30pm**

On Campus Session

 

  • Fee: $0.00
  • Instructor: Mary Beth Lampe

    Capacity Remaining: -17

  • Dates: 2/26/2026 - 3/5/2026

    Times: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

  • Sessions: 2

    Days: Th

  • Building: Secrest Wible

    Room: 119

  • This course will cover the history of the lakes along the Trinity River and the levees in Fort Worth. We'll discuss what determines the lake levels that provide the water supply for Fort Worth and surrounding cities. Finally, we'll learn why the Panther Island project is being built.

 

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