The Bill of Rights   

While arguably the most famous Amendment in the Bill of Rights, the 1st Amendment is far from the only important one – nor is it the only one to be scrutinized, interpreted, and applied across the history of the Supreme Court's cases. In this class, we will study and discuss Amendments 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8, as well as the questions that arise when they are applied to factual settings. What is due process, double jeopardy, or an unreasonable search? What police searches may be conducted pursuant to an arrest without a warrant? What, if any, laws regulating or restricting gun ownership may be currently constitutionally permitted? Is the giving of a Miranda warning required by the Constitution? What constitutes taking private property for public use? What is cruel and unusual punishment? And what is “scrupling” with regard to jury selection in a criminal case? Over ten weeks of lecture and discussion, we will explore all of these topics and more. 

While arguably the most famous Amendment in the Bill of Rights, the 1st Amendment is far from the only important one – nor is it the only one to be scrutinized, interpreted, and applied across the history of the Supreme Court's cases. In this class, we will study and discuss Amendments 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8, as well as the questions that arise when they are applied to factual settings. What is due process, double jeopardy, or an unreasonable search? What police searches may be conducted pursuant to an arrest without a warrant? What, if any, laws regulating or restricting gun ownership may be currently constitutionally permitted? Is the giving of a Miranda warning required by the Constitution? What constitutes taking private property for public use? What is cruel and unusual punishment? And what is “scrupling” with regard to jury selection in a criminal case? Over ten weeks of lecture and discussion, we will explore all of these topics and more.