PSC 314 - American Judicial System
This class surveys the system of courts in the United States, with particular attention being paid to contemporary issues related to the judicial branch of government. The issues we cover include: courts as political institutions; organization of the federal and state courts; the function of the judiciary; the roles and impact of the actors working within the judicial system; analysis of criminal, civil, and appellate courts; and, the implications of the judiciary on public policy in the United States.
The central focus of this class is on the importance of the judicial process within the overall political system in the United States. Thus, this course should provide students with an appreciation that courts inherently are political institutions, as are the actors (such as judges and lawyers) working within the judicial system.
The central focus of this class is on the importance of the judicial process within the overall political system in the United States. Thus, this course should provide students with an appreciation that courts inherently are political institutions, as are the actors (such as judges and lawyers) working within the judicial system.
