In this class, we will try to understand American law by reading
both classic works in legal theory and real legal cases.  During the first
part of the semester, we will focus the meaning and nature of law in
general.  What is law?  Why should we obey it?  What is legal authority, and
how (if at all) does it differ for citizens and judges?  We will then use
these basic concepts to examine several important historical and
contemporary legal controversies in the United States, including slavery,
school desegregation, affirmative action, abortion, hate speech, and drug
use in religious practice.  In turn, these vexing legal problems should help
us come to terms with some of the strengths and weaknesses in existing legal
theories.  Throughout the semester, we will evaluate the extent to which the
Constitution resembles -- and differs -- from traditional conceptions of
law.  We will also grapple with the dilemma of the proper relation of law
and morality.
		Requirements: regular attendance, four (1 p.) reaction
papers, two (5 pp.) "judicial opinions," one (10 pp.) long paper, and
periodic in-class written work.