The American Judicial Process

This course examines the purpose and structure of American courts; the selection of judges; the role of jurors; how federal courts set agendas, decide cases, and impact legal policy; the role of interest groups and public opinion on judicial behavior. This course is writing-intensive; students will produce a central research project that asks and answers an empirical question about the judicial system, broadly described. Writing is a significant component of this course.(AG/PT).