PSC 662SEM - Judicial Process (X-Listed W/ Law 821)

This graduate seminar focuses on the study of judicial behavior. Students will be introduced to some of the theoretical and empirical research on judicial behavior, as viewed within courts that are inherently political institutions. In particular, we will consider a variety of theoretical arguments made and the empirical evidence in support thereof concerning the manner in which courts operate. We will study various topics on courts, judges, and legal systems, including: theories of judicial decision making; judicial selection; judicial impact and implementation; lawyers within the judicial system, and, courts and the public. Much of the emphasis is on the U.S. Supreme Court, because much of the emphasis in the literature is on this single court. However, we also will focus on the study of other courts, such as the Federal Courts of Appeals and District Courts, State Courts, and the study of courts from a comparative perspective.

Credits: 3