SUPREME COURT SEMINAR
SPRING 2016
Professor Weinberg
This is the traditional two-hour non-writing Supreme Court Seminar originated here by the late Charles Alan Wright. Students participate as Justices of the United States Supreme Court, although no actual role playing is involved. In the week before each “judicial conference,” students do their own “clerking,” preparing for discussion of an actual case currently on certiorari before the Supreme Court. At the "judicial conferences," the “Justices” present their individual views of how the case before them should be decided, supporting their positions with arguments based on their researches. They thrash out the issues freely, trying to achieve a majority for decision of the case.
The seminar offers exposure to some of the Court's more interesting current cases, and to actual professional materials of national importance, while providing experience in analysis of legal issues through focused lawyerly argument. This seminar can be a revelation of the variety and interest of the Court’s current cases, and can introduce the student to interesting areas of federal law generally.
Because the seminar presumes completion of the first year of law school, it is open to upperclass students only. Enrollment is limited, but the course is open to all first comers. There is no pass/fail option. Two hours.
Weinberg, Louise L 