SMNR: Constitutional Courts and High Politics

• Semester: Fall 2022
• Course ID: 397S
• Credit Hours: 3
• Unique: 29630

Description

Constitutional courts and transnational tribunals worldwide have become a central forum for dealing with contentious political questions that define and divide entire nations. This seminar offers an opportunity for students to engage with cutting-edge research concerning this global trend—arguably one of the most significant developments in late-20th and early 21st century government. It combines the comparative study of landmark court rulings concerning key political matters with exploration of pertinent social science research concerning the global expansion of constitutionalism and judicial review, modes of constitutional reasoning and judicial decision-making, and political clashes over courts and judicial power. Among the issues covered are the engagement of constitutional courts and constitutional jurisprudence worldwide with democracy, elections and the political process; core dilemmas of collective identity; ethno-nationalist populism and constitutional retrogression; secession and self-determination; religion and diversity; equality; economic and social rights; and restorative justice. Evaluation will be based on participation, a short integrative comment paper, and a final seminar paper.