Law in American Life: 1776 to the Present

3 units

Among the many contradictions of American history, none has been more recurrent than the tension of justice and law--of aspiration and reality--as Americans have sought to make good on the promises of the Revolution. Although we pride ourselves as a nation devoted to the principle of equal justice under the law, the terms equal and justice have prompted bitter debate, and the way we place them under law has divided Americans as often as it has united them. It is the purpose of this course to examine the many and conflicting ways in which Americans have sought to use law to achieve the goals of the republic established in 1776. Viewing law as the contested terrain of justice, cultural construction, social necessity, and self-interest, this course will pay close attention to the way Americans have used, abused, or evaded law thoughout their national history.