Public Law Theory Seminar

3 units

This course will examine scholarship on theoretical issues in public law fields, with a primary focus on constitutional law. Potential topics include the separation of powers, arguments for and against constitutionalism and judicial review, and interpretive method. The first part of the course will survey traditional, big-picture debates in constitutional law and related areas, while the second part will closely examine more recent books or articles at the frontiers of public law theory. Instead of a long final research paper, students will be required to write several shorter papers during the semester. The instructor will provide feedback on papers during the semester so that students have the opportunity to improve their writing during the course. Students will be graded based on their papers and class participation. In order to facilitate an engaged discussion, electronic devices will not be permitted. Pre/co-requisite: Constitutional Law (although Professor Epps will consider requests for a waiver of this requirement from students who believe that special circumstances merit an exception). Drop deadline: 5:00 pm the day after the first class meeting.