LAW OF DEMOCRACY
Examine the laws that structure the U.S. democratic system, including voting rights, electoral districting, the regulation of political parties, and campaign finance. Addresses the key constitutional principles and federal statutory provisions that govern these areas, with special emphasis on recent legal developments. In addition to covering doctrine, consider the theoretical underpinnings of the electoral system, the role of courts in overseeing the system, and proposals for reform.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: Declared in Law JD Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand and apply the key legal doctrines and rules that structure our democratic system, including the law governing the right to vote, electoral districting, political parties, and the financing of campaigns Audience: Graduate 2. Recognize the complex ways in which laws governing the democratic process interact with one another to shape our politics and policies Audience: Graduate 3. Examine and discuss the dilemmas the judiciary faces when it is asked to intervene in democratic disputes Audience: Graduate 4. Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of our existing legal regime and of potential reforms and alternatives Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand and apply the key legal doctrines and rules that structure our democratic system, including the law governing the right to vote, electoral districting, political parties, and the financing of campaigns Audience: Graduate 2. Recognize the complex ways in which laws governing the democratic process interact with one another to shape our politics and policies Audience: Graduate 3. Examine and discuss the dilemmas the judiciary faces when it is asked to intervene in democratic disputes Audience: Graduate 4. Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of our existing legal regime and of potential reforms and alternatives Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027