CJS 431 American Jurisprudence

What are we saying when we announce that 'No one is above the law?' What do we mean whenwe say we are governed by the 'Rule of Law'? What is the nature and justification for our legal system and do some groups in our society like women and minorities see the justification differently? This course will touch on the classic questions in American jurisprudence, the nature forms and justifications of our legal system. Students will be asked to identify, explain and analyze the fundemental principles of our American legal system. This will be accomplished by lecture, related readings, class discussion and case briefing. The overall goal of the course is to obtain a richer and more nuanced understanding of the principles underlying the American system of justice. As needed