Course Description:  In this course we will be analyzing groundbreaking decisions of the United States Supreme Court through the lens of literature and film. We will be learning about how the Supreme Court’s rulings have evolved over time, especially as it concerns the issues of race, the rights of the accused, and other important matters that affect our society. We will also be watching various films and movies that deal with legal issues from a historical perspective.

Schedule/ Required Books

Each week, we will be reading a book (or part thereof) or watching a film that deals in some way with United States legal history. This part of the syllabus will be further developed as we progress through the semester.

September 5: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – This famous book deals with race relations in the 1930s American South. (There is also a film version.)

September 19: Gideon’s Trumpet by Anthony Lewis – This book deals with the right of the accused to be provided with adequate legal counsel.

Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg – This book deals with the problem of “big government.”

Film Unit

Twelve Angry Men

A Few Good Men

Inherit the Wind – fascinating movie about the Scopes Trial (teaching evolution vs. creationism in public schools)