PO 379: Constitutional Law

This course examines governmental foundations as well as individual rights and freedoms. Students will study the plain language of the U.S. Constitution, the evils that it sought to remedy, Supreme Court decisions applying that text to situations unimagined by its drafters, and current events. The subjects explored in this course include: Judicial review, methods of interpretation, incorporation, the Bill of Rights, Terry stops, interrogation, custody, warrants, search and seizure, plain view, the exclusionary rule, arrest, right to counsel, Miranda, Massiah, lineups, photographic identification, grand juries, indictment, information, initial appearance, bail, preliminary hearing, probable cause, arraignment, discovery, the prosecutor's duty to disclose exculpatory evidence, the right to a speedy trial, the right to trial by jury, pretrial conferences, motions in limine, the confrontation clause, voir dire, and conditions of confinement. Students will learn how the Constitution impacts all Americans, from the artist to the anarchist, and the preacher to the police officer. This course requires extensive reading, analysis, classroom participation, and an oral presentation.