Examines state and federal court systems, including the selection of judges, the roles of primary and secondary appellate courts in civil and criminal cases, lawyers and the organized bar, pressure groups, relations between state and federal courts, as well as the legislative and executive branches, access to courts, and judicial review. Emphasizes judicial policymaking, including constitutional law and civil liberties. (This course satisfies the American government requirement in all curricula.)
Prerequisites: POL103W, POL105W