An analysis of the structures, processes and principles of different kinds of legal systems. Focus of the course is on public and constitutional law and special attention is paid to the contrast between common law and civil law countries. A survey of a broad range of freedom of expression issues, including the history of the development of free speech rights, libel, invasion of privacy, obscenity, commercial speech, broadcasting, and other legal restrictions on mass media and news gathering. A critical, sociological analysis of the major components of the criminal justice system in the U.S. Focus on police and police violence, prosecutors and defense counsel, trial and juries, sentencing, prison and post-prison supervision. This course will review and critique these uses of social research in U.S. courts.
Course applies theory and research to examine selected legal processes, institutions, and actors.
Analysis of the assumptions inherent in police selection and functioning, jury decision making, prediction of dangerousness, insanity, and competence to stand trial. Linz Course uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine historical development of the jury system, the goals, processes, and dilemmas of jury selection, and theories and research on jury decision making. Analysis of the impact of extralegal factors on jury verdicts. Students must have a 3.2 minimum grade-point average. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units provided letter designations are different.