Time Schedule:
Rachel A Cichowski
POL S 367
Seattle Campus
Introduction to comparative judicial politics, focusing on the relationship between law and politics in cross-national perspective, as well as on the functioning of supranational and international legal entities in the international system. May not be taken for credit if student has taken LSJ 366/SIS 366. Offered: jointly with LSJ 367.
Class description
Are you interested in why law and courts matter for international and comparative politics and policy? This course, a basic introduction to comparative judicial politics, is targeted at undergraduate students who are interested in learning about the interaction between law, courts and politics in countries throughout the world. This class is a required pre-requisite course for the Law, Societies and Justice program and consists of both large lectures and smaller quiz sections. We begin by critically examining the (alleged) functions of courts: to provide for “order,” resolve disputes, and to enforce legal norms. We then turn to constitutional politics in democracies, asking how constitutional courts have changed national policies and empowered individuals with new rights. Next we study the development of constitutional courts in new democracies. In particular, students will explore an increasingly powerful supranational court, the European Court of Justice. Another supranational court, the European Court of Human Rights, will serve as a comparison. Finally, we will end by examining a newly evolving international court, the International Criminal Court.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Assignments: Exams and Research Paper
Grading: Midterm Exam: 25 %; Research Paper: 30 %; Final Exam: 30 %; Participation: 15 %.
