GOVT 357L

Information

Instructor

Syllabus

Assignments

Resources

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the American legal system with a particular emphasis on the role of its key actors. The political nature of many legal disputes will be explored as will the legal aspects of many political disputes. This course will also examine the potential (as well as actual) impact of citizen participation at all levels of the legal system.

BOOKS:

Robert Carp, Ronald Stidham and Kenneth Manning (2012) Judicial Process in America. Washington, DC: CQ Press. 8th Edition

Web-based readings - See Syllabus (Please check the syllabus regularly for updates and new supplemental materials. Please let the instructor know if there are any broken links in the syllabus.)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Two examinations will be given - a midterm worth 30% of your grade and a comprehensive final exam worth 30%. Two short papers (chosen from a set of 5 assignments) are also be required. They are worth 30% of your final grade. Additional assignments and class participation will be worth 10%. Papers must be completed to receive a passing grade in the course.

Attendance counts. Both exams and the paper will stress materials covered in class. The only way to do well in this course is to attend class regularly.

No makeup exams will be given unless I am notified IN ADVANCE and the reason you can not attend is valid. (That you've already purchased a plane ticket to go home or on vacation is not a valid excuse.)

There is NO excuse for late papers - a letter grade will be deducted for each day your paper is late.

KEY DATES:

Term Paper I - Monday, October 8th

Midterm Exam - Wednesday, October 24th

Term Paper II - Friday, November 30th

Final Exam - Saturday, December 15th (9:00AM-12:00 Noon)

UNIVERSITY POLICIES:

Academic Honesty

The University of Texas has operated under an "Honor Code":

The core values of the University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the University is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.

Please review the following to learn your rights and obligations:

What is Academic Dishonesty? (UT Dean of Students)

A "Contract" Between Student and Teacher (Bill Taylor's Letter to Students)

And finally, my thoughts and advice.

Students with Disabilities

This university abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which stipulates that no student shall be denied the benefits of an education "solely by reason of a handicap." Disabilities covered by law include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities and hearing, sight, or mobility impairments.

Students with disabilities may request appropriate academic accommodations from the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Services for Students with Disabilities, 471-6259, http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/

If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class, please see me or a TA, after class or during office hours, so we may accomodate your needs. We are willing to work with any student who needs additional help, but please let us know of any problems in a timely manner.

Religious Observances

The University of Texas acknowledges an obligation to accomodate all students who must be absent from classes or miss scheduled exams in order to observe religious holidays.

By UT Austin policy, you must notify me of your pending absence at least fourteen days prior to the date of observance of a religious holy day. If you must miss a class, an examination, a work assignment, or a project in order to observe a religious holy day, you will be given an opportunity to complete the missed work within a reasonable time after the absence.

Emergency Evacuation Policy

In the event of a fire or other emergency, it may be necessary to evacuate a building rapidly. Upon the activation of a fire alarm or the announcement of an emergency in a university building, all occupants of the building are required to evacuate and assemble outside. Once evacuated, no one may re-enter the building without instruction to do so from the Austin Fire Department, University of Texas at Austin Police Department, or Fire Prevention Services office.

Students should familiarize themselves with all the exit doors of each room and building they occupy at the university, and should remember that the nearest exit routes may not be the same as the way they typically enter buildings.

Students requiring assistance in evacuation shall inform their instructors in writing during the first week of class.