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Course Overview

Constitutional law involves the interpretation and implementation of the United States Constitution. The foundation of the United States is based on constitutional law, and fundamental relationships within our society. This includes relationships among the states, the states and the federal government, the three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) of the federal government, and the rights of the individual in relation to both federal and state government. The area of judicial review is an important subject within Constitutional Law. The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution. Consequently, study of Constitutional Law focuses heavily on Supreme Court rulings.

Since the foundation of the United States is based on constitutional law and the relationships between the individual and state and federal governments, the content on this site highlights the unique cases that have impacted civil liberties and criminal justice.

Course Topics

  • The Constitution and Its Origins
  • Development and Ratification of the Constitution
  • The Federal Courts
  • How to Brief a Case
  • Constitutional Cases

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the historical development of the relationship between the United States Constitution and the criminal justice system.
  • Discuss the general principles of the Bill of Rights, and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of landmark Supreme Court cases related to criminal justice.

Workflow

  1. Complete the Pre-Knowledge Survey
  2. Watch the video on the Importance of the Constitution, the Supreme Court and Landmark cases.