Courses

Constitutional doctrine is undergoing its most significant revision in decades, driven by a Supreme Court majority intent on transforming American law. This course examines recent decisions to uncover the emerging themes of this new constitutional framework. We will explore shifts in rights protection—moving away from sexual autonomy toward guns and religious exercise, the consolidation of presidential power, the weakening of administrative agencies, and the resurgence of federalism as a check on national authority. We will also assess procedural innovations like the increased use of the “shadow docket,” which allows the court to make impactful decisions with minimal explanation. Through case studies, discussions, and analysis of court opinions, students will engage with the theory of originalism, which seeks to anchor these changes in the Constitution’s original meaning. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of how these developments shape the legal landscape and the implications for future constitutional interpretation.