The Constitutional Law (Structure and Rights) course covers both the structural and individual aspects of the US Constitution. The Supreme Court of the United States plays the primary role in interpreting the meaning of the constitution, but all federal courts are limited to deciding issues as they come up in the course of normal litigation.

In the federalist system created by the constitution, the federal government is limited to enumerated powers with commerce power being a historically important power. As for individual rights, laws impacting fundamental rights or creating suspect classifications receive strict scrutiny. Free speech rights and separation of church and state principles are especially important.

By the end of the course, students should be able to: