The Theory and Practice of Justice: The American Historical Experience

LEGAL STUDIES 2152

This introductory course uses historical case studies combined with readings in law, literature, and philosophy to illuminate key episodes where definitions of justice were contested in 19th and 20th century America. Some of the conflicts to be explored include: Cherokee Removal, Civil War era debates over southern secession; whether reparation should be offered to freed people to redress the injustices of racial slavery; the denial of voting rights to women as a case of "taxation without representation"; 20th century controversies over legal bans on racial intermarriage; free speech versus hate speech in the 1960s and 70s; and recent debates over affirmative action and gay marriage. Attendance Required.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU Hum; BU Eth; AS HUM; AS SD I; FA HUM; AS SC

Section 01

The Theory and Practice of Justice: The American Historical Experience
INSTRUCTOR: Bernstein
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