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Supreme Court class allows student to try actual cases by playing lawyers, justices
By Anne-Caroline Sieffert
Posted: 11/9/07, 12:34 AM EST Section: Feature
Now students can decide the next big Supreme Court case.
In political science Professor Thomas Keck's PSC 316: Supreme Court and American Politics, students participate in mock trials, fulfilling the roles of Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., lawyers and the media. The class lets students resolve the next Marbury v. Madison. But don't forget to follow "stare decisis."
These simulations are part of a whole semester assignment.
"It's very valuable for undergraduates," Keck said.
Students come into class and have the opportunity to play the role of Chief Justice Roberts, or to argue in front of their peers on a case like legitimate lawyers - as seriously as if they were in front of the real Supreme Court.
Keck said his class offers a way to balance both academic learning and personal development.
Keck started teaching the class in 2003 and was met with wide support from faculty. The other professors agreed the Supreme Court class is not only practical experience for the students, but it helps them understand and focus on the role of the Supreme Court, Keck said.
The course consists of all real cases that are still on-going, and every student in the class is assigned a role of one part of the legal system - whether it is a counselor, a judge, a clerk or a defendant. Even the media is represented, as they provide reporting and commentary on the cases.
"The class is hard because you have to enter the role you're assigned," said Jessica Miller, a senior television, radio and film major. "You have to put aside your political views to be someone else."
Despite the difficult work embodying different legal roles, Keck said the students seem to like trying the cases and enjoy the whole process.
"It's not easy when you feel like the decisions and your way of thinking of the person you are playing are opposed to yours," said senior Luciana Amodeo.
Both Amodeo's and Miller's enthusiasm showed with their involvement in the class, as well as other students such as Scott Covit.
In political science Professor Thomas Keck's PSC 316: Supreme Court and American Politics, students participate in mock trials, fulfilling the roles of Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., lawyers and the media. The class lets students resolve the next Marbury v. Madison. But don't forget to follow "stare decisis."
These simulations are part of a whole semester assignment.
"It's very valuable for undergraduates," Keck said.
Students come into class and have the opportunity to play the role of Chief Justice Roberts, or to argue in front of their peers on a case like legitimate lawyers - as seriously as if they were in front of the real Supreme Court.
Keck said his class offers a way to balance both academic learning and personal development.
Keck started teaching the class in 2003 and was met with wide support from faculty. The other professors agreed the Supreme Court class is not only practical experience for the students, but it helps them understand and focus on the role of the Supreme Court, Keck said.
The course consists of all real cases that are still on-going, and every student in the class is assigned a role of one part of the legal system - whether it is a counselor, a judge, a clerk or a defendant. Even the media is represented, as they provide reporting and commentary on the cases.
"The class is hard because you have to enter the role you're assigned," said Jessica Miller, a senior television, radio and film major. "You have to put aside your political views to be someone else."
Despite the difficult work embodying different legal roles, Keck said the students seem to like trying the cases and enjoy the whole process.
"It's not easy when you feel like the decisions and your way of thinking of the person you are playing are opposed to yours," said senior Luciana Amodeo.
Both Amodeo's and Miller's enthusiasm showed with their involvement in the class, as well as other students such as Scott Covit.
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