2020年度

＜概要/Course Content Summary＞

This class will provide students with an introduction to the US legal system primarily through the US constitution， its development and interpretation. The class will focus heavily on the actual text of the constitution together with some of the leading cases that have shaped the constitutional jurisprudence of US courts. The role of the constitution and its interpretation in shaping national government institutions - the process by which the president is elected， the composition of Congress and the federal judiciary， etc. - will also be discussed. Whenever possible， comparisons to the Japanese constitutional system will also be offered.　
　
This class is being offered in English. Students will be expected to understand lectures and read English materials. However， Japanese reference materials will be provided whenever possible and the exam and other assignments can be written in Japanese or English， at the option of individual students. Students are also welcome to ask questions of the instructor in Japanese outside of class. 　
　

＜到達目標/Goals,Aims＞

The aim of this class is for students to acquire a basic understanding of the US constitutional system and some of its key features. Students who complete this class should have a better understanding of the structure of the American legal system in general， as well as the functioning of US national government institutions. Students should also acquire a basic understanding of key constitutional doctrines and some of the most important US Supreme Court cases. Although not a language class， participation should also make students more comfortable in discussing legal subjects in English.

＜授業計画/Schedule＞

Changes may be made to the schedule and content depending upon student response and speed of coverage. 　
　
During the semester several classes may be rescheduled.

＜成績評価基準/Evaluation Criteria＞

＜成績評価結果/Results of assessment＞   成績評価の見方について/Notes for assessment

＜テキスト/Textbook＞

＜参考文献/Reference Book＞

＜参照ＵＲＬ/URL＞