LS-520: History of U.S. Law & Legal Systems

This course examines the evolution of the intersection of American Law and culture from the late colonial period to the twentieth century. This course will specifically analyze legal history from a cultural perspective. Among the subjects covered are the questions over sovereignty and freedom posed by the American Revolution, the ratification and implementation of the American Constitution, 19th Century debates over federalism and citizenship, reforms of the Progressive era, and the ways in which the legal system transformed during the postwar era. Special attention will be paid to the relationship between American law and social justice, particularly the women's rights and civil rights movements. By examining the historical context, students will gain a deeper understanding of how the U.S. legal system has adapted and evolved in response to societal, political, and economic changes.