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Course Description:

“The United States Supreme Court in Historical Perspective”

Photograph courtesy of the Supreme Court of the United States

Taught by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and Georgetown University Law Center Professor Richard Lazarus; introduction by New England Law | Boston Professor Lawrence Friedman

July 6-24, 2009
The National University of Ireland, Galway

This summer program was offered by the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland and the Consortium for Innovative Legal Education, Inc. (CILE)

The United States Supreme Court in Historical Perspective, taught by Chief Justice Roberts and Professor Lazarus, examined how the role and operation of the Supreme Court have changed since the nation’s founding, with particular emphasis on the role of the Chief Justice and the ways that several of the Chief Justices, from John Marshall to William Rehnquist, have influenced the Court’s role. The course also reviewed how advocacy before the Court has changed over time, with particular emphasis on some of the most effective advocates.

Professor Lazarus. Photo courtesy of Georgetown Law

This two-week course was preceded by a one-week prerequisite, “How the U.S. Supreme Court Works: An Introduction,” taught by New England Law | Boston Professor Lawrence Friedman. It focused on the work of the modern Supreme Court and such issues as judicial appointment and confirmation, jurisdiction, and the process of deciding cases.

New England Law | Boston Professor Philip Hamilton was also featured in the summer 2009 program; Professor Hamilton taught “Legal History: The Development of Human Rights Law.”

"Postcards from Galway" – More information about our summer program in Ireland. >