AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM

Spring 2019

Dr. David W. Neubauer

Department of Political Science E-mail dneubaue@bellsouth.net

University of New Orleans

REQUIREMENTS

Lecture:

This course examines a few topics that illustrate major differences between the common law legal system used in the United States and the civilian legal systems found in Europe.

During class Professor Neubauer will lecture but prefers discussion. Thus students are encouraged to ask questions on specific lectures or reading points which you feel need clarification. Do not hesitate to ask questions because the discussion could clarify important points for all students.

Reading:

All the readings are from David Neubauer and Stephen Meinhold (2017) Judicial Process: Law, Courts, and Politics in the United States, 7^th edition Boston: Cengage. Note that this is a NEW EDITION which means that pages in the previous edition may differ from this one. The readings are available on the Charles University web site.

Examination:

There will be an essay final examination which covers both the lectures and reading materials.

Web sites of interest

United StatesSupreme Court http://www.supremecourtus.gov

U.S.Courts: The Federal Judiciary http://www.uscourts.gov/courtlinks/

Findlaw is an excellent place to find American law. http://www.findlaw.com/

Library of Congress http://www.loc.gov/index.html

Assignments

Session 1 Law, Courts, and Politics in the United States

Neubauer and Meinhold Judicial Process Chapter 1 (read for a general sense)

Session 2 Federal and State Courts

Neubauer and Meinhold Judicial Process Chapter 3 pp. 46-62

Neubauer and Meinhold Judicial Process Chapter 4 pp. 80-89; 100-107

Session 3 Lawyers and Legal Representation

Neubauer and Meinhold Judicial Process Chapter 5 pp.113-128; 138-141

Session 4 Trials and Juries

Neubauer and Meinhold Judicial Process Chapter 12, pp. 343-355

Session 5 Trials and Juries (continued)

Neubauer and Meinhold Judicial Process Chapter 12, pp. 355-369

Session 6 U.S. Supreme Court: The Cases and the Justices

Neubauer and Meinhold Judicial Process Chapter 14 pp. 406-425

(read for a general sense)

Neubauer and Meinhold Judicial Process pp. 436-448.

Session 7 U.S. Supreme Court: Decisions and Their Impacts

Neubauer and Meinhold Judicial Process pp. 448-466

Session 8 FINAL EXAMINATION

Session 9 Individual meetings with students over course grades

CHARLES UNIVERSITY GRADING SYSTEM

91% and more: A (excellent performance; the student has shown originality and displayed an exceptional grasp of the material and a deep analytical understanding of the subject)
81-90%: B (very good performance; the student has mastered the material, and understands the subject well and has shown some originality of thought and/or considerable effort)
71-80%: C (fair performance; the student has acquired an acceptable understanding of the material and essential subject matter of the course, but has not succeeded in translating this understanding into consistently creative or original work)
61-70%: D (poor performance; the student has shown some understanding of the material and subject matter covered during the course)
51-60%: E (barely passed; the student has barely succeeded in mastering the subject matter)
0-50%: F (fail; the student has not succeeded in mastering the subject matter)

Visiting Professors from University of New Orleans, April 2018

Timetable of Classes

All classes are in Jinonice

Prof. Charles D. Hadley:

Class JPB556

Prof. David W. Neubauer:

Class JPB557

Week One

9.4.-13.4.

Week Two

16.4.-20.4.

Week One

9.4.-13.4.

Week Two

16.4-20:4.

Monday

J2083

15:30-16:50

J2083

15:30-16:50

J3093

12:30-13:50

J3093

12:30-13:50

Tuesday

J4020

12:30-13:50

J4019

14:00-15:20

J3014

09:30-10:50

J3014

FINAL EXAM

Wednesday

J2066

18:30-19:50

J2083

18:30-19:50

J3014

08:00-09:20

Thursday

J4020

12:30-13:50

J4020

12:30-13:50

FINAL EXAM

J4020

09:30-10:50 &

J3093

11:00-12:20

Friday

J4020

12:30-13:50

Individual meetings with students over course grades (Buffet at 12:30)

J4020

11:00-12:20

Individual meetings with students over course grades (Buffet at 12.30)