As a bridge between theory and practice, the seminar will examine the history, theory, and sources of rights in the two systems, the institutions for implementing them, and the remedies for violations. The seminar will also compare the treatment of particular rights in the two systems: for example, the right to life (capital punishment); freedom of expression (including hate speech); freedom of religion; equality and the equal protection of the laws (including affirmative action); and economic and social rights. There will be some comparison of laws of other countries as well.
Through this seminar, students will work on advocacy projects linking international human rights and the constitutional law of rights in the United States.