Geoffrey R. Stone
Edward H. Levi Distinguished Service Professor
1111 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
phone: 773-702-4907
email: g-stone@uchicago.edu

Current Year Courses

• 40201 1 Constitutional Law II: Freedom of Speech
  A study of the doctrine and theory of the constitutional law of freedom of speech. The subjects for discussion include advocacy of unlawful conduct, defamation, invasion of privacy, commercial speech, obscenity and pornography, offensive speech, symbolic expression, restrictions on the speech of government employees, restrictions on speech in schools and colleges, the relevance of free speech principles to museums and libraries, protest in public places, regulation of campaign expenditures and communications, freedom of the press as a distinct principle, and regulation of the electronic media. The student's grade is based on a final examination and class participation. Students who have completed Constitutional Law IV are ineligible to enroll in this course.
  Winter (3) +
  
  
• 41601 1 Evidence
  This course examines the law governing proof of disputed propositions of fact in criminal and civil trials, including relevance, character evidence, the hearsay "rule" and other rules of exclusion, and examination and privileges of witnesses. The student's grade is based on a proctored exam.
  Spring (3)
  
  
• 49901 34 Independent Research
  Second- and third-year students may earn course credit by independent research under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Such projects are arranged by consultation between the student and the particular member of the faculty in whose field the proposed topic falls.
  Autumn (3)
  
  
• 50202 1 Constitutional Decision Making
  Students enrolled in this seminar work as "courts" consisting of five "Justices" each. During each of the first eight weeks of the quarter, the "courts" are assigned several hypothetical cases raising issues under either the Equal Protection Clause or the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech and press. Each "court" must select in advance whether it will focus on equal protection or the First Amendment. All cases must be decided with opinions (concurring and dissenting opinions are, of course, permitted). The decisions may be premised on the "legislative history" of the amendment (materials on that history will be provided) and on any doctrines or precedents created by the "Justices" themselves. The "Justices" may not rely, however, on any actual decisions of the United States Supreme Court. The seminar is designed to give students some insight into the problems a justice confronts in collaborating with colleagues, interpreting an ambiguous constitutional provision, and then living with the doctrines and precedents he or she creates. Constitutional Law is not a prerequisite for participation in this seminar. Enrollment will be limited to three courts. Since the members of each court must work together closely under rigid time constraints, it is preferable for students to form their own complete courts. This course may be taken for fulfillment of the Substantial Writing Requirement.
  Spring (3) b