Alison LaCroix : Courses and Seminars
American Legal History, 1607-1870
LAWS 97601
This survey course examines major themes and interpretations in the history of American law and legal institutions from the earliest European settlements through the Civil War. Topics include continuity and change between English and American law in the colonial period, the American Revolution and its legal consequences, changing understandings of the U.S. Constitution, the legal status of women and African Americans, federalism, commerce, slavery, and the constitutional and legal consequences of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
The student's grade will be based on a take-home final examination and class participation.
Spring 2013
Alison LaCroix
Federal Jurisdiction
LAWS 41101
This course will consider the role of the federal courts in the federal system. Topics will include the power of Congress to expand or contract the jurisdiction of the federal courts, federal question jurisdiction, litigation against federal and state governments and their officials, direct and collateral review of state-court decisions, abstention, and related doctrines.
Constitutional Law I is strongly recommended.
The student's grade is based on a proctored final examination and class participation.
Winter 2013
Alison LaCroix
The Interbellum Constitution
LAWS 90203
This seminar examines the legal and intellectual history of debates concerning American constitutional law and politics between the Revolution and the Civil War, approximately 1800 to 1860. Topics to be discussed include internal improvements, the market revolution, federal regulation of slavery in the territories, the role of the federal courts, and the development of a national culture.
Grades will be based on class participation and a series of short response papers. Students may also elect to write a longer paper that satisfies the substantial writing requirement for an additional credit.
Spring 2013
Alison LaCroix
Workshop: Public Law and Legal Theory
LAWS 63402
Working from a variety of methodological orientations, the workshop examines questions arising at the intersections of public law, legal theory, and interdisciplinary work in law and the social sciences, with an emphasis on criminal law, legal history, and politics. Sessions are devoted to the presentation and discussion of papers by faculty members from other institutions.
Students must enroll for the entire year and will receive one pass/fail credit.
Students are required to read the papers, attend the workshop, ask questions, and to submit one reaction paper per quarter on a paper of their choosing.
Spring 2013
Bernard E. Harcourt, Alison LaCroix, Nicholas Stephanopoulos, Laura Weinrib
Workshop: Public Law and Legal Theory
LAWS 63402
Working from a variety of methodological orientations, the workshop examines questions arising at the intersections of public law, legal theory, and interdisciplinary work in law and the social sciences, with an emphasis on criminal law, legal history, and politics. Sessions are devoted to the presentation and discussion of papers by faculty members from other institutions.
Students must enroll for the entire year and will receive one pass/fail credit.
Students are required to read the papers, attend the workshop, ask questions, and to submit one reaction paper per quarter on a paper of their choosing.
Winter 2013
Bernard E. Harcourt, Alison LaCroix, Nicholas Stephanopoulos, Laura Weinrib
Workshop: Public Law and Legal Theory
LAWS 63402
Working from a variety of methodological orientations, the workshop examines questions arising at the intersections of public law, legal theory, and interdisciplinary work in law and the social sciences, with an emphasis on criminal law, legal history, and politics. Sessions are devoted to the presentation and discussion of papers by faculty members from other institutions.
Students must enroll for the entire year and will receive one pass/fail credit.
Students are required to read the papers, attend the workshop, ask questions, and to submit one reaction paper per quarter on a paper of their choosing.
Autumn 2012
Bernard E. Harcourt, Alison LaCroix, Nicholas Stephanopoulos, Laura Weinrib
