About this course
What you’ll learn
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of the federal constitution, including the institution of judicial review, the limitations on federal judicial power, the constitutional roles of the legislative and executive branches, due process of law, and individual rights under the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Possible future trends of the U.S. Supreme Court will also be explored. This course will focus on individual civil liberties and 42 U.S.C. section 1983 claims, emphasizing redress for violations of the Fourth, Fifth, and Eighth Amendment rights of the US Constitution.
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the United States Constitution and its Amendments. Students will study the allocation of powers, the system of checks and balances, and the concepts of individual rights, liberties, and protection. Through this course students will also develop a better understanding of the Bill of Rights.
Learning objectives
Participants will demonstrate the following skills through successful completion of all required coursework and assignments:
- Explain the general provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution
- Discuss judicial review and its limitations
- Identify the elements of federal jurisdiction
- Examine the scope of national congressional power in commerce, taxing, and spending
- Discuss intergovernmental immunities
- Explain the scope of state power
- Describe the scope of executive power in domestic and foreign arenas
- Explain substantive due process
- Discuss procedural due process
- Examine the difference between the traditional approach to equal protection and the new approach to equal protection
- Identify the criteria for determining what groups are entitled to equal protection
- Explain the fundamental rights underlying equal protection
- Discuss the rationale behind the protection of speech
- Examine the essential provisions of the doctrine of free speech
- Discuss how the clear and present danger doctrine relates to freedom of expression
- Identify what standards determine whether a form of symbolic conduct is protected by the First Amendment
- Discuss the basics of the freedom of association and belief
- Explain how the doctrine of freedom of expression applies to the local forum, commercial speech, defamation, obscenity, freedom of the press, and political speech.
- Explain the establishment clause
- Discuss how the establishment clause pertains to public aid to religion
- Discuss how the establishment clause pertains to religion in schools and establishment outside of schools
- Examine the concept of the free exercise of religion
- Discuss the state action doctrine
- Discuss the power of Congress to enforce the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments
Continuing Education Information
Students will be expected to spend an average of 10 hours per week reading and completing writing assignments. Please note that extensions will not be granted for this online course. 70% is the minimum passing score on all tests and assignments for this course. Students may consider working ahead in the curriculum if they have the time. Coursework in Constitutional Law is equivalent to 45 clock hours of study.
Requirements & policies
Accommodations
The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education is committed to providing equal access to continuing education programs for students living with permanent or temporary disabilities. Learn more about the program accommodations (Opens in a new window).
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Paralegal I and II, or equivalent, or experience.
Textbooks
Required textbooks for this course:
- Constitutional Law in a Nutshell, most recent edition, St Paul: West Group by Barron & Dienes.
Highly Recommended Legal Resources:
- WESTLAW, legal research access, available for the duration of the course for only $89. Order Online Now
- Gilbert Pocket Size Law Dictionary, 3rd Edition. West Academic.
Organizations
Supporting associations
The Advanced Legal Research and Writing Certificate is offered by the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education in partnership with CLS by BARBRI.
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