History of the Supreme Court

For more than two centuries, the Supreme Court has exerted extraordinary influence over the way we Americans live our daily lives. Have you ever wondered what goes into shaping the Court's decisions—or the beliefs of its justices? Or how the nine justices blend divergent and often strongly conflicting philosophies to reach decisions that reflect consensus—or sometimes fail to? Or what it sounded like in the Court as some of the most important cases in our history were argued? "The History of the Supreme Court" answers these questions and more as it traces the development of the Court from a body having little power or prestige to its current status as "the most powerful and prestigious judicial institution in the world." The course is taught by a professor schooled in law and politics—both of which are critical to understanding the Court—who is an honored teacher as well as an experienced advocate.