This seminar offers an intensive study on the role of the Supreme Court in American politics and the concept of ‘judicial review’. We will examine the original purpose of the Supreme Court and the debates of judicial review during the American Founding period. We will look closely at the case of Marbury v Madison (1803) and the significance of that decision for the evolution of the Supreme Court and its power of judicial review.

This program will be conducted as a Socratic discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with the Discussion Leader facilitating the conversation, instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and come ready with questions. All attendees will receive a Letter of Attendance at the end of the seminar.