In this course we will examine the historical
forces which shaped the creation of the Bill of
Rights of the United States Constitution, the
Supreme Court's various methods of interpreting
the scope of individual rights contained within
the United States Constitution, the difficulties
inherent in maintaining an inclusive concept of
individual rights in society where strong
government intervention is necessary to maintain
law and order, and the positions of those who
maintain that "activist judges" are writing law,
thwarting the will of the majority, and usurping
the legislative function of our elected officials.