LAWS4453 · Law

State Constitutional Law

Boston College Law School

Many of the most important constitutional questions of recent times are being decided by state courts interpreting state constitutions. Regularly appearing on state court dockets are novel constitutional issues regarding abortion, gay marriage, the death penalty, education, the environment, health care, privacy, property rights, search and seizure, separation of powers, and state budgeting in times of fiscal crisis. As the Roberts Court reshapes the federal constitutional landscape, we can also expect significant changes from the state supreme courts, given the dynamic relationship that has developed between state and federal constitutional law. This course will cover the fundamental principles of state constitutional interpretation and apply those principles to current cases and controversies. The course will explore the history, text and structure of state constitutions and draw comparisons to the U.S. Constitution. The class will be taught in a seminar format with students having a