Requirements for Students Taking This Class as a Seminar

 The requirements for each seminar student are:

1. Participate in our class discussions;

2. Do a class presentation of your research paper;

3. Submit a reasonably detailed (at least 2 pages) executive summary of your paper by February 17, 2023;

4. Write a 25-35 page (double-spaced, with footnotes) research paper (similar to a student law review comment or note) on a constitutional law topic from the list provided.

You should focus on deep analysis of the issues in your paper and your research should focus not only on caselaw, but on the law review literature. You should support your reasoning and conclusions with many footnotes (probably at least 75 to 100 footnotes supporting the text) citing cases, law review articles, books, and other legal sources. You should have a footnote supporting every factual statement you make, any idea you borrow from a court or a legal scholar, and every case you cite or discuss.  You should discuss your topic with me at your earliest convenience. You must get approval of your topic from me. The paper will be due on or before April 28, 2023.

5. Here is a great book that might help you write your seminar paper: 

Eugene Volokh, Academic Legal Writing: Law Review Articles, Student Notes, Seminar Papers, and Getting on Law Review. It is in its 5th edition, but the earlier editions should be almost as helpful. I found a number of inexpensive copies being offered on Ebay. Check Ebay before buying new at an exorbitant price. I also have placed a copy of this book on reserve on the law library.

Your grade for the course will be based 100% on the grade you receive on your paper; however, your grade may be increased by one full point for exceptionally good class attendance and participation (including an excellent presentation of your paper).