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6. Theory of Government; Constitutional Law; International Law.
Professor Minor.
The first lectures of this course will be devoted to the Theory and
Practice of Government. It is traced from its generally accepted
origin—the family—through its various stages to the modern forms,
and effort is made by reasoning and comparison to point out the benefits
of good government, the dangers of the bad.
This is followed by Constitutional Law, in the study of which close
attention is given to the judicial interpretation of the Federal Constitution,
and to the great constitutional principles prevailing throughout
the Union. As occasion demands, attention is called to the policy
of various acts of legislation, and the student is warned against
such as tend to exceed the limits of safe and constitutional restrictions.
The checks and balances of the constitution are pointed out,
and by comparing it with other constitutions, notably that of England,
its weak as well as strong points are developed. Especial attention
is given to such important subjects as ex post facto laws, laws
impairing the obligation of contracts, due process of law, trial by
jury, power of taxation and of eminent domain, the police power,
inter-state commerce, etc.
In the lectures upon Public International Law are considered the
various rules which regulate the intercourse of one nation with
another—such as the principles governing the origin, recognition and
equality of states; their rights in time of peace, and the means
laws of war, and the rights and duties of belligerents, and the rules
regulating the relations of neutral and belligerent states.—December 5
to April 25—Twice a week.
Text-Books.—Principles of Constitutional Law: Cooley.
International Law: Davis.
The Professor's Notes.
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