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5. Constitutional Law.
Professor Minor.
This is designed to be a continuation of the class in International Law, dealing
as it does with a cognate subject; but in order to enter it, attendance upon lectures
in the former course is not essential. The two classes are distinct, and may be
completed separately. More attention is given in this course than has been customary
heretofore, to the judicial interpretation of the Federal Constitution, and
to the great constitutional principles prevailing throughout the Union; it being
considered that familiarity with the constitutional limitations on the powers of
Federal, State and municipal legislatures is more advantageous to the practising
lawyer than an acquaintance with the abstract theory of government. Nevertheless
the latter subject is not neglected. The course opens with a series of lectures
upon the Theory and Practice of Government. It is traced from its generally
accepted origin in the family, through its various stages, to the modern forms, and
effort is made by reasoning and comparison to show the benefits of good government,
the dangers of the bad. As occasion requires, attention is also 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 duly noted, and that wherein it is weak alluded
to as well as that wherein it is strong. The Federal Constitution is taken up and
discussed line by line and section by section, particularly noting the historical
origin of the more important provisions, with a close study of such subjects as ex
post facto laws, laws impairing the obligation of contracts, trial by jury, due process
of law, power of taxation, condemnation proceedings under the power of
eminent domain, the police power, interstate commerce, etc.—January 1 to April
25—Twice a week.
Text-Book.—Black's Constitutional Law.
The Professor's Notes.
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