January 28, 2013

POS 282 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN LAW
In class today, Monday 1/28, I distributed one handout, my version of the VSDA case brief. We continued going over that VSDA case brief, covering prior proceedings, and the concepts of summary judgment and de novo review. We talked about the appellant's contentions, and the difference between rational basis review and strict scrutiny. We covered the first issue in the case, including the precise format for an issue. We will finish with the remaining two issues on Wednesday. The assignment for Wednesday 1/30 is to review today's handout, and also read and do your own version (not handed in) of a case brief of the Glucksberg case, through p. 32 of the text.

POS 384 CIVIL LIBERTIES
In class today, Monday 1/28, we started with a discussion of the Reynolds polygamy case. We discussed the history of the 14th Amendment, and the incorporation of most of the Bill of Rights into protections against state action. We talked about the distinction between religious belief and religiously-motivated action. We also speculated about the continuing validity of laws against polygamy. We then covered the Cantwell case, regarding the discretion given to officials to determine a status as "religion". The assignment for Wednesday 1/30 is to read through p. 122 of the text.