Con Law II
Spring 2026 LAW7125-30
Spring 2026 LAW7125-30
Class: Tuesday, Thursday at 6:00-7:15 PM in Room 1130
Office hours: Tuesdays 4-5:30 pm or by appointment (I'll also usually be available right after class for a bit, or you can use this link to book a time, and my office is in the Dean's suite in the back corner, 872A)
Constitutional Law II focuses on equal protection and substantive due process claims and doctrine under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. The course also considers constitutional doctrine under the Takings Clause, Contracts Clause, Second Amendment, and Fourteenth Amendment Privileges or Immunities Clause, and will introduce students to the Free Speech, Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment. In addressing these subjects, it considers various modes of constitutional analysis and argument and a range of constitutional concepts.
This course picks up where Con Law I left off. Readings will stress topics tested on the bar, as well as the practical aspects of rights claims, focusing on how an understanding of constitutional issues can enhance legal practice. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify situations where a possible constitutional claim exists and assess whether such a claim is likely to succeed in court.
Constitutional Law (by Erwin Chemerinsky, 7th ed.)
The 6th edition is fine, too, if that's what you have.
You are bound by the Law School’s Honor Code Policy, which is contained in Chapter 14 of the student handbook and the University's Academic Integrity Policy. In addition, we’re going to be talking about things that may involve strongly held views or affect deeply personal matters. Think a bit about how you say things, but it’s ok to be candid. Assume good faith when your colleagues speak (including me), but feel free to ask questions about people’s positions and express a contrary point of view or set of arguments. This course requires academic citizenship: a willingness to be an active part of a learning community and a commitment to value both your own education and the learning experiences of your classmates.
About me
I am a big law nerd (and general nerd), as you'll quickly see from class. I treat my classes like a joint project--we're all in this together.
Professor Marcia McCormick
Room 872A (in the Dean's Suite) or 954
314-977-2628 or 314-707-4768 (mobile)