Law and Argument in the U.S.

July 12-23, 2027 Rose Hill

Non-Credit Course

This course considers how the Supreme Court—and the US legal system more broadly—works in an era of polarization. Students will gain practice in college-style discussions, writing, and argument formation. Students will also participate in two simulations, one on the Senate confirmation process for Supreme Court justices and the second arguing a mock Supreme Court case. Class field trips are planned to the Jay Heritage Center in Rye and federal court either in lower Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Students will:

• Learn more about how the Supreme Court works and how the
  decisions it makes relate to the health of American democracy in an era of
  polarization.
• Participate in college-style discussions, learning how to critically
  and respectfully discuss different ideas with their peers.
• Learn how to make effective oral arguments and how to use evidence
  effectively to support their viewpoint.
• Gain practice in college-style writing in the argument essay genre,
  learning how to provide and respond to suggestions from their peers. (I will also
  provide feedback.)
• Participate in two simulations that will provide insight into how the
  democratic process works, as well as giving training in effective oral
  communication.
• Have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of experts in the
  law such as attorneys and federal judges.

Overall Takeaways

• Students will have gained experience using evidence to support and advance an argument, both orally and in writing. These skills will benefit students both in the application process and as beginning college students.
• Students will be able to respectfully discuss ideas in the law with their peers, presenting their own viewpoint while also engaging with those with differing perspectives.
• Students will gain appreciation for how college courses approach topics in law and politics, serving as a guide when they decide which courses they might like to take in college.
• Students will learn about the wide array of careers that exist related to the law.

Instructor's Bio

Jacob Smith (he/him) is assistant professor of Political Science at Fordham University. His research and teaching focuses on American politics, with a particular focus on political institutions and congressional elections. He has published two books about American politics with University of Michigan Press and frequently gives interviews on a variety of political topics to print and broadcast news outlets around the world. He is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A.) and UNC-Chapel Hill (M.A. and Ph.D.).

Course Schedule

Week 1

Monday: Intro to Class and Discussion of the Supreme Court in American Democracy

• Morning icebreaker activities (both as a group and some individual writing activities).
• Discussion of selections from The Most Dangerous Branch.
• Further class activities designed to establish classroom rapport.

Tuesday: Discussion of Part II of the Most Dangerous Branch

• Small and large group discussion of selections of the Most Dangerous Branch.
• Discussion of Chief Justice John Jay and our field trip.

Wednesday: Visit to the Jay Heritage Center

• Visit the Jay Heritage Center in Rye, NY (childhood home of the first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court John Jay)
• Discussion of the 2000 Election and its significance for public trust in the Court.

Thursday: College Writing + Prepare for Simulation I

• Zoom visit from a federal judge (may need to be moved to a different day based upon availability).
• Discussion of college-level argument essay writing (and more generally, being a college student).
• Individual and group writing and revision exercises with instructor feedback.
• Preparation for Senate confirmation hearing simulation.

Friday: Simulation I- Senate Confirmation Hearing

• Senate confirmation hearing simulation.
• Debrief of confirmation hearing simulation and our first week.
• Reflection activities on the first week.

Week 2

Monday: Visit to the US Court of Appeals for the 2^nd District

• Discussion of the structure of lower courts and the jury system.
• Discussion of the federal court system and major Supreme Court cases from the most recent term.
• Listening to and analyzing oral arguments in cases.

Tuesday: Discussing the Recent Supreme Court Term and American Democracy

• Discussion of the implication of recent cases such as Trump v. US on presidential power.
• Discussion of major cases from 2026-27 US Supreme Court term.

Wednesday: The Stages of Supreme Court Cases + Prepare for Simulation II

• Visit to the 2^nd District Court of Appeals courthouse in Brooklyn or Manhattan. (may need to be moved to a different day based upon availability)
• Reflection on our visit and prepare for simulation.

Thursday:  Simulation II- Supreme Court Case and Wrap-Up

• Supreme Court case simulation.
• Wrap up of course and discussion of what we learned.

2027 applications will open in late November. Please sign up to stay informed about the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy, or email us with questions!