This course examines the manner in which the United States Supreme Court has defined rights and liberties that are protected by the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. Students will learn the extent of their speech, religious, and privacy rights as well as protections afforded the criminally accused. Decisions of the United States Supreme Court will be examined and the impact those decisions have on the politics and culture of the nation. Prerequisite: POLI 130 or permission of the instructor, sophomore standing. Spring semester, alternate years.