How are disputes resolved within social systems? Focusing on this question, this team-taught interdisciplinary course presents different perspectives on trials and other methods of adjudicating crimes, settling matters of public policy, and resolving civil disputes among individuals, groups, governments, and organizations. Topics to be addressed include: the historical and Constitutional basis for the operation of the American court system and for juries and jury trials; methods of gathering and evaluating evidence; the role of forensic science and technology; alternative means of adjudication as seen in the function of administrative agencies; adjudication of disputes across international boundaries; adversarial, inquisitorial, and consensus-building approaches to dispute resolution used in past and non-western cultures. Format: lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based on two exams, a 10- to 15-page paper, and class participation. Enrollment limit: 50. This is an interdisciplinary course to be team-taught by faculty, from a variety of departments.

Hour: A. HIRSCH