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The role of the law and courts in promoting freedom and equality. Initial focus on the meaning of and issues related to the values of freedom, equality, and democracy. The focus then shifts to the Supreme Court’s interpretation of selected provisions of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. Specific topics include the incorporation doctrine, freedom of speech and religion, privacy, racial equality, gender equality, political and economic equality, and criminal defendant rights. Legal and political dimensions of these decisions will be given special attention. Prerequisite: PG 111 or permission of the instructor. PG 351 is recommended as a prerequisite.