PHIL 114 A: Philosophical Issues in the Law

Autumn 2025
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Meeting:
MW 11:30am - 12:50pm / CDH 109
SLN:
20298
Section Type:
Lecture
Instructor:
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):

image of the roman columns from Supreme Court House, but the camera angle from the ground looking up. Some blue sky is visible. In white text on a sky blue background, the text reads "Phil 114: Philosophical Issues in the Law"

Dr. Amelia M. Wirts, JD, PHD (she/her)

amwirts@uw.edu

Course Content:

This course is a case-based introduction to philosophical issues in the law.  Unlike standard philosophy of law courses, in which most of the readings are written by philosophers or law school professors, most of the readings in this course are actual judicial opinions from the United States' courts. We will read selections from some of the most important judicial opinions in the history of the United States and explore the philosophical issues raised by them. 

This course will teach you to read American case law, analyze the arguments therein, and write about law in a philosophical way.  In this course, we will read cases in these major areas: Equal Protections for Race, Due Process Protections for Reproductive Rights and Family Rights, Federalism and Civil Rights Protection, and Rights Against Search and Seizure under the 4th Amendment. 

You will write 3 short papers and take weekly quizzes in this class. In addition to two lectures each week, you will have to smaller 'quiz sections' where you will learn to write philosophical arguments about legal topics and learn how to derive legal principles from legal decisions.

Catalog Description:
Analysis and critical assessment of various philosophical issues in law and legal reasoning. Material drawn from actual law cases, as well as writings by contemporary philosophers of law and lawyers. Topics include criminal responsibility, civil disobedience, abortion, enforcement of morals. Special legal or philosophical training not required.
GE Requirements Met:
Social Sciences (SSc)
Writing (W)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
July 17, 2025 - 1:24 pm