Outline

Overview

The United States Constitution and the United States Supreme Court exert significant influence on constitutionalism globally. This unit provides an in-depth introduction to the principles, core concepts, key cases, and current developments in US Constitutional Law. It traces the structure and role of the US Supreme Court, and the development of US constitutional reasoning from the post-revolutionary period to the present. It considers debates about constitutional interpretation, and the significance of different approaches to key provisions of the Constitution. Topics may include all or any of: judicial review; legislative power; substantive due process; the commerce clause; freedom of speech, race and the Constitution; sex equality; reproductive rights; presidential power.. Students will also be introduced to, and encouraged to engage in, normative debates about constitutional values.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	LAWS2011
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS5196
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jeffrey Gordon, jeffrey.gordon@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q&A following presentation (5%) Live Q&A from convenor and peers on presentation.	5%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Multiple choice quizzes (25%) 5 multiple-choice questions	25%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	In-class presentation (25%) Presentation on a theme or case relevant to the scheduled topic.	25%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	On-call class participation (15%) Each student is on call for two classes, leading discussion of a topic, theme or case.	15%	Multiple weeks	Two classes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early feedback task (0%) 5 multiple-choice questions	0%	Week 02 Due date: 03 Mar 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 03 Mar 2026	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Reflective essay (30%) Reflective essay based on all topics covered in the course.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 Jun 2026	1,500 words / 4 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early feedback task (0%): This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a 15-minute, 5-question multiple-choice in-class quiz held on Tuesday 3 March 2026 at the beginning of the seminar. It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from Week 1.

Multiple choice quizzes (25%): At the beginning of the first seminar in Weeks 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12, each student will complete a short in‑class multiple‑choice quiz (15 minutes). Each quiz will consist of five questions testing comprehension of key constitutional doctrines and cases covered to that point in the semester. The final mark for this assessment will be based on the highest three marks out of the five marks received. Students who do not complete one (or two) of the quizzes will receive a final mark based on the other four (or three) quizzes. Students who do not complete three or more of the quizzes and obtain special consideration will be given an alternative or varied assessment task, with the format to be determined by the unit coordinator.

On‑call class participation (15%): Each student will be on call for two designated seminars during the semester, where they will lead discussion of a case, theme or topic. Students are expected to prepare in advance and contribute substantively to class dialogue. Students will sign up for their nominated seminars in Week 1.

In‑class presentation (25%): Each student will deliver a 15‑minute presentation on a theme or case of their own choosing. Students select their topic (with approval). Presentations will be scheduled throughout the second half of semester.

Q&A following presentation (5%): Immediately following their in‑class presentation, each student will participate in a short live Q&A session with the convenor and peers (approximately 5 minutes).

Reflective essay (30%): Each student will submit a written assignment of up to 1,500 words (excluding references and footnotes), which will be released on Friday 24 April 2026 at 12:00pm and due on Monday 25 May 2026 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time). The written assignment is a reflective essay drawing on themes and cases covered throughout the course.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. Please note that as the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Completely answers the question. Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	Completely answers the question. Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. Generally well expressed and free from errors. Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. Contains no significant errors. Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. Contains some significant errors. Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. Offers a descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. Adequate expression. Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	Does not answer the question. Contains significant or numerous errors. Few or no identifiable arguments. Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. Lack of research or analysis. Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

A student who has not obtained an approved extension via Special Consideration or their Academic Plan will be penalised for late submission of written work at a rate of 5% of the total mark for the assignment per day or part-day (including weekends and public holidays). Subject to a ten-minute grace-period, penalties for late submission will be strictly applied.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction; The United States court system	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 02	Marbury v Madison and judicial review; McCulloch v Maryland and legislative power	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 03	Presidential power	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 04	Lochner v New York and substantive due process; the commerce clause	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 05	Freedom of speech: principles and levels of protection; freedom of speech: the new Lochner?	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 07	Race and the Constitution: before the Civil War	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 08	Race and the Constitution: the Civil War amendments	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 10	Race and the Constitution: Brown v Board of Education	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 11	Sex/gender equality	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 12	Reproductive rights	Seminar (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Canvas site under 'Reading List'.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Critically analyse the U.S. Constitution, its principles, and the various approaches to its interpretation.
LO2. Critically evaluate key concepts, theoretical resources, and significant cases in U.S. constitutional law.
LO3. Engage with and articulate normative debates about constitutional values.
LO4. Apply relevant legal research skills to construct logical, well-structured legal analyses on topics in U.S. constitutional law and communicate these to diverse audiences.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to assessment regime.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS3496: United States Constitutional Law

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links