Understanding the Mock Court Schedule

History 411 (Honors)
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

Understanding The Mock Court Schedule

The Mock Court schedule on the syllabus may appear overwhelming at first glance, but it's based on two pretty simple principles: (1) case briefs are generally due two class days before the oral argument will take place; and (2) per curiam and dissenting opinions are due two--or sometimes three--class days after the oral argument. Note that class days are not the same as calendar days.

To illustrate how this will work, look at the assigned cases for class member "A" on the syllabus excerpt below.

Case briefs:

In Example #1 (highlighted in red), "A" has a brief due in class on Thursday, April 29. The case in question will be argued on Tuesday, May 5. Because "A" is listed second in the "Counsel Assigned" column, "A" will argue the respondent's side--in this case, for the United States in Yates v. U.S.
On Thursday, 4/29, "A" must bring to class two copies of the brief: one for the teacher and one for opposing counsel. Sending the brief by to both recipients by class time is an acceptable alternative, but be sure the brief is attached in either Microsoft Word or text format or include the text in the body of the FirstClass message.
On Tuesday, May 4, "A" must bring one copy of the brief for each member of the class, plus one for the teacher, and distribute these copies immediately upon arrival in class.

Per curiam opinions:

In Example #2 below (highlighted in blue), "A" is assigned to write the opinion of the Court for Baker v. Carr. This case is heard on Thursday, May 6, and the per curiam opinion--and any dissenting opinion a classmate cares to write in this case--is due no later than class time on Monday May 10, two class days later. (Often it's easy enough to submit the per curiam opinion via e-mail later in the day the arguments were heard; this way the Mock Court's deliberations are still fresh in the mind of the writer. Moreover, unlike the briefs, these opinions don't take very long to produce, as they tend to be no more than half a page or so in length.)

When all else fails, double check with the teacher. Remember that missed deadlines will be penalized heavily.

[ HI411 Course Syllabus ]