Cleveland-Marshall College of Law students had the opportunity to explore the legal significance of one of the United States’ oldest and most significant works of legal interpretation, political theory, and astute advocacy during a new course on the Federalist Papers this spring. The course, co-taught by constitutional law experts Professors David Forte and Stephen Lazarus, is one of only a handful of law school courses focused on the Federalist Papers throughout the U.S.
Over a period of ten months during the time of debate and ratification of the Constitution in 1787-1788, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay collectively wrote and published 85 essays that would become known as The Federalist Papers. During the class, students read each of the 85 essays as well as the Articles of Confederation, Constitution and the Anti-Federalist Essays of Brutus.
“One of the biggest takeaways I had was how the Federalist Papers relate to our lives today, and how in some respects, their principles came to fruition, while in other aspects the Anti-federalists were proven correct ” said Madilyn Maruna, a C|M|LAW student who enjoyed the course.
Each seminar featured an explanatory lecture followed by legal-based discussion around prepared questions for each of the essays. The class discussed issues including the separation of powers, the role of the States, executive power, the role of the Judiciary, political accountability, the concept of “energetic” but limited government, delegated powers, and the nature of liberty and rights. Along with the opinions of their peers, the students felt the sometimes contrasting opinions of Professors Lazarus and Forte offered insight into how political and legal backgrounds can foster differing legal viewpoints.
“I thought each professor brought to class a different flavor of historical stories and interesting anecdotes from their research over the years,” said Maruna.