Separate Writings: The Form, Function, and Effect of Separate Opinions

This course will study the form, function, and effect of separate writings by judges (i.e., opinions that are not opinions of the court, but rather the opinion of only the judge or judges signing onto them). Concurring and dissenting opinions are often overlooked because of their lack of precedential value, but they serve important purposes in the development of the law and can also affect the scope of a majority opinion. This course is well suited for aspiring law clerks and litigators.