This course is about how political dynamics shape courts and how courts, in turn, shape politics. The overarching goal of this course is to provide an introduction to judicial politics literature and explore the political determinants of judicial independence and empowerment. This course helps students understand why, when, and how courts function or fail to function as independent checks on government. In this regard, the course looks at how politics and inter-branch relations (executive and legislature) may or may not influence constitutional courts’ decisions and focuses on judicial review practices in developing democracies (including Turkey). Focusing on international /supranational courts, the course also examines the willingness of states to engage in compliance and enforcement.
