The New-York Historical Society’s Institute for Constitutional History (our partner on the New Essays in Constitutional History series) is offering the following upcoming seminars.

The Revolutionary Origins of American Constitutionalism
Date: February 17 and 24, March 2, 9, 16, and 23 (2012)
Location: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York City
Instructors: Pauline Maier and R.B. Bernstein
This seminar will explore the origins of American constitutionalism and law in the Anglo-American past and the arguments and achievements of the revolutionary period (roughly 1764–89). Its six sessions will examine the ideology and organizational forms of the resistance to Britain, look closely at the first state constitutions (the world’s first written constitutions) and the issues they raised and to some extent resolved, then turn to the Articles of Confederation, the Federal Convention, the Constitution, state ratification debates, and the contributions of the First Federal Congress in fleshing out the new constitutional system.
Applications due: January 15, 2012*
Apply: Graduate students and junior faculty may apply for this seminar by sending a copy of their c.v. and a short statement on how this seminar will be useful to them in their research, teaching, or professional development to MMarcus@nyhistory.org.

Equal Justice Under Law: The Enduring Legacy of the Warren Court, 1953–1969
Date: February 9 and 23, March 1, 8, 22, and 29 (2012)
Location: George Washington University Law School, Burns Hall, Room 415, 2000 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Instructor: Stephen Wermiel
This seminar will examine the Warren Court of the 1950s and 1960s, stressing politics, doctrine, and the strong judicial personalities of the period. Topics covered will include the Court’s transformative role in civil rights and civil liberties, the rights of the accused, the electoral process and access to the courts. The seminar will explore both the politics of the Warren Court and the Warren Court’s impact on the politics of the nation.
Applications due: January 15, 2012*
Apply: Graduate students and junior faculty may apply for this seminar by sending a copy of their c.v. and a short statement on how this seminar will be useful to them in their research, teaching, or professional development to MMarcus@nyhistory.org.

* Deadline was originally December 1, 2011, but has been extended to January 15, 2012