Assignment 1: Learning by Doing

Using library or Internet resources provide a brief overview/explanation along with a full APA citation and reference for each of the following items:

1. Your state’s statute that defines what is considered to be a public record that must be made available to the public upon request.
2. The pre-World War I opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court holding, on re-argument, that a federal income tax was unconstitutional.
3. The federal statute authorizing the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to make payments to states for the value of materials stockpiled near federal highway construction projects in conformity with the project specifications.
4. The federal joint regulation of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Department of Commerce, identifying the factors for listing, delisting, or reclassifying endangered species.
5. Your state’s administrative regulations specifying the licensure process for real estate agents.
6. The local ordinance in your municipality governing noise.
7. The most recent opinion of your state’s highest appeals court describing the extent to which the state constitution requires that the power of eminent domain be exercised only for a public use.
8. A recent federal trial court decision in your federal district describing the standard for summary judgment in federal court.
9. A law-review article about libel law and political campaign advertisements.

Your assignment must:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

NOTE: Each of the items should offer as brief explanation or summation along with an APA citation and reference. Here is an example of number 1 on the list for my state Alabama (This will vary according to your own state):

1. Alabama Public Records Law
   The Alabama Public Records Law under Al. Code §36-12-40 grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public writings. Pursuant to the statute, every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute (Alabama Code Title 36, n.d).

Reference listing:

Alabama Code Title 36. Public Officers and Employees § 36-12-40, n.d.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Interpret the language of the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. legal system in order to explain the principles and process of constitutional, regulatory, and administrative laws at the federal and state levels.
• Use the “case” approach to the U.S. legal system for researching cases, laws, and other legal communications using technology and information resources.
• Assess legal decisions related to the administration of public goods.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in constitution and administrative law.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills.