Inside the U.S. Supreme Court: Failed Institution or Last Bastion of Democracy, Part 2 (Best of OLLI)
This four-week course continues an urgent examination of the modern U.S. Supreme Court, with particular focus on the Roberts Court and its profound impact on American democracy. Bill Sokol follows the broad framework of Part I while bringing a distinct and forthright perspective. Through close analysis of landmark decisions, interpretive theories such as originalism and textualism, and the Court’s expanding view of executive and corporate power, the course asks whether today’s Supreme Court has become a driver of democratic erosion rather than its guardian.
The course also explores the increasingly politicized confirmation process, from Robert Bork to Amy Coney Barrett, and considers alternative constitutional visions, including “living constitutionalism,” through dissents and scholarly critiques. The final week looks ahead to current and future cases, the long-term goals of the Roberts Court, and proposed reforms aimed at restoring balance and accountability. Designed as an interactive experience, each session combines lecture, discussion, and ample time for questions, inviting participants to engage critically with the Court’s past, present, and possible futures.
Faculty Bio
Bill Sokol is a Bay Area labor and employment lawyer, a lecturer at SF State University, a gubernatorial appointee to the CalSavers Retirement Investment Board, and was a talk show host on Pacifica Radio for 25 years. He holds a J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law.
This is a Best of OLLI Course
- Best of OLLI courses are popular courses recorded a previous term
- Videos are available to watch the moment you sign up through Aug 30
- Available for $75 to Annual Plus, Premium Plus, Best of OLLI and Fee Assistance members. Learn about membership.
- Current Annual and Premium members can upgrade to Annual Plus or Premium Plus for an additional $10
Member Praise for Bill Sokol
This class was GREAT! Bill Sokol really understood the topics his audience was interested in, he knew the BEST speakers to engage for each topic and he did a fabulous job of moderating the questions and engaging in relevant/smart conversation with the guest speakers.
I was a little cautious in taking this course as I thought it might be way above my head. Instead, everything was presented in a most intelligent, interesting, and understandable way.