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Karen Swenson

Karen Swenson Associate Professor of Political Science

Coleman Hall 2321

Department of Political Science

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL 61920

Tel: (217) 581-6964

Fax: (217) 581-2926

Email: kbswenson@eiu.edu

Dr. Swenson (J.D. Vanderbilt University; Ph.D. Ohio State) teaches courses in constitutional law and judicial politics, including courses on Criminal Law and Civil Liberties in America. Her research interests focus on politics and the legal process. Professor Swenson's recent publications include “President Obama’s Policy Agenda in the Supreme Court: What We Know So Far From the Office of the Solicitor General’s Service as Amicus Curiae.” Southern Illinois University Law Journal. Vol 34 (Winter 2010). Her current research agenda further examines the nature of amicus curiae participation before the Supreme Court. Recently, she presented a paper at the annual meeting of the Northeastern Political Science Association entitled “Amicus Curiae Briefs and the Court: When Liberal and Conservative Groups Support the Same Party.” Dr. Swenson also the university's Pre-Law Advisor and enjoys coaching the Moot Court teams.