Federal Courts

Course Information

Registration Information

Meeting Times

Day Time Location
TUE, THU 5:45 - 7:35 pm TNH 3.125

Evaluation Method

Type Date Time Location
Final exam May 15, 2015 8:30 am A-Z in 2.123

Description

This course addresses the doctrines and policies that shape and limit the power of federal courts. It is simultaneously a fascinating subject for academic study and an essential tool for students who may serve as judicial law clerks and eventually as attorneys who seek to invoke, or to forestall, federal judicial authority. Throughout the class, two key themes will recur: (1) separation of powers, asking how to ensure a proper role for the federal courts vis-à-vis the other branches of the federal government and (2) federalism, asking how to ensure a proper role for the federal courts vis-à-vis state governments. Specific topics include justiciability, subject-matter jurisdiction of the federal courts, the role and jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme Court, abstention, sovereign immunity, the creation and role of non-Article III courts, suits challenging official action, remedies against governments and governmental actors, and judicial federalism.

Textbooks ( * denotes required )

Hart & Wechsler's The Federal Courts and The Federal System *
West/Foundation Press , edition: 6th
2014 Supplement currently available, check for 2015 *
Federal Jurisdiction (optional)
Chemerinksy
Wolters Kluwver/Aspen , edition: 6th

Instructors

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Important Class Changes

Date Updated
08/26/2015 Instructor(s) updated