Federal Courts

Catalog description

This course considers the structure and powers of the federal courts and their relationship to the political branches and to state courts. Topics covered may include justiciability, congressional authority to define and limit federal court jurisdiction, federal common law and implied rights of action, the application of state law in federal court, abstention, civil rights actions and immunities of state officials and governments, and habeas corpus. The course focuses on structural constitutional considerations relating to separation of powers among the three branches of the federal government as well as the federalism relationship between the federal government and state governments. Credit Hour : 1-3 Prerequisites or Corequisites: LAW 5220 Constitutional Law