Federal Courts

Catalog description

This course considers the role of the federal courts within the federal governmental system. In part, the class studies the allocation of power among governmental institutions and the relationships between the states and the federal government. In related part, the class examines the institutional design of the federal courts themselves – the scope and limits of their power, the structure of the judicial system, the practice and procedure followed in the federal courts, and the challenges confronting federal courts today. Topics covered will include the original and appellate jurisdiction of the federal courts, Congressional power to limit the jurisdiction of the federal courts, Congressional power to create “legislative courts” outside of Article III, Supreme Court review of judgments, state sovereign immunity, abstention, and federal habeas corpus. Other concepts will be addressed as well. This course builds on the skills and knowledge gained in other law school classes – particularly Civil Procedure and Constitutional Law I.