Federal Courts

This course examines the role of the federal courts in American constitutional democracy. The course has three aims: (1) to prepare students to litigate or clerk in the federal courts, (2) to spark reflection on the allocation of power among federal and state courts, legislatures, and the executive branch, and (3) to engage in informed discussion of relevant controversies, such as the power of the Supreme Court and qualified immunity. In particular, the course covers justiciability doctrines such as standing and political questions; congressional control over federal-court jurisdiction, including “jurisdiction-stripping”; the relationship between federal courts and state courts; the enforcement of federal rights, including immunity doctrines and civil rights suits; and the law of habeas corpus. Students will gain experience applying their knowledge to practical and cutting-edge issues in federal jurisdiction and the enforcement of federal law.