Course Information

710 - Federal Courts

Professor: Sanford N. Caust-Ellenbogen
Credits: 3
Semester: 2009 Winter
Second Writing? No
Seminar? No
Professional Responsibility? No

The federal courts play a critical role in allocating power among the branches of the federal government (separation of powers), as well as the allocation of power between the federal government and the states (federalism). The course will explore these complex relationships in detail. Topics include the extent of federal judicial power and the ability of the other branches to affect and limit judicial power; the extent of federal judicial power over states and state actors, including appellate review, civil rights actions and habeas corpus; immunity from suit and federal court abstention; inter-system preclusion; access to federal court; and federal common law. These issues have been difficult and controversial over the years, and remain at the forefront of the legal and political landscape, today.

The course materials listed above are for informational purposes only and should not be considered final. Students must check with the Registrar for a current list of closed courses.