COURSE DESCRIPTION 2012 2013

Prof. Victoria J. Dodd,

3 credits day; 3 credits evening. This is a course dedicated to the study of the role of the federal courts in the federal system. In many ways, it is a combination of advanced constitutional law and civil procedure, and thus has application to two topics on most state bar exams. Federal Courts is a course generally taken by most law students in American law schools and has application to issues in many areas of civil and criminal law practice. The course will be conducted in a lecture/discussion format, and a few students may have their final exam grade raised by one-half for outstanding participation. The final exam will be a traditional, essay-style exam; a number of past exams are available on-line for review. A study of the federal judicial system and its role in the governmental scheme. Among the topics to be covered: separation of powers, congressional power to curtail federal jurisdiction, Supreme Court review of state courts, the case and controversy requirement, federal post-conviction review, habeas corpus, federal question jurisdiction, state court jurisdiction in Article III cases, sovereign immunity, immunity in suits against state and federal offices, abstention, and injunctions against suit.

Prerequisite: Civil Procedure and Constitutional Law. Prerequisites may not be taken concurrently

Elective Course

Meets Civil Litigation Concentration Requirements

Recommended for the Mass Bar

Final Exam Required

Federal Courts