LAW 6431

Federal Courts

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2014-2015.

This course examines the various constitutional, statutory, and judge-made doctrines that control access to the federal courts to vindicate federal rights. It is particularly valuable for those planning a career in public interest or the public sector, anyone else expecting to litigate extensively in federal court, and students who have or hope to obtain a judicial clerkship. Topics covered include: case or controversy limitations, including standing; constitutional and statutory limits on jurisdiction; causes of action for constitutional and statutory rights, including 42 U.S.C. §1983 and Bivens actions; bars to such actions, including sovereign immunity and abstention doctrines; and habeas corpus.

When Offered Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: Constitutional Law and second semester of Civil Procedure. Students without such background should consult with the instructor. Knowledge of the basic doctrines of administrative law is very useful, although not a strict prerequisite.

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