Federal Courts
SLN #: 77974Course Prefix: LAW-613
Course Section: 1001
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor(s): Weinstein-Tull
Course Books: View List of Books
Course Description:
This course examines the power of federal courts to shape American governance—and the doctrines that limit that power. Federal courts stand at the center of our constitutional system: they enforce federal rights, oversee the actions of state and federal officials, and mediate disputes between sovereign governments. Yet their authority is tightly constrained by doctrines defining when federal courts may act at all.
The course explores three core doctrinal areas: (1) the limits on federal judicial power; (2) federal court oversight of state, federal, and tribal governments; and (3) the relationship between federal and state courts in a system of divided sovereignty. In exploring these doctrines, we will cover some of the most contentious and interesting issues facing the courts today: what is the nature of the rule of law and how is it enforced by the federal courts? What is the status of civil rights laws in this country and how are they succeeding or failing? What is the place of the federal courts in our system of laws?
Additional Information:
Credit Hours: 3
Grading Option: Numeric Grade or Letter Grade Only
Graduation Writing Requirement: No
Flexible/Upper-Level Writing Requirement: No
Skills Requirement: No
Simulation Course: No
Experiential Learning: No
Seminar: No
Special Withdrawal Course: No
Final Exam Given: Yes
Final Exam Type: In-Class - Completely Secure
Attendance Policy: Per Statement Of Student Policies
* The law school has a policy that is used to calculate credit hours. Please see the Statement of Student Policies.