Course

Federal Courts

Course Description

The federal courts of the United States have played a central role in American political, legal and economic development. This course will primarily examine the role of the federal courts in the American governmental structure. Likely topics to be covered include the power of Congress to define the jurisdiction of the federal courts (including its power to create non-Article III courts); the subject matter jurisdiction of the federal courts; the appellate jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme Court and federal Courts of Appeal; the federal courts relationship with state tribunals; the power of the federal courts to create common law; state sovereign immunity; and federal civil rights litigation. There will be assignments given during the semester, and a final examination at the end of the semester.

Current and Previous Instructors

Key to Codes in Course Descriptions

P: Prerequisite
C: Prerequisite or Concurrent Requirement
R: Recommended Prior or Concurrent Course

Currently Scheduled Sections

CRN: 98698

Semester Fall '24
Credits 3
Room 202
Schedule Tues: 9:50-11:50
Thurs: 9:50-10:45
Day
Instructor Maxwell O. Chibundu
Limits 15 openings. (Limit 20).