LLM Federal Courts

This course involves an in-depth study of the jurisdiction of the federal courts. The course also focuses on the relationship between state courts and federal courts and the role of Congress in the allocation of federal jurisdiction. Topics include the role of state courts in the enforcement of federal law; the role of federal courts in the administration of state law; the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court; federal habeas corpus for state prisoners; civil rights suits under 42 U.S.C. 1983; state sovereign immunity; and federalism-based restraints on the exercise of federal jurisdiction. This is an important course from both a practical and theoretical perspective, and should be of interest to anyone. (3 credits).