LAW COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

LAW-2192 Federal Courts Prof. Linda Sandstrom Simard, 3 credits day; 3 credits evening.

A study of the federal judicial system and its role in the governmental scheme. Among the topics to be covered: separation of powers, federalism, congressional power to curtail federal jurisdiction, the case and controversy requirements as it relates to doctrines of standing, ripeness, and mootness, sovereign immunity, Congressional power to abrogate Eleventh Amendment immunity, Ex Parte Young doctrine, section 1983 litigation, absolute and qualified immunity in suits against state and federal officers, abstention doctrines, inter-system preclusion, and Rooker- Feldman doctrine. Faculty comments : Among the topics to be covered: separation of powers, federalism, congressional power to curtail federal jurisdiction, the case and controversy requirements as it relates to doctrines of standing, ripeness, and mootness, sovereign immunity, Congressional power to abrogate Eleventh Amendment immunity, Ex Parte Young doctrine, section 1983 litigation, absolute and qualified immunity in suits against state and federal officers, abstention doctrines, inter-system preclusion, and Rooker-Feldman doctrine. A casebook is used, along with supplemental materials assigned and posted on TWEN. I use PowerPoint and make the slides available to students. Class participation and discussion of issues is encouraged and expected. There is a final exam for the course.

Elective Course

Meets Civil Litigation Concentration Requirements

Recommended for the Mass Bar

Final Exam Required

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