The course examines the nature of the federal judicial function, explores in depth an aspect of federal-state relationships — the dual court system — that is a particular concern and responsibility of lawyers, and provides the opportunity for systematic thought about a series of problems important to an understanding of our constitutional system. Among the topics that may be considered are historical development of the federal court system, congressional power to regulate the jurisdiction of federal courts, standing as it affects judicial power, political questions, the meaning of “arising under” jurisdiction, actions claiming constitutional protection against official state action, the original and removal jurisdiction of the district courts, and the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Upper-level course for: