Courts in a Federal System

This course deals with requirements of Article III of the United States Constitution such as standing, ripeness, and mootness. A major portion of the course is devoted to problems relating to concepts of federalism and comity between the state and federal systems. The class also analyzes the relationship between the branches of the federal government. For example, the extent to which Congress may withdraw jurisdiction from those courts and the power of the court to review actions of coequal branches are issues receiving attention. The course also offers a review of jurisdiction based on the existence of diversity and a federal question. The course also covers some of the following subjects: the Erie problem, suits against state officials and the state, abstention, injunctions against state proceedings, and review of state court judgments.  Although not required, courses LAW L725 Civil Procedure I and LAW L750 Constitutional Law are recommended before taking this course.