S. Special Topics in Federal Courts

This course is an in-depth look at the role of the federal courts in the constitutional order, with a focus on recent scholarship. Matters such as case or controversy, the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, the “shadow” docket, the power of congress to control the jurisdiction of the federal courts, the status of the administrative state, the propriety of nationwide injunctions, and debates around Supreme Court reform will be addressed. To the extent time permits, the course will also deal with the role of the federal courts in ordering congressional and executive relations