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. Likely topics include standing doctrine, the 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. Because the spring semester coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Judges Bill, an important and recurring theme will be how discretionary jurisdiction has affected the Supreme Court's role. Several scholars from other law schools will attend the seminar to present new or published work on this theme.