222 sec. 1 - Federal Courts (Fall 2026)
Instructor: Erwin Chemerinsky (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only | profile)
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 4
Grading Designation: Graded
Mode of Instruction: In-Person Instruction
Meeting:
MTuW 08:40 AM - 09:50 AM
Location: Law 105
From August 17, 2026
To November 30, 2026
Course End: November 30, 2026
Class Number: 33147
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 166
Waitlisted: 9
Enroll Limit: 196
As of: 05/27 01:25 AM
The course will focus on the constitutional and statutory provisions defining the role of the federal courts in the American system of government. In considering the functions and duties of the federal courts, the course will examine the relationship of the federal courts both to the states and to the other branches of the federal government. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the implications of federal courts’ doctrines for the underlying principles of separation of powers and federalism.
Specifically, the course material will be divided into three sections. Section one will examine the constitutional and statutory limits on the federal judicial power. Section two will focus on federal court relief against the government and government officers. Section three will consider the circumstances and conditions under which federal courts may review state court judgments and proceedings.
Exam Notes: (TH) Take-home Final Exam
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Exam Length: 8 hours
Course Category: Litigation and Procedure
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Class materials may also be available on bCourses.berkeley.edu
Readers:
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Books:
Required Books are in blue
- Federal Courts in Context
Chemerinsky, Davis, Smith, Spaulding
Edition: First Edition (2023)
Publisher: Aspen Publishing
ISBN: 9781543850314
e-Book Available: Yes
Price: To Be Determined - Federal Courts in Context 2026 Supplement
Chemerinsky, Davis, Smith, Spaulding
Publisher: Aspen Publishing
e-Book: Yes
e-Book procurement note: Book not yet available
Price: To Be Determined