Appeals
This course will examine the powers and responsibilities of American appellate courts, both state and federal, in civil and in criminal matters, with comparisons to English and German practice. To be considered are questions of the timing and scope of appellate review, the role of appellate counsel, appellate judges and their staff, judicial selection and accountability, the right if any to oral argument or a published explanation of a decision, discretionary review and the lawmaking function of appellate courts. The course book is MEADOR, ROSENBERG, CARRINGTON, BAKER & STEINMAN, APPELLATE COURTS (2d ed. 2006) presented in temporary but final form. The course is intended to be of special use to students who hope or expect to serve as law clerks in appellate courts, but may be of interest to others interested in the problems of legal institutions.
Please note that course organization and content may vary substantially from semester to semester and descriptions are not necessarily professor specific. Please contact the instructor directly if you have particular course-related questions.