This course will examine the practices and powers of American appellate courts, with a particular focus on the federal courts of appeals. Topics of the course include the purpose and role of oral argument, written briefs, and opinions. More broadly, we will consider the objectives of appellate courts, including error correction, law development, and legitimacy. We will have at least one federal appellate judge come to class as a guest speaker. Readings for the course will be posted on Blackboard each week. Assignments for the class include two short reading responses and a final paper.

Sections/Instructors

Marin K. Levy
Appellate Courts 300.01
Spring 2013
Sakai Site

Marin K. Levy
Appellate Courts 300.01
Spring 2012
E-mail List • Blackboard Site

Michael E. Tigar
Appellate Courts 300.01
Spring 2008
E-mail List • Blackboard Site
This course will examine the jurisdiction, powers and responsibilities of American appellate courts, state and federal, in civil and in criminal matters, with comparisons to European and international practice. We will study the timing and scope of appellate review, the role of appellate counsel, appellate judges and their staff, judicial selection and accountability, the right 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). The course is intended to be of special use to students who hope or expect to serve as law clerks in appellate courts, but will be of interest to those who expect to practice before appellate tribunals. Rather than a final examination, students will write a paper on an agreed topic.

Appellate Courts 300.01
Spring 2006

Paul D. Carrington
Appellate Courts 300.01
Spring 2005