Litigation With the Federal Government

(Law 886; 3 credits)
This course will introduce students to the unique principles that apply when the sovereign is a party to a court action. Because the federal government is a party in nearly one-third of all civil cases in the federal courts, an understanding of these principles is vital for any student interested in litigation or government legal practice. Students will examine the role of the Department of Justice, the question of federal sovereign immunity, federal governmental liability in tort and contract, general and specific waivers of sovereign immunity, suits against federal officers, and awards of attorney's fees against the government. Students also will explore when and how the government responds to injuries that it has caused to its citizens.
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