Federal Court System:
Scope of Federal Judicial Power:
Article III, § 2, limits the jurisdiction of fed’l courts to:
Federal Court System:
11th Amendment:
private individuals can’t sue a state in any court for money damages w/o state’s consent [BARRED BY STATE SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY]
Other Limitations on Jurisdiction of Federal Courts: Art. 3, § 2, limits jurisdiction of fed’l courts to “___________.”
“cases & controversies.” [RAMPS]
Mootness?
further legal proceedings have no effect or events have placed it beyond the reach of the law [too late?]
Ripeness?
the readiness of a case for litigation [too early?]
Abstention?
deference to state courts
Standing?
Taxpayer Standing?
gov’t allocated funds to support a violation of Establishment of Religion Clause found in 1st Amendment.
3rd Parties Standing?
one raising injuries of another:
Organization Standing?
association suing on behalf of its members:
Political Questions?
Fed’l courts cannot hear cases involving political questions. PQ are matter assigned to another branch of gov’t incapable of a judicial answer. 6 factors:
Organization of Courts in Federal System:
Adequate & Independent State Grounds?
S.C. cannot take an appeal from a state court of law resort if state decision supported on state law grounds
U.S. Supreme Court Jurisdiction?
Constitutionality of a Fed’l law? State law?
TIP: Be weary of answer that say the Fed’l police power OR Congress’ power to promote general welfare. These powers don’t exist unless it’s the District of Columbia or another Fed’l territory.
Powers of Congress:
Procedure to pass a law?
Name the 3 sources of power to legislate for Congress:
**TIP: N&P Clause as an answer by itself will usually be incorrect. If it’s the N&P Clause in conjunction w/ another power, it is more likely to be a right answer. **
Powers of Congress:
Commerce Power?
Powers of Congress:
Taxing Power?
Congress has power to impose & collect taxes in order to pay debts & SPEND FOR GENERAL WELFARE. “Tax” must be 1/3:
Powers of Congress:
Spending Power?
Congress has power to spend for the general welfare.
Congress may place a condition on receipt of federal funds by a state if:
TIP: Don’t say something is unconstitutional b/c it is not for the general welfare
Powers of Congress:
War and Defense Powers?
Powers of Congress:
Power of Eminent Domain?
Property Power?
Bankruptcy Power?
Postal Power?
Powers of Congress:
Admiralty and Maritime Power?
Copyright and Patent Power?
Investigatory Power?
Powers of Congress:
Speech and Debate Clause
**[privilege] – members of Congress cannot be punished/prosecuted for anything they say during debate on floor **
Powers of Congress:
RECONSTRUCTION AMENDMENTS:
Congress has the power to enforce: