This course focuses on the dual court and dual law system (federal and state courts applying both federal and state law) that has developed in the United States. Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on constitutional tort litigation (actions against government officials for violations of the United States Constitution). Specific topics to be covered include the supremacy of federal law; preemption; federal incorporation of state law; federal and state court jurisdiction over cases arising under federal law; judicial federalism (including various abstention doctrines); and the Eleventh Amendment. The course will conclude with an in-depth study of constitutional tort litigation, including the scope of the plaintiff's rights in constitutional tort actions; the types of immunities that may be invoked by a defendant; and the range of legal and equitable remedies that are potentially available to a successful plaintiff.