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LAW 731: Federal Criminal Law

This course explores the theory and substance of federal criminal law. The course has three primary objectives. First, we will study several important federal criminal statutes, such as RICO, the Mann Act, laws governing state and local corruption, and the federal sentencing guidelines. The course thus serves as an extension of the first year criminal law course, not only by covering crimes not studied in the first year curriculum but also by exploring ways in which federal criminal law differs from state criminal law. Second, students will examine issues regarding the practice of federal criminal law, including the organization of federal law enforcement and the relationship between state and federal law enforcement agencies. Third, throughout the course, students will explore more abstract issues arising from federal criminal law, including concerns over the federalization of criminal law and the politicization of federal criminal law enforcement. [3]

Note: Due to overlap in content, students who enroll in this course will not be eligible to take the three-credit White Collar Crime Seminar.