Hart and Wechsler's the Federal Courts and the Federal System Supplement

Book excerpt: This 2008 Supplement updates the main text with recent developments. Topics discussed include the development and structure of the federal judicial system; cases and controversies; the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court; the distribution of judicial power among federal and state courts; review of state court decisions by the Supreme Court; civil actions in the district courts; federal common law; jurisdiction of the district courts; suits challenging official action; limitations on district court jurisdiction; federal habeas corpus; problems of district court jurisdiction; and appellate review of federal decisions.