Congressional Investigations

1 unit

This course will explore the law governing Congress's investigative powers and introduce students to the practical challenges lawyers face when navigating these investigations on behalf of clients. Students will examine the legal organization of congressional investigative committees, constitutional limits on what they can investigate, the tools at their disposal, and remedies they have for noncompliance. The course will also cover how congressional investigative authority interacts with the law of evidentiary privilege, the First Amendment, and (in the case of investigations of the Executive Branch) the separation of powers. Grades will be based on a take-home examination, and may also take class participation, professionalism, and attendance into consideration. To facilitate an engaged discussion, electronic devices will not be permitted. This course will meet in person on 9/19, 10/10, 10/17, 11/7.