Foundations of Appellate Law

This is a seminar course that focuses on the values involved in appellate decision-making, how these values conflict, and the interplay of these values in the quest for a just system. More particularly, the course examines the substantive foundations of appellate law, including the doctrines of res judicata, collateral estoppel, and law of the case, along with the law regarding preservation of error, stare decisis, justifiable controversy, mootness, dicta, and related concepts. The course also includes an orientation regarding the state and federal appellate systems and the practical workings of the Washington appellate system. Lastly, the Washington Rules of Appellate Procedure are surveyed.

Limited enrollment; third-year students preferred.