This seminar will examine the ways in which transsubstantive procedural doctrines shape the enforcement and meaning of civil rights laws. Topics will include the Ashcroft v. Iqbal standard for granting a motion to dismiss; judicial applications of the summary judgment standard; obstacles to the certification of classes seeking injunctive or declaratory relief; the process for amending the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; restrictions on the use of federal legal aid funds; and statutory fee shifting.