Congressional Investigations and Powers. The seminar will examine how conflicts between Congressional investigatory and impeachment procedures and legislative powers and Executive Branch privilege assertions and other defenses have led to gridlock between the branches. We will identify the factors that have contributed to these conflicts; review relevant federal court decisions, Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinions, and Congressional Rules; and consider options to improve the process for resolving inter branch disputes going forward. The classes will include video excerpts from Congressional hearings and incorporate guest lectures by current and former Congressional and Administration officials. Grading will be based 30% for class participation, 30% for discussion leads (each week 2-3 students will be assigned as discussion leads and asked to write a 2-page short paper analyzing the readings); and 40% for a final written assignment of 15 pages.