This class explores the substantive law of federal crime by examining the structure, scope, and limits of federal criminal law and prosecution. Topics include general aspects (e.g., foundations of federal criminal power, the structure and culture of the Justice Department, prosecutorial discretion, and sentencing) as well as specific areas such as white collar crime, drug and firearms offenses, criminal Civil Rights violations, child protection/sexual abuse, and obstruction statutes. The class will cover theories of joint liability such as RICO, as well as special areas of jurisdiction such as in Indian Country. A recurring theme of the class is the federalization of criminal law and resultant political, institutional, and doctrinal tensions. This class will prepare participants for judicial clerkships as well as careers in federal prosecution, federal defense, as legislative staff, or in “Big Law” white collar or compliance practice. No prior coursework in criminal law or procedure beyond the first-year requirement is necessary.