New Scholarship Examines Access to Federal Courts

Professor Scott Dodson is an expert on Civil Procedure and Federal Courts. New Pleading in the Twenty-First Century: Slamming the Federal Courthouse Doors? explores the new landscape of pleadings in the federal court system after two recent Supreme Court decisions radically altered nearly a century of jurisprudence. “New Pleading,” as Dodson describes it, imposes a dramatically new version of fact pleading and merits screening. Dodson’s book is the first to comprehensively analyze, critique, and provide solutions for this new pleading regime required in federal courts.

In reviewing the book, Professor Arthur R. Miller of NYU Law School called New Pleading in the Twenty-First Century “well-researched, literate, and constructive,” and “a remarkable and much-needed defense of one of this country’s most important historic rights.”

Faculty, staff, students, and alumni gathered together to celebrate the publication of Professor Dodson’s book at a reception on April 9. “I am so honored that so many different people from the law school community attended the publication celebration,” said Dodson. “It is wonderful to see my work reach so many people.”

Associate Dean for Research William S. Dodge added, “Professor Dodson’s book is the kind of engaged scholarship that not only breaks new theoretical ground but also provides innovative, practical ideas for judges, practitioners, and rule-makers. UC Hastings is proud to celebrate such work.”

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