State and Federal Court Systems

1. State and Federal Court Systems Federalism in the Judicial Branch

2. Comparing the Systems • Federalism: the separation of power between national and state governments (in this case, courts) • Both federal and state courts have their own court systems Federal Courts State Courts Supreme Court State Supreme Court Appeals Appeals Trials Trials

3. Structure of the Courts Federal State • Constitution created the Supreme Court and lower federal courts • 94 federal district courts • 13 Courts of Appeals • The Constitution gives states power to create courts • Various courts in different states

4. Selection of Judges Federal State • Nominated by the President • Confirmed by the Senate • Term of Office: usually life • Can be removed by impeachment • Can be appointed or elected (DE- appoints)

5. Types of Cases Federal State • Questions of Constitutionality • Federal law and treaties • Disputes between states • Bankruptcy • Traffic violations • Most criminal cases • Probate (wills, estates) • Civil cases: contracts, personal injury, family matters • Any matters of state law