JUDICIAL BRANCH

1. Basic Information Jurisdiction District Courts Circuit Courts Supreme Court Checks & Balances JUDICIAL BRANCH

2. JUDICIAL BRANCH BASIC INFORMATION Types of Cases • Civil – involves a lawsuit filed (plaintiff), and (defendant) court decides responsibility • Criminal – involves a crime committed. (Plaintiff = government) v. (defendant = accused) Judges • Appointed by the President • Approved by 2/3 of the Senate • Serve Life Terms

3. JURISDICTION • Jurisdiction – a court’s authority to hear a case 4 Types of Jurisdiction • Original Jurisdiction – a court’s authority to hear a case first. • Appellate Jurisdiction – a court’s authority to hear appeals. • Exclusive Jurisdiction – federal courts have authority to hear cases. • Concurrent Jurisdiction – both state and federal courts can hear cases.

4. US DISTRICT COURTS Jurisdiction • 94 Courts in the US – At least One in every State • Original Jurisdiction – Hear Cases first • Types of Cases – Civil, Criminal • People Involved – Judge, 12 Jurors, Plaintiff, Defendant • Decisions – Responsible, Not Responsible, Innocent, Guilty • Responsible or Guilty – Have Right to Appeal

5. US CIRCUIT COURTS • 12 Courts Nationwide + 1 Federal Circuit • Appellate Jurisdiction – Hear appeals from District Court • Types of Cases – Criminal & Civil • People Involved – 3 Judges, Plaintiff, Defendant • Decisions – Uphold, Overturn, Remand • Uphold – May appeal to the Supreme Court

6. US SUPREME COURT • 1 Supreme Court • Jurisdiction – Original, Appellate • Types of Cases – Disputes between states, involving ambassadors, admiralty/maritime law, appeals dealing with Constitutional Issues • People Involved – 9 Supreme Court Justices, Plaintiff, Defendant • Decisions – Uphold, Overturn, Remand • Written Opinions – Majority, Concurring, Dissenting

7. CHECKS & BALANCES