Presentation Transcript

1. The Federal Judicial System

   Supreme court and its role in our government
2. Today’s learning goals Students will be able to understand the purpose of the federal court system Students will be able to identify the different types of law Students will be able to explain the significance of landmark Supreme Court cases
3. Remember our acronym Organization of the constitution Articles 1-7 Legislative Branch- Congress Executive Branch- Pres., VP & Cabinet Judicial Branch- Supreme Court States’ rights Amendment process Supremacy clause Ratification Lazy Elephants Jump Slowly And Sleep Regularly Today we are focusing on the JUMP
4. Separation of powers under the Constitution provides for those 3 different branches so that we can have checks and balances– which are?
5. Basic facts of the judicial branch The Constitution set up only the Supreme Court but gave power to create additional courts as needed The Judiciary Act of 1789 set up the lower courts, such as district courts, circuit courts of appeals This court is “SUPREME,” meaning it is the highest court in the nation Currently there are 9 justices (judges) that serve on the Supreme Court Fun fact: Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic to serve on the Supreme Court. She was appointed by President Obama.
6. Key Vocab
7. Counsel Every person on trail as the right to counsel Legal representation
8. Verdict A written explanation of the thinking on a court’s decision.
9. Jurisdiction The limits of territory within which authority may be exercised.
10. “Equal Justice under law” Why do courts exist? Rule of law states everyone has equal protection under the law Laws exist to promote the common good Courts exist because people break laws Two types of law– criminal and civil
11. 4 Sources of Law There is also military law, which is a special set of laws that apply to those serving in the armed forces.
12. All courts systems either at the State or Federal Level have to follow all Supreme Court Decisions
13. Federal Judicial System All cases involving the violation of federal laws are tried in U.S. district courts. District courts also hear cases involving U.S. states or foreign nations If a party is not satisfied with a district court decision, they may appeal to a court of appeals U.S. Courts of Appeals have only appellate jurisdiction (authority), which means they can only rule on the lower court’s decision- either support or rule against They do NOT try new cases
14. Making a Decision If the Supreme Court makes a decision, it sets a precedent Standard that other future courts will use going forward
15. Role of the U.S. Supreme Court The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving state governments or foreign diplomats. Any other case be heard only on appeal. Supreme Court has two important functions: It reviews all laws passed by both federal and state governments If any law is found to be unconstitutional, or go against the Constitution, it is struck down Serves as the FINAL court of appeals in the United States. Once a case is heard by the Supreme Court, the case can go no further
16. Supreme Court…. Hear very few cases each year Only in session from October to June Decisions are determined by majority vote, hence the reason there is always an odd number of justices Justices are appointed by the President & confirmed by the Senate Serve life terms and can only be removed by impeachment In over 200 years no justice has ever been removed from office