The Judicial Branch

1. The Judicial Branch A Quick Summation!

2. The Judicial Branch is outlined in article 3 of the Constitution. That’s the Constitution

3. Really, the Supreme Court is the only court the Constitution sets up. It says that Congress can set up the rest of the federal courts.  The Constitution You Set up the Rest!!! Congress 

4. The US has a dual system of courts. Federal Courts State Courts Special Courts Constitutional Courts State Courts

5. Constitutional Courts Special Courts • Lifetime Appointments • Includes: • 94 District Courts • 12 US Courts of Appeals • US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit • US Court of International Court • No lifetime appointments • Includes: • US Court of Federal Claims • Territorial Courts • Courts of the District of Columbia • US Tax Court • US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces • US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

6. Ahoy Matee! • Cases that go to Federal Courts: • The Crime: • a federal crime, like counterfeiting and mail theft • any crime that takes place on the seas • The People: • A federal officer or agent • A foreign country representative • A state • Citizens in different states • Foreign citizens

7. The Supreme Court • The highest court in the land • It can review any decision made by any lower court • It has the final say • 9 justices • Leader is called the Chief Justice

8. Judges • Chosen by the President and approved by the Senate • No formal qualifications (most have a legal background and in the same party as the President) • Called the “lasting legacy” of the President • Federal judges serve for life

9. The Way Judges Judge • Judicial Restraint • Judges should not change things, they should make decisions based on the original intent of the law • Personal feelings should not impact their feelings • Judicial Activism • Judges should initiate change • Their personal feelings do impact the way they make decisions