Article 3 Judicial Branch

Judicial Power

The authority to interpret and apply the law, and to resolve legal disputes. In the U.S. system, this power is vested in the judicial branch.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States, established by Article III of the Constitution. It serves as the final court of appeal.

Inferior Courts

Federal courts below the Supreme Court, whose existence and structure are determined by Congress

Good Behavior

A condition under which federal judges hold their offices, generally interpreted as lifetime tenure removable only through impeachment and conviction.

Compensation

The salary received for services. Article III protects federal judges' salaries from being diminished during their time in office.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Article III, Section 2 outlines the scope of federal court jurisdiction.

Cases, in Law and Equity

Legal disputes involving statutory law and common law ("law"), as well as cases where legal remedies might be insufficient and require equitable relief (e.g., injunctions, specific performance).

Original Jurisdiction

The power of a court to hear a case for the first time. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in specific types of cases listed in Article III, Section 2.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The power of a higher court to review and revise the decision of a lower court. The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction in most cases that come before it.

Trial by Jury

A right guaranteed in Article III, Section 2 for the trial of all crimes (except impeachment), where a panel of citizens hears evidence and renders a verdict.

Treason

The only crime specifically defined in the Constitution (Article III, Section 3), consisting of levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort.

Overt Act

An action that is outwardly observable and demonstrates the commission of a crime, required as evidence in treason cases along with the testimony of two witnesses.

Attainder of Treason

A legislative act finding a person guilty of treason without a judicial trial. The Constitution prohibits bills of attainder.

Corruption of Blood

A legal concept by which the descendants of a person convicted of treason were punished or suffered civil disabilities. This is prohibited by Article III.

Forfeiture

The loss of property as a penalty for a crime. In cases of treason, Article III limits forfeiture to the lifetime of the person convicted.

Impeachment:

The process by which high officers of the U.S. government can be accused, tried, and removed from office for misconduct, as outlined in the Constitution

What are the two types of federal courts explicitly mentioned in Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution?

The Constitution explicitly mentions the Supreme Court and inferior courts (which Congress may establish).

According to the common interpretation provided, why did the Framers decide to guarantee a Supreme Court but leave the creation of other federal courts to the discretion of Congress?

The Framers ensured a Supreme Court to provide a final judicial authority and maintain national unity in interpreting federal law, while leaving the creation of lower courts to Congress to allow flexibility in structuring the judiciary as needed.

Explain the significance of the phrase "shall hold their Offices during good Behavior" for federal judges.

This phrase means that federal judges serve for life unless they are impeached and removed for misconduct. This provision ensures judicial independence by protecting judges from political pressure.

What are the two primary categories of cases over which federal courts have jurisdiction, as outlined in Article III, Section 2?

Cases arising under the Constitution, laws, and treaties of the U.S.

Cases involving disputes between different states, between a state and citizens of another state, or involving foreign nations or citizens.

Define "original jurisdiction" and identify the types of cases for which the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction.

Original jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case first, before any other court. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving: Ambassadors and other public ministers Disputes between states.

What is "appellate jurisdiction," and what is the relationship between the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction and lower federal courts?

Appellate jurisdiction refers to a court's power to review decisions from lower courts. The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by lower federal and state courts, subject to regulations set by Congress.

What protection does Article III, Section 2 provide regarding the trial of crimes? What is the exception to this protection?

All crimes must be tried by a jury and held in the state where the crime was committed. The exception is in cases of impeachment, which is handled by Congress.

According to Article III, Section 3, what are the two ways in which treason against the United States can be committed?

Levying war against the United States

Giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States

What specific requirement does the Constitution establish for the conviction of treason? Why did the Framers include this provision?

A person can only be convicted of treason if there is testimony from two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court. This provision prevents abuses of power by requiring strong evidence before convicting someone of treason.

What limitation does Article III, Section 3 place on the punishment that Congress can declare for treason?

Congress may set the punishment for treason, but it cannot impose "corruption of blood" or forfeiture beyond the lifetime of the convicted person—meaning the punishment cannot extend to their descendants.