The Judicial Branch: Structure, Jurisdiction, and Landmark Cases

What article of the Constitution outlines the Judicial Branch?

Article 3

What is the primary jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

Original jurisdiction over cases involving states and ambassadors.

What landmark case established the principle of judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

What was the outcome of Marbury v. Madison?

The Court found that it could not grant Marbury's request because the relevant provision of the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional.

What is the significance of Federalist #78?

It argues for an independent judiciary as essential for preserving liberty and explains the need for lifetime appointments for judges.

What does the term 'stare decisis' mean?

It means 'let the decision stand' and refers to the legal principle that similar cases should be decided in the same way.

What is judicial restraint?

The principle that courts should limit their own power by adhering closely to existing laws and precedents.

What is judicial activism?

The practice of courts overturning prior decisions or legislative acts to protect minority rights or address unmet needs.

What was the impact of the Dred Scott v. Sanford decision?

It declared enslaved persons to be property, not citizens, and thus had no standing to sue in court.

What was the role of the Warren Court?

It was known for its activist decisions, including landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education and Miranda v. Arizona.

What is the significance of the 16th Amendment?

It established the constitutionality of the federal income tax, which was previously deemed unconstitutional by SCOTUS.

How does Congress check the power of the Supreme Court?

By passing legislation that modifies the impact of prior SCOTUS decisions or ratifying constitutional amendments.

What are the characteristics of the Burger Court?

It was a conservative court that still issued several liberal decisions, including Roe v. Wade.

What does it mean for justices to have life tenure?

Justices serve for life, ensuring independence from political pressures and election cycles.

What is the role of the Supreme Court in determining the law?

The Court determines what the law is and what it is not, while Congress determines what the law ought to be.

What does the term 'precedent' refer to in the context of the judicial system?

A ruling that establishes a legal principle that should be followed in future cases.

What is the impact of judicial appointments on the Supreme Court?

They can shift the ideological balance of the Court, influencing its decisions.

What is the significance of life-tenured appointments for justices?

They allow justices to make decisions without fear of losing their jobs due to unpopularity.

What was the ruling in the case of Pollock v. Farmer's Loan and Trust Company?

SCOTUS ruled that a federal income tax was unconstitutional, leading to the passage of the 16th Amendment.

What are the implications of the Supremacy Clause?

It establishes that the Constitution takes precedence over ordinary legislation.

What is the role of the Chief Justice in the context of judicial restraint?

The Chief Justice, such as Stone, advocated for restraint, especially in opposition to New Deal policies.