AP Gov 2.8

What is the Federal Court Hierarchy?

1. SCOTUS

2. Court of Appeals

3. District Courts

what is SCOTUS?

the only court officially established in the constitution (article 3)

What is the role of the Judges of SCOTUS?

• Appointed by the president

• confirmed by the senate

• lifetime appointments

What is jurisdiction?

describes the extent of the power of a court

What is the two types of jurisdiction?

1. Original Jurisdiction

2. Appellate Jurisdiction

what is original Jurisdiction?

A court can hear a case for the first time

what is appellate jurisdiction?

When a court can only hear appeals from the lower courts

How does SCOTUS use both types of jurisdiction?

• Original (less common): between 2 states/ambassadors/other public officials

• The majority of cases are appeals

what is the judiciary act of 1789?

established the structure and jurisdiction of the lower courts

What is the court of appeals?

12 courts (one for each region) that makes sure laws were applied correctly (3 judges and no jury)

What are district courts?

94 courts that use only original jurisdiction and have a judge and a jury

What is judicial review?

the court has the power to rule on the constitutionality of laws (came from Marbury vs. Madison)

What is Federalist 78?

the institution of the Judaical Branch erected a protective wall around it’s power

what did Marbury vs. Madison establish?

the precedent of Judaical review in the supreme court