Creation and Structure of the Federal Judiciary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the establishment, legal basis, and structure of the United States federal court system based on the lecture slides.

Article III of the Constitution

The constitutional basis for the federal judiciary that established a Supreme Court and inferior courts, but left vague how the judicial system would function in practice.

Article III: Section I

The constitutional section vesting judicial power in one Supreme Court and inferior courts ordained by Congress, granting judges tenure during good Behaviour and un-diminished compensation.

Article III: Section II

The constitutional section extending judicial power to all cases in Law and Equity arising under the Constitution, laws of the United States, and treaties made under their authority.

Judiciary Act of 1789

The act that created the American federal judiciary as it is known today, establishing a three-tiered federal court structure.

Three-Tiered Federal Judiciary

The court structure created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 consisting of district courts, appellate courts, and a Supreme Court.

District Court

The lowest level of the federal court system, which functions as the court of original jurisdiction.

Western District of the 8th Circuit

The specific federal district court jurisdiction identified in the lecture.

Circuit Courts

Federal courts created in 1789 that serve as courts of immediate appeal.

Riding the Circuit

The historical practice in which two Supreme Court justices and one district judge were assigned to travel and staff the circuit courts.