The Judical Branch [Article 3]

The Supreme Court

Is the only court established by Article 3

jurisdiction

the kinds of cases federal courts can hear

SCOTUS

Supreme Court of the United States

original jurisdiction

a small number if causes begin in the Supreme Court, like state disputes

appellate jurisdiction

1. the vast majority of cases reach the Court on appeal from lower federal courts or state supreme courts.

judicial review

the authority to declare laws or execute actions unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison)

district court (94)

The trial courts of the federal system. They handle criminal and civil cases involving federal law. Every state has at least one district court. The trial level, where evidence is presented and witnesses testify.

Circuit Court (Court of Appeals) (13)

The intermediate courts that review district court decisions. They do not hold trials or hear new evidence; instead, panels of three judges determine whether the law was applied correctly. The losing side may appeal, arguing that a legal error occurred.

Supreme Court

The final authority on federal law and constitutional interpretation. The losing side at the appellate level may petition the Supreme Court for review by filing a petition for a writ of certiorari (“cert”).

What does the federal court system promote?

This hierarchy promotes consistency and fairness: lower courts must follow precedents set by higher courts in their jurisdiction

Constitutional law

Involves interpretation of the U.S. Constitution (e.g., freedom of speech cases).

Rule of four

When four justices agree to hear a case

Statutory Law

Laws passed by Congress or state legislatures.

Administrative Law

Rules and regulations created by government agencies (like the EPA or IRS). Many of these rules and regulations are created by Executive Orders. This is the legal area in which the president has lots of power and, as we saw when we studied the executive branch and legislative branches, where the president can function like a legislator.

Criminal Law

Involves actions considered harmful to society; the government prosecutes individuals or organizations.

Civil Law

Involves disputes between individuals or groups seeking compensation rather than punishment.

State courts

handle most everyday cases: family law, traffic violations, contracts, property disputes, and crimes under state law.

Federal Courts

hear cases involving federal statutes, constitutional issues, or disputes between states or citizens of different states

concurrent jurisdiction.

when both systems have authority. For example, a civil rights claim may be filed in either state or federal court. If a state case involves a federal constitutional question, it can be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court after passing through the state appellate system. Otherwise, state supreme courts are the final authority on state law. This arrangement reflects the principle of federalism—two levels of government sharing authority over the same people.