Noah Hart - Ch. 6 Outline.docx

Judicial Independence

Judicial Independence

The concept that the judiciary should be independent from money and politics, with appointments for life and salary protections.

Caperton v

A Supreme Court case that held that a judge should have recused himself if there was a conflict of interest due to campaign funding from one of the parties involved.

Article III

The section of the Constitution that establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court, with jurisdiction over federal laws and cases.

Marbury v

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the power of judicial review, allowing the Court to determine the constitutionality of laws.

Criminal Cases

Cases involving violations of criminal law, where the government acts as the prosecutor and the defendant faces punishment.

Civil Cases

Cases involving disputes between individuals or groups, where the plaintiff argues that their rights have been violated and seeks a resolution.

Federal District Courts

The 94 district courts that have original jurisdiction and handle the majority of cases, both criminal and civil.

Appellate Courts

The circuit courts that have appellate jurisdiction and review decisions made by lower courts.

SCOTUS

The Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the country with the power of judicial review and the final authority on constitutional interpretation.

Judicial Restraint

The philosophy that the Supreme Court should avoid using judicial review and defer to the other branches of government.

Judicial Activism

The philosophy that the Supreme Court should take action to protect minority rights when the other branches fail to do so.

Checks on SCOTUS Power

The various mechanisms in place to limit the power of the Supreme Court, including the appointment and confirmation process, the ability to amend the Constitution, and the enforcement of rulings by the other branches of government.