Constitutional Law
sets up basic structures of American government
Statutory Law
written law at the national, state, and local levels
Administrative Law
rules and regulations issued by executive agencies
Common Law
unwritten judge made law
International Law
treaties and agreements between nations
Criminal Law
specific offenses against the public
Civil Law
deals with relations between individuals
Types of cases a federal court has jurisdiction over
US government is involved
Cases involving foreign diplomats
Case between 2 states
A citizen of one state and a citizen of another state
A citizen of one state vs. the government of another state
hears cases that involve all federal, criminal, and civil law
US District Courts
hear appeals from US district courts and other federal agencies
US Court of Appeals
civilian court that reviews decisions made by lower military courts
US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Groups that make a contribution in selection a federal judge
American Bar Association
Senate
Justice Department
Media
Special Interest Groups
Public Opinion
2 ways in which a case can reach the Supreme Court
by appeal
writ of certiorari
lawyer from justice department who represents the federal government before the supreme court
Solicitor General
When is the supreme court in session
October through June
written expression on the position of the supreme court
Opinion
written by justices who disagree with decision handed down by the court
Dissenting Opinion
written by justice who agrees with a courts decision but not the reasoning behind it
Concurring Opinion
Judicial Review
supreme court decides what the constitution means
supreme court uses prior decisions to decide cases
Judicial Precedent
when a court feels they should avoid political questions and uphold most laws
Judicial Self-Restraint
court want to be an instrument of social change
Judicial Activism
9 Judges and Party
Conservative- Roberts, Gorsuch, Alito, Kavanaugh, Thomas, Barrett
Liberal- Jackson, Kagan, Sotomayor
Law of Equity
prevents wrongs from occuring