Unit 2.8 - The Judicial Branch

appellate jurisdiction

Authority of court to review a decision of a lower court or administrative agency.

Attorney General

the head of the department of justice

writ of certiorari

An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review

Federalist 78

discusses the power of judicial review. It argues that the federal courts have the duty to determine whether acts of Congress are constitutional and to follow the Constitution when there is inconsistency. Alexander Hamilton viewed this as a protection against abuse of power by Congress.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional

Marbury v. Madison

This case establishes the Supreme Court's power of Judicial Review

original jurisdiction

the authority to hear cases for the first time

U.S. District Courts

Courts within the lowest tier of the three-tiered federal court system; courts where litigation typically begins.

U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

Courts within the middle tier of the three-tiered federal court system; the court is made up of judges only.

U.S. Supreme Court

the highest court of the United States; it sits at the top of the federal court system. It is the court of "Last Resort".