democracy article 3 review

The authority to interpret and apply the law, and to resolve legal disputes. In the U.S. system, this power is vested in the judicial branch.

judical power

The authority to interpret and apply the law, and to resolve legal disputes. In the U.S. system, this power is vested in the judicial branch.

supreme court

The highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States, established by Article III of the Constitution. It serves as the final court of appeal.

inferior courts

Federal courts below the Supreme Court, whose existence and structure are determined by Congress

good behavior

A condition under which federal judges hold their offices, generally interpreted as lifetime tenure removable only through impeachment and conviction.

compensation

The salary received for services. Article III protects federal judges' salaries from being diminished during their time in office.

jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Article III, Section 2 outlines the scope of federal court jurisdiction.

cases in law and equity

Legal disputes involving statutory law and common law ("law"), as well as cases where legal remedies might be insufficient and require equitable relief (e.g., injunctions, specific performance).

original jurisdiction

the power of a court to hear a case for the first time. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in specific types of cases listed in Article III, Section 2.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The power of a higher court to review and revise the decision of a lower court. The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction in most cases that come before it.

trial by jury

A right guaranteed in Article III, Section 2 for the trial of all crimes (except impeachment), where a panel of citizens hears evidence and renders a verdict.

treason

The only crime specifically defined in the Constitution (Article III, Section 3), consisting of levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort.

overt act

An action that is outwardly observable and demonstrates the commission of a crime, required as evidence in treason cases along with the testimony of two witnesses.

attainder of treason

A legislative act finding a person guilty of treason without a judicial trial. The Constitution prohibits bills of attainder.

Corruption of Blood:

A legal concept by which the descendants of a person convicted of treason were punished or suffered civil disabilities. This is prohibited by Article III.

Forfeiture:

The loss of property as a penalty for a crime. In cases of treason, Article III limits forfeiture to the lifetime of the person convicted.

impeachment

The process by which high officers of the U.S. government can be accused, tried, and removed from office for misconduct, as outlined in the Constitution.