Federal Court System

What is the primary duty of the judicial department?

To say what the law is and resolve conflicts between laws.

What are Inferior Courts?

Lower federal courts beneath the Supreme Court.

What is jurisdiction?

The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.

What are the two reasons federal courts hear cases?

Subject matter related to the U.S. Constitution and the parties involved.

What is exclusive jurisdiction?

Cases that can only be heard in federal courts.

What is concurrent jurisdiction?

When both state and federal courts share the power to hear cases.

What is original jurisdiction?

A court in which a case is first heard.

What is appellate jurisdiction?

A court that hears a case on appeal from a lower court.

What is the structure of the federal court system?

It consists of the Supreme Court, Inferior Federal Courts, and State Courts.

Who is the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court as of 2017?

John Roberts.

What is the significance of the case Marbury v. Madison?

It established the power of judicial review.

What does judicial review allow the Supreme Court to do?

Decide the constitutionality of state and federal legislation, executive actions, and other court decisions.

What is the Rule of Four?

At least 4 of the 9 justices must agree to hear a case in the Supreme Court.

What is the term length for Supreme Court justices?

They are appointed for life.

What are the retirement age and service requirements for justices to receive full salary for life?

Age 70 with 10 years of service, or age 65 with 15 years of service.

Who was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court?

Sandra Day O'Connor.

Who was the first African American appointed to the Supreme Court?

Thurgood Marshall.

What is the role of precedent in judicial decision-making?

Judges rely on previous court decisions to guide their rulings.

What is the importance of maintaining judicial neutrality?

To protect the rights of judges to express unpopular views and promote consistent interpretations of laws.

What factors influence how a judge decides a case?

Facts of the case, relevant precedent, constitutional text, and judicial philosophy.