Intro to the Judicial Branch

the constitution

JB established in article 3; creates the supreme court but allows Cong to establish lower federal courts as needed.

fed judges and justices serve for life terms w/ “good behavior” ; this does not set a specific number of justices

marbury v madison

established judicial review

• the power to declare laws/actions unconstitutional

dual court system

two parallel court systems:

1. federal courts: handle national and federal law

2. state courts: handle state laws

jurisdiction

a courts authority to hear and decide a case

original jurisdiction

court that hears and tries the case first

appelate jurisdiction

court reviewing lower courts decision, examining legal arguments, but not evidence

district courts

trial courts/ w original jurisdiction

94 total

courts of appeal

appelate jurisdiction & review lower court decisions

13 circuits

supreme court

both original and appelate jurisdiction (mostly appelate though)

highest court