Lecture Review: Introduction to the U.S. Courts and Social Media Impact

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on the U.S. Court System and its intersection with social media.

What are the three branches of U.S. government?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

What does the judicial branch primarily do?

Resolves disputes under the law.

Who referred to the judiciary as the least dangerous branch?

Alexander Hamilton.

What two powers do the courts not control?

The purse and the sword.

How does the judiciary maintain its power?

Through the legitimacy of its judgments.

What is the significance of the Trail of Tears in judicial history?

It highlighted the limits of judicial enforcement when political branches ignore court decisions.

What is the dual court system in the United States?

A system consisting of both state courts and federal courts.

How do judges on the federal bench typically gain their positions?

They are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

What is the alternative term for all judges and justices together?

The federal bench.

What does the term 'jurisdiction' refer to in the legal system?

The area of legal authority that a court has.

What are the levels of the federal court system?

Trial courts, intermediate courts of appeals, and courts of last resort.

In what type of jurisdiction do trial courts operate?

Original jurisdiction.

Which court holds appellate jurisdiction?

Intermediate courts of appeals.

What is the role of the Supreme Court?

Final authority on constitutional interpretation.

Who typically holds the power to impeach a federal judge?

The House of Representatives.

Which branch is responsible for making laws?

Congress or the legislative branch.

Why might the judiciary be considered the least democratic branch?

Judges serve lifetime terms and are appointed, not elected.

What is one consequence of judges serving lifetime terms?

It can lead to a lack of representation of current societal issues.

What did Robert Bork's nomination process illustrate?

A turning point in the contentious nature of Supreme Court confirmations.

What type of economy does the speaker believe we currently live in?

A political economy resembling a casino.

What might influence a senator's willingness to impeach a judge?

The public perception of the judiciary and its legitimacy.

What is an example of a court ruling being ignored?

The Supreme Court decision regarding the removal of the Cherokee.

How do the concepts of legitimacy and public perception interact in the judicial system?

Public trust influences the authority of the judiciary.

Why are courts seen as reactive institutions?

They respond to disputes brought to them, rather than seeking out disputes.

What is meant by 'the intention economy'?

An economy where attention and engagement drive financial gain.

Who was Judge Wesley Brown?

A federal district court judge appointed by Kennedy who served over 50 years.

How do judges influence the law?

Through their rulings and interpretations of constitutional issues.

What is the relationship between judicial decisions and Congress?

Congress has the power to ignore or refuse enforcement of court decisions.

Why may the judiciary struggle to enforce its decisions?

They lack control over the purse and sword.

What does the term 'legitimate' refer to in the context of judicial authority?

The perception by the public that the court's judgment is valid.

What historical example illustrates the fragility of judicial power?

The Supreme Court ruling on the Trail of Tears.

What is one reason social media is seen as harmful?

It can erode attention spans and cognitive skills.

What do courts represent in a federal system?

An impartial arbiter of disputes under the law.

How do power dynamics within the government affect the judiciary?

If other branches disregard court rulings, the judiciary's power can be diminished.

How are constitutional interpretations impacted by social media?

Social media can influence public opinion on legal issues.

What is a key takeaway about the functionality of the judiciary?

It serves as a necessary check on the powers of the other branches.

What is the role of the Senate in the judicial appointment process?

To confirm or reject presidential nominees for the judiciary.

What is a key feature of the federal court system?

It operates under the authority of Article III of the Constitution.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to determine whether a law or action by the government is constitutional.

What does Article III of the Constitution establish?

The judicial branch of the U.S. government, including the Supreme Court and grants Congress the power to create lower federal courts.

What are the federal trial courts in the U.S. called?

U.S. District Courts.

What are the intermediate federal appellate courts in the U.S. called?

U.S. Courts of Appeals (often referred to as Circuit Courts).

What principle guides judges to follow precedents set by previous court decisions?

Stare decisis.