Comprehensive Notes on the Federal Court System and Judicial Review

Federal Court System Levels

  • Supreme Court

    • Established by Article III of the Constitution.
    • Number of justices: 9.
    • Has both original and appellate jurisdiction.
    • Hears approximately 100 cases from October to June.
    • Appeals are taken by petition for writ of certiorari.

  • Courts of Appeal

    • Created by Congress (Article III authorized).
    • 11 regional courts plus 1 DC circuit.
    • Court sessions are held in panels of 3 or en banc.
    • Appellate jurisdiction only.

  • District Courts

    • Established by Congress (Article III authorized).
    • Total of 94 district courts in the USA.
    • Courts of original jurisdiction primarily handle civil and federal criminal cases.
Arguments of the Founders on Federal Court System
  • Antifederalists:
    • Concerned that an independent judiciary might undermine checks and balances.
  • Federalists:
    • Argued that an independent judiciary would not be a threat if judges acted appropriately.
Original Jurisdiction Cases
  • Cases brought directly to the Supreme Court are rare and involve:
    • Ambassadors, public ministers, consuls.
    • Cases in which a state is a party.
    • Notable case: Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Summary of Article III of the Constitution

  • Judicial Power: Vested in the Supreme Court and inferior courts.

    • Judges hold office during good behavior (interpreted as life until 14-18 years).
    • Compensation for judges cannot be diminished while in office.

  • Jurisdiction Types:

    • Federal Question Jurisdiction:
    • Cases involving the Constitution, federal laws, treaties, ambassadors, and diversity jurisdiction.
    • Appellate Jurisdiction:
    • SCOTUS hears cases only after lower courts have tried them.
    • Jury Trials:
    • Required in most cases but not in impeachment cases.
Treason Definition
  • According to Article III, treason is defined as:
    • Levying war against the U.S. or aiding enemies.
    • Requires testimony of two witnesses or confession in open court.
    • Penalty typically includes death.
Federal Judges' Terms
  • Lifetime Tenure:
    • Federal judges serve for life unless removed for misconduct, ensuring independence and impartiality.
    • In Federalist No. 78, Hamilton argues judges act based on law, describing the judiciary as the "least dangerous branch" of government.
Courts Established by Judiciary Act of 1789
  • Types of Courts Established:
    • Supreme, District, and Regional (Circuit) Courts.
District Courts Functions
  • Handle civil (non-criminal) and federal criminal cases.
    • Plaintiff: Person bringing lawsuit.
    • Defendant: Person responding to the lawsuit.
Courts of Appeal (Circuit Courts)
  • Established by Congress: Made permanent in 1891.
    • The appellant is the person who lost the trial court case wanting to appeal, while the appellee defends the appeal.
Supreme Court Review Process
  • Certiorari process: A writ of certiorari allows the Supreme Court to review lower court decisions.
    • Only a certain percentage of cases are accepted for review, primarily resolving conflicts among circuit courts.
Marbury v. Madison Overview
  • Key facts involve John Adams appointing new judges leading to the case.
    • Questions of can appointed judges sue for their appointments?
    • Argument followed Article III regarding judicial authority upheld by SCOTUS.
Judicial Review
  • Defined as the authority of the courts to review legislation and executive actions for constitutionality.
Changing Nature of the Court
  • Focus on historical cases and their impacts, including evolving definitions of civil rights, the role of justices, and landmark decisions affecting rights and liberties.
Civil Rights and Legislation
  • Key Amendments:
    • 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments post-Civil War.
    • Important in understanding civil rights legislation and precedents.
  • Significant Supreme Court Decisions:
    • Dred Scott decision, Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Obergefell v. Hodges.
Modern Court Dynamics
  • Composition of the Supreme Court shows a divide between conservative and liberal justices, with notable appointments throughout recent administrations.
  • Key legal principles include strict scrutiny, heightened scrutiny, and rational basis test pertaining to civil rights cases.