The Federal Judiciary

Structure and role of the Federal Court System

A Dual Court System

The Supreme Court —>

  • can hear any of them

  • does not HAVE to take a case, they pick and choose

State Courts

  • HAVE to take a case

State Supreme Courts

State Appeals Courts

State Local Courts

Federal Courts

  • HAVE to take a case

The Court of Appeals (Circuit Courts)

District Courts

Types of Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction - area of authority

ex: cops argue over jurisdiction, can they arrest you there

Original

The first time a case is being heard by a court and a ruling or verdict is given.

Appellate

The case is being reviewed by a judicial panel to ensure that due process was given and law were followed.

Not a new trial.

The Federal Court System

District Courts

  • Original Jurisdiction

  • Trial Courts

    • Civil Cases

    • Criminal Cases

  • Petit Jury

  • Determines guilt or culpability in cases involving federal laws

  • 94 Courts in all 50 States

US Courts of Appeals

  • Appellate Jurisdiction

  • 3 Judge Panels

    • Review of the lower court case

  • Trials from district courts are affirmed or overturned

  • Ensures laws are applied and rights applied correctly

  • 12 Circuits covering multiple States

SCOTUS

  • Both Original

    • Foreign officials and States as a paty

  • and Appellate

    • Last court of appeals

    • Can review local, state, and federal case

  • 9 Judge Panel

    • Set by Congress

Constitution Summary - Article 3

Section 1

The judicial branch will be made up of the Supreme Court and any smaller courts that Congress may establish. Judges will serve their offices for life, so long as they are on good behavior and they will be paid for their services throughout their time in office.

Section 2

The federal courts have jurisdiction over court cases that involve the Constitution, federal laws, and domestic foreign treaties. As well as disputes and cases between the states, citizens, and federal government. All trials must be by jury, except in impeachment cases, and must be held in the state where the crime occurred. Congress can strip the Supreme Court of appellate jurisdiction.

Section 3

Defines treason, empowers Congress to punish for treason. The punishment may not extend beyond the life of the person punished.