Judicial Branch Flyer Reading

Introduction to the Federal Judicial Branch

  • Importance of the federal judicial branch often overshadowed by Congress and the Presidency.

  • Key landmark cases:

    • Brown v. Board of Education (1954) - mandated end to legal segregation.

    • Roe v. Wade (1973) - declared abortion legal nationwide.

    • Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2010) - allowed corporations and unions to spend for candidates' campaigns.

  • Aim of this activity is to provide an introduction to the structure and functioning of the judicial branch.

Structure of the Federal Court System

Constitutional Basis

  • Authorized by Article III of the U.S. Constitution.

  • Federal courts are the third branch of the U.S. government.

  • Judicial power vested in the federal court system with the Supreme Court at the highest level.

  • Congress can establish lower "inferior" courts.

  • Life tenure for Supreme Court justices and federal judges unless removed for wrongdoing.

  • Federal judges' pay cannot be decreased by Congress while in office.

Levels of Federal Courts

U.S. Supreme Court

  • Comprises the Chief Justice and eight associate justices.

  • Hears a limited number of cases annually, involving significant constitutional or federal law questions.

Appellate Courts

  • 12 U.S. Courts of Appeals operate as circuit courts.

  • Review cases from district courts within their circuits and hold appellate jurisdiction.

  • Typically composed of panels of three judges, no juries present.

District Courts

  • 94 federal judicial districts, each with at least one district in every state, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico.

  • Trial courts handling most federal cases, both civil and criminal.

  • Possess original jurisdiction, meaning they hear cases for the first time.

  • Outcomes can be appealed to Courts of Appeals.

Jurisdiction of Federal Courts

  • Distinction between federal and state court systems:

    • Federal courts handle:

      • Cases involving questions about whether laws violate the U.S. Constitution.

      • Laws and treaties of the U.S.

      • Disputes between states.

      • Cases involving admiralty law and bankruptcy matters.

    • State courts address:

      • Divorce, child custody, real estate, most criminal cases, contract disputes, traffic violations, personal injury cases.

Conditions for Jurisdiction

  • Federal courts operate under limited jurisdiction - can only decide specific cases as defined by Congress or the Constitution.

  • Must address “judicial” powers via actual disputes.

  • Cases involving federal law, disputes between states, and diversity jurisdiction are eligible for federal court consideration.

  • Diversity jurisdiction allows cases between citizens of different states or countries to be heard in federal courts, provided claims exceed $75,000.

  • Bankruptcy matters exclusively handled in federal courts.

Selection of Federal Judges

  • Nominations for Supreme Court justices and federal judges made by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

  • Recommended by Senators predominantly from the President's party (senatorial courtesy).

  • Confirmation hearings conducted by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

  • Judicial officers are appointed to life terms as per Article III.