Notes on The Federal Courts

Chapter 13: The Federal Courts

Overview

• Key topics to cover:
  • Jurisdiction of federal courts
  • Structure and players in the court system
  • Judicial selection and responsibilities
  • Major case law and concepts related to the judicial branch

Court System Structure

• Civil Law

  • Legal trials that handle disputes between private parties, such as:
  • Property disputes
  • Personal injury cases
  • Contract issues
  • Divorce and custody matters
  • Burden of Proof: Must show a preponderance of evidence (greater than 50%).

• Criminal Law

  • Legal trials where the State prosecutes parties for violations of law (defendant is accused).
  • Burden of Proof: Guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Punishments: Consequences can include fines, imprisonment, or probation.

Key Players in the Court System

• Judge: Oversees trial proceedings and rules on legal matters.
• Jury: Listens to evidence and reaches a verdict.
• Defendant: The individual accused of a crime in a criminal trial.
• Prosecution: Represents the government in bringing charges against the defendant.
• Plaintiff: The party filing a lawsuit in civil court.

The Judicial Branch's Intent

• Framework of the Judicial Branch: Established by Article III of the Constitution, detailing:
  • The function of the Supreme Court.
  • Mechanisms of checking and balancing other branches.
  • Qualifications, terms, and perks of judges.
  • Supreme Court's jurisdiction defined.
• Significant Case: Marbury v. Madison (1803)
  • Established the precedent of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

Federal Court System Structure

• The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest federal court, serving as the court of last resort for federal questions.
• **Hierarchy of Courts:
  1. Supreme Court (top)
  2. Inferior Courts
  • Constitutional Courts (Article III Courts): General jurisdiction, including:
    • District Courts: 94 courts, Original jurisdiction, can involve juries.
    • Courts of Appeals: 13 circuits, Appellate jurisdiction, review prior decisions without new evidence.
  • Special Courts: Legislative courts focusing on specific areas like tax, military, or territorial issues.
• Judicial Appointments:
  • Judges appointed for life by the President, confirmed by the Senate.
  • Senatorial courtesy: An unwritten rule where nominations are often blocked by senators from the same political party if opposed.

Jurisdiction Types

• Exclusive vs. Concurrent Jurisdiction:
  • Exclusive: Only federal courts can hear certain cases (e.g., federal officials).
  • Concurrent: Cases that can be heard in both state and federal courts (e.g., disputes between residents of different states).
• Original vs. Appellate Jurisdiction:
  • Original: Courts that hear cases first (District Courts and Supreme Court).
  • Appellate: Courts reviewing decisions made by lower courts (Courts of Appeals and Supreme Court).

Supreme Court Operations

• Justices: 9 in total, including 1 Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices.
• Term: Lasts from the first Monday in October to June/July, during which cases are heard and decisions rendered.
• Selection of Cases:
  • The Rule of Four: Four justices must agree to hear a case for it to be placed on the docket.
  • Cases can come via lower court appeals or original jurisdiction cases.

Deciding Cases in the Supreme Court

• Oral Arguments: Public hearings scheduled for two-week intervals, where each side presents their arguments, often supported by amicus curiae briefs from interested third parties.
• Opinion Types:
  • Majority Opinion: The Court’s official decision and reasoning.
  • Dissenting Opinion: Views of justices who disagree, serving as a record of opposition.
  • Concurring Opinion: Agreement with the majority but highlighting additional points.
  • Per Curiam: Brief, unsigned opinions.
  • Plurality Opinion: Outlines the reasoning agreed upon by the most justices when there is no clear majority.
• Setting Precedent: Decisions act as a guide for future cases (stare decisis).

Judicial Review and Boundaries

• State Laws: The Supreme Court can invalidate state laws in conflict with the Constitution due to the supremacy clause.
• Federal Agency Actions: Courts oversee whether Congress's delegations to the executive branch are lawful.
• Presidential Powers: Court decisions impact presidential authority, affirming checks on executive actions that exceed constitutional bounds.

Current Justices (as of 2018)

1. Chief Justice: John G. Roberts Jr.
2. Clarence Thomas
3. Samuel Anthony Alito Jr.
4. Sonia Sotomayor
5. Elena Kagan
6. Neil Gorsuch
7. Brett Kavanaugh
8. Amy Coney Barrett
9. Ketanji Brown Jackson

Exit Ticket Reflection (April 9)

• Consider the desired qualities in a federal judge: integrity, legal expertise, impartiality, etc.