civics courts

CE.5a the System of State and Federal Courts, Including Jurisdiction and Judicial Review

a) describe the system of state and federal courts including, but not limited to jurisdiction and judicial review

What is the judicial branch?

The judicial branch is the part of government that interprets laws. That means it decides what laws mean and whether they follow the Constitution.

What is the court system like in the United States?

We have a dual court system, which means there are two levels of courts.

State courtshandle cases that deal withstate laws(like traffic laws, state crimes, or family matters).

  • Federal courts handle cases involving federal laws(like immigration, disputes between states, or national laws).

Each type of court has its own jurisdiction—that means the kinds of cases it's allowed to hear. For example:

  • If someone breaks a federal law, their case goes to federal court.

  • If someone breaks a state law, their case goes to state court.

What is judicial review?

Judicial review is the power of the courts to decide whether a law or government actiongoes against the Constitution. If it does, the courts can say that law is unconstitutional and strike it down.

CE.5b How Due-Process Protections Seek to Ensure Justice

b) describe how due-process protections seek to ensure justice

What is due process?

Due process means the government has to treat people fairly and follow the rules when it carries out the law. This protects people from unfair treatment by the government.

Which amendments talk about due process?

  • The 5th Amendment says the nationalgovernment must follow due process.

  • The 14th Amendment says stategovernments must also follow due process.

Why is due process important?

It helps protect people's rights and freedoms.

  • You can't be punished unless you've had a fair trial. 

  • The government can't take your property or lock you up without following the proper legal steps.

CE.5c Comparing Civil and Criminal Cases

c) compare and contrast civil and criminal cases

What is a criminal case?


  • A criminal case is when someone is accused of breaking the law.

  • The government charges the person with a crime. Example: Someone is accused of stealing.

  • If found guilty, they may go to jail or pay a fine.

What is a civil case?

  • A civil case is a legal disagreement between two people or groups.

  • No one is being accused of a crime.

  • Example: One person sues another because of a car accident or contract disagreement.

TYPE OF CASE

CRIMINAL

CIVIL

Who’s involved?

Government vs. Person

Person vs. Person (or group)

Example

Theft, assault

Property damage, divorce, contracts

Possible outcome

Jail, fine, probation

Money awarded, change in behavior

CE.5d The Supreme Court, the Judiciary and Marbury v. Madison

d) explain the effects of Supreme Court cases affecting the judiciary including but not limited to Marbury v. Madison (1803)

What is the Supreme Court?

  • The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It has the final say on what laws mean and whether they follow the Constitution.

Why is Marbury v. Madison important?

  • In the case Marbury v. Madison (1803),the Supreme Court decided that it had the power of judicial review. 

  • This means the Court can say whether laws or actions are constitutional.

What does the power of Judicial Review mean today?

  • It gives the judicial branch a powerful role. 

  • It helps keep the legislative and executive branches in check, making sure no one breaks the rules of the Constitution.