Intro to the Judicial Branch

Article III of the US Constitution •Defines the power of the Judicial Branch• Interprets laws• This is the shortest Article in the

Constitution

Consists of . . .•Federal courts, including the Supreme Court•State courts• The Constitution further defines federalism

in the court system by explaining the national government and the state governments to divide (and sometimes share – concurrent) the responsibilities of the court system

Supreme Court•Highest court in the US• Exercises the power of judicial

review• Once the Supreme Court makes a decision,

that is it. You cannot appeal to a higher court – there is none

Random Facts• The Court hears about 100 of the 10,000 cases that

compete for a spot on the court’s calendar each year.• Make about $250,000 a year• Serve for life• Only one judge impeached – 1805• Youngest was 32 – oldest served until he was 90• Jimmy Carter was the only President to not appoint a judge• Taft appointed the most as President - 6

Federal CourtsTry cases involving federal law and interpreting the ConstitutionFederal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving:the United States government,the Constitution or federal laws, orcontroversies between states or between the U.S. government and foreign governments.Bankruptcy•Federal courts have total jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases, which Congress has determined should be addressed in federal courts rather than state courts. This means that a bankruptcy case may not be filed in a state court.•The primary purposes of bankruptcy law is to help honest people who can no longer pay their creditors get a new start by liquidating their assets to pay debts, or by creating a repayment plan. Bankruptcy laws also protect troubled businesses and provide for orderly distributions to business creditors through reorganization or liquidation.Naturalization Ceremonies•Federal courts hold ceremonies throughout the year where United States citizenship is formally granted and new citizens are officially welcomed. Many are held on our around September 17 to celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Landmark Cases•The impact of the federal courts on our lives is best known by federal court cases that show the judicial branch is significant to the way we live and the rights we have. News stories•Media often describes how issues of current interest in society wind up in the federal courts. These stories may involve issues such as civil rights cases involving national laws, acts of national terrorism, or traffic violations or misdemeanors occurring on federal property, such as in a national park.