Judicial Branch

Interprets the Laws

The Basics

Judicial Branch=Supreme & inferior courtsSupreme Court interprets the laws1 Chief Justice & 8 Associate Justices on Supreme

Court (9 total)Supreme Court Justices appointed for lifeBeneath the Supreme Court are the U.S. Court of

Appeals and District Courts

Supreme Court Requirements

NoneMust be appointed by the President and approved

(confirmed) by the Senate

Structure

Supreme Court

• 9 Justices

Circuit Courts

• 12 Circuits Across the Country

District Courts

• 94 Districts Across the Country

Checks & Balances

Can declare laws unconstitutionalCan declare presidential acts unconstitutional

Rulings

The Supreme Court selects cases that involve:Issues related to the ConstitutionIssues between states or between states and the federal

governmentPrecedent-rule of lawWhen the Supreme Court makes a ruling, that

ruling becomes the new precedent or rule of law—all lower courts must follow their interpretation