The Judicial Branch

Goals of the Judicial Branch• Article 3 lays out the rules for the Federal court

system of the U.S.• Federal courts hear cases involving Federal Laws

passed by Congress (Federal Jurisdiction)• State Courts hear cases passed by state legislatures• The Supreme Court is the highest court in the

country. Its decisions are final!

Qualifications• There are no specific qualifications for a Federal

Justice (judge)• President appoints justices and Senate approves

them (Checks and Balances)• Federal justices have no term limits and can serve

until they retire or die. Can only be removed through impeachment

Supreme Court• Made of 8 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice (9 total)• To rule on cases, the Justices vote and the majority rules• The Supreme Court does not use a jury and for the most part,

cases do not originate in the Supreme Court, they must be brought there.

The Supreme Court in Washington D.C.

State vs. Federal Courts (Federalism!)State

• Courts established by states and local gov.

• Suits against state• Cases generally include:

robbery, traffic violations, family disputes and broken contracts

• Criminal cases involving state crimes

Federal• Courts established by

Constitution/Federal gov.• Suits against the Federal government

• Cases include those of Constitutionality: treason, maritime law, cases amongst citizens of different states, bankruptcy and patent laws

• Crimes involving federal jurisdiction (crossing state lines with drugs, crimes committed in national parks, etc.)

Court Cases• Marbury v. Madison (1803)- Establishes Judicial Review-

Most important Supreme Court Power!– Under this decision, the Supreme Court can declare laws

unconstitutional. Decision: 9-0

• Plessey v. Ferguson (1896)- “Separate but equal” is Constitutional. Decision: 7-1

• Brown v. Topeka Bd. Of Ed.(1954)- “Separate but equal” is NOT Constitutional. Decision: 9-0

The Warren Court proved critical in the advancement of civil rights for African Americans

Checks and Balances