Judicial Branch Interprets, or explains, the laws

U.S. Court System

U.S. Supreme Court Major body of Judicial Branch Major body of Judicial Branch Highest & most important court in the U.S. Highest & most important court in the U.S. Job is to decide what the laws mean Job is to decide what the laws mean Located in Supreme Court Building in D.C Located in Supreme Court Building in D.C 9 Justices 9 Justices States usually have their own “State Supreme Court” States usually have their own “State Supreme Court”

District Courts Lowest Federal Courts Lowest Federal Courts 94 of them currently in the U.S. 94 of them currently in the U.S. Where Federal cases are started Where Federal cases are started

U.S. Court of Appeals Cases can be sent from district to the court of appeals. Cases can be sent from district to the court of appeals. Cases will be heard for a second time to try to reverse the previous decision. Cases will be heard for a second time to try to reverse the previous decision. Currently 13 appeals courts. Currently 13 appeals courts. If an appeal is overturned, it can be sent to the Supreme Court to be decided upon. The Supreme Court may or may not choose to hear it. If an appeal is overturned, it can be sent to the Supreme Court to be decided upon. The Supreme Court may or may not choose to hear it.

State Court Systems State Supreme Court- highest court in the state (not all states have “Supreme Courts”. State Supreme Court- highest court in the state (not all states have “Supreme Courts”. State courts also specialize in issues such as probate, juvenile, and family matters. State courts also specialize in issues such as probate, juvenile, and family matters.

Justices Appointed by the President Appointed by the President Serve for life Serve for life Only removed by impeachment Only removed by impeachment Supreme Court made up of: Supreme Court made up of: 9 justices 9 justices 8 associate justices 8 associate justices 1 Chief Justice 1 Chief Justice -Majority needed to reach a decision (5 of 9)