ORGANIZATION OF THE JUDICIAL BRANCH

TABLE OF CONTENTS Questions Vocabulary Introduction Types of Cases Types of Courts Appointment of Judges Summary

QUESTIONS How are civil and criminal cases different? What kind of cases dothe constitutional courts hear? What kind of cases do legislative courts hear? How are federal judges appointed?

VOCABULARY Criminal Case Civil Case Constitutional Court Legislative Court

INTRODUCTION It is important to remember that the federal courts deal with cases involving the Constitution, federal laws, and certain other issues. Each state has its own system of courts and laws. State and local courts cannot hear cases involving federal laws or the Constitution.

TYPES OF CASES There are two types of cases that courts can hear. Criminal courts hear cases involving the breaking of laws. A civil cases involves a disagreement between two or more persons or organizations. There is no crime involved.

TYPES OF COURTS Constitutional courts hear both criminal and civil cases related to federal laws. Legislative courts hear cases related to Congress’s power to govern. Appeals courts hear cases that are challenging court rulings. Tax court hears cases between taxpayers and the IRS. Trade court hears cases realated to tariffs and other trade issues.

APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES Federal Judges are appointed by the President and approved by Congress. Federal Judges serve until they chose to resign or retire. Presidents usually chose candidates that are from the same party as them and share the same views.

SUMMARY For each type of court think of a imaginary case that would be heard in that court. Putting it all together pg. 210.