Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 1 What is the function of the judicial branch? Federal courts make up the third branch of the U.S. government: the judicial branch. Courts use the law to Settle civil disputes Decide on guilt or innocence of people accused of crimes

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 2 What is the function of the judicial branch? (cont’d) In a civil dispute, two sides come before a court. Two private parties A private party and the government The United States and a state or local government Each side presents its position. The court uses the law to make a decision in favor of one side or the other.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 3 What is the function of the judicial branch? (cont’d) Courts also hold criminal trials. Witnesses present evidence. Jury or judge delivers verdict. Our legal system is based on the ideal of equal justice under the law.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 4 What is the basic structure of the federal court system? Founders created the federal court system in Article III of the Constitution. Established a national Supreme Court Gave Congress power to establish lower federal courts Congress has created two kinds of lower courts.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 5 What is the basic structure of the federal court system? (cont’d) Today, federal court system has three levels: Supreme Court Appeals courts District courts Federal court system exists alongside 50 separate state court systems.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 6 What types of cases are heard in federal courts? Federal courts have jurisdiction over Cases involving the Constitution Violations of federal laws Controversies between states Disputes between parties from different states Suits involving the federal government Cases involving foreign governments and treaties Cases based on admiralty and maritime laws Cases involving U.S. diplomats

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 7 What types of cases are heard in federal courts? (cont’d) For most of the areas just described, federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. State courts have jurisdiction over all other matters. Most court cases involve state law. Rarely, a case can be heard in either a state or federal court—concurrent jurisdiction.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 8 What is the function of U.S. district courts? Most federal cases are handled in the 94 district courts. All federal cases must begin in a district court. They have original jurisdiction. District courts try both criminal and civil federal cases.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 9 What is the function of the U.S. courts of appeals? U.S. courts of appeals Also known as federal appeals courts, circuit courts of appeals, or appellate courts Review decisions of lower district courts Circuit courts (12) each cover a specific area. A thirteenth appeals court has nationwide jurisdiction to hear special cases.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 10 What is the function of the U.S. courts of appeals? (cont’d) Appeals courts do not hold trials. They may decide an appeal by Upholding the original decision Reversing the decision Remanding the case

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 11 What is the function of the U.S. courts of appeals? (cont’d) Appeals-court judges do not decide Guilt or innocence of defendant in criminal case Which side should win in a civil lawsuit Appeals-court judges do decide Whether defendant’s rights have been protected Whether defendant received a fair trial

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 12 What is the function of the U.S. courts of appeals? (cont’d) In most cases, the decision of the appeals court is final. When an appeals court makes a decision, one judge writes an opinion for the court. Detailed explanation of legal thinking behind decision Sets a precedent within district

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 13 How are federal judges selected? Federal judges are chief decision makers in judicial branch. More than 550 judges preside over district courts. Each appeals court has 6–27 judges. Supreme Court has 9 justices.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 14 How are federal judges selected? President appoints federal judges, with approval of Senate. President usually follows senatorial courtesy. Applies mainly to selection of judges for district courts and other trial courts Federal judges may have their jobs for life, unless they are removed through impeachment.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 15 What is the function of the Supreme Court? (cont’d) When choosing nominees, president considers Likelihood of candidate’s approval by Senate Opinions of Justice Department officials Opinions of American Bar Association, interest groups, other Supreme Court justices

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 16 Which other court officials work in each federal judicial district? Clerks, secretaries, court reporters, probation officers, and other workers help judges. Each district court has magistrate judges. Every federal district also has U.S. attorney and one or more deputies U.S. marshal

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 17 What is the function of the Supreme Court? Supreme Court’s main job is to decide whether laws are Constitutional. Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in Cases that involve diplomats from foreign countries Cases in which a state is involved In all other instances, Supreme Court hears cases on appeal from lower district courts or federal regulatory agencies.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 18 What is the function of the Supreme Court? (cont’d) The Supreme Court is not required to hear all cases presented to it. The Supreme Court has final authority in cases involving The U.S. Constitution Acts of Congress Treaties with other nations The Supreme Court’s decisions are binding on lower courts.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 19 What is the function of the Supreme Court? (cont’d) The Supreme Court is made up of eight justices led by one chief justice. Justices’ main duty is to hear and rule on cases. Chief justice has additional duties.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 20 What is the function of the Supreme Court? (cont’d) Senators: President should have fairly free hand in appointing new justices. But Senate has also rejected many presidential nominees because of Doubts about qualifications Legal philosophy of nominees