The Federal Court System CHAPTER 11 5/4/2018 CHAPTER 11 The Federal Court System Section 1: The Lower Courts Section 2: The Supreme Court Section 3: The Courts and the Public Good The Federal Court System

Section 1: The Lower Courts Objectives: What are the role and the authority of the lower courts? How are the lower courts organized? How are the lower-court judges selected?

Section 1: The Lower Courts The role of the lower courts: resolving disputes setting precedents interpreting the law

Section 1: The Lower Courts The authority of the lower courts to hear the initial trial—original jurisdiction—of cases involving: the Constitution and federal laws diplomats treaties the U.S. government state governments citizens of other countries or of more than one state

Section 1: The Lower Courts Organization of the lower courts: district courts appeals courts special courts

Section 1: The Lower Courts Process by which the lower-court judges are selected: selected by the Department of Justice or White House staffers approved or disapproved by the Senate

Section 2: The Supreme Court Objectives: How has the role of the Supreme Court changed over time? How are the Supreme Court justices appointed, and what are their terms of office? How does the Supreme Court operate?

Section 2: The Supreme Court Changes in role of the Supreme Court: powers grew to include judicial review influence over the executive and legislative branches’ ability to pursue specific public policies increased

Section 2: The Supreme Court Appointment process of Supreme Court justices: The president appoints them. The Senate approves or rejects the appointees. Terms of office: Justices can serve for life. Each annual session lasts approximately eight months.

Section 2: The Supreme Court Operation of the Supreme Court: Lawyers file a written brief. Justices hear oral arguments. They have conferences to discuss the case and prepare their opinions. Justices announce their decision.

Section 3: The Courts and the Public Good Objectives: What are the issues raised by judicial activism and judicial restraint? How can the courts’ power be checked?

Section 3: The Courts and the Public Good Issues raised by judicial activism and judicial restraint: Federal judges overstep their powers through judicial activism. If federal judges exercise judicial restraint, then the minority views and rights may go unheard and unprotected.

Section 3: The Courts and the Public Good Ways the courts’ power can be checked: appointment process of justices congressional power to pass amendments refusal of states or individuals to obey judicial decisions

Chapter Wrap-Up 1. Describe the organization of the lower federal courts. 2. What is the selection process for lower-court judges? 3. How has the Supreme Court’s power changed since the late 1700s? 4. Describe the process a case goes through in the Supreme Court.

Chapter Wrap-Up 5. How do the executive and legislative branches check the Supreme Court’s power? 6. What are some common criticisms of the judiciary?