Warm Up/Review Describe what roles does the president fulfill, and what authority come from such roles? Explain what limitations are placed on the president by the Constitution? What are the goals of American Foreign Policy? What roles does the president fulfill in regard to American Foreign Policy?

Today’s Vocab Judicial Branch Judicial Review Jurisdiction (original, exclusive, concurrent, appellate) Appeal District Court Court of Appeals Supreme Court

What term describes the government as not being all powerful and power actually lying with the people? Popular Sovereignty

Judicial Branch, Article III

The Federal Court System What is the purpose of having courts? To treat everyone equal “Equal protection under the law” All courts have some type of jurisdiction: Courts authority to hear and decide cases

What are only heard in federal courts? Cases involving the constitution Violation of federal law Bank Robbery, kidnapping Controversies between states Suits involving the federal gov’t Dealing with foreign countries, treaties, diplomats Cases involving maritime law (sea)

The Federal Court System Made up of 3 levels Supreme Court US Court of Appeals District Courts (trial courts)

US District Courts Where all federal trials begin Both criminal and civil cases 94 district courts in USA Original jurisdiction: Authority to hear a case first Only federal court with jury, 1 judge and witnesses testifying

US Court of Appeals Job: Review decisions made in lower courts Appellate jurisdiction: Authority to review decisions of lower courts 13 US Court of Appeals 12 courts cover a particular geographical area called a circuit 1 has nationwide jurisdiction Make up: panel of 3-5 judges Reverse decision or keep original decision Remand: send case back to district court

Supreme Court Job: To determine if laws or rulings are constitutional or unconstitutional Judicial Review Panel of 9 judges Lead justice: Chief justice of the United States Associate judges: Other 8 judges Original jurisdiction: Cases dealing with foreign diplomat and between states Appellate jurisdiction: Review cases of appeals court

How are cases reached? 1. Accept case- Put on docket 2. Written arguments- brief: one side position 3. Oral arguments- 30min to summarize case 4. Conference 5. Opinion writing Majority opinion Minority opinion Concurring opinion 6. Announcement- Final Say!!!

Other types of jurisdiction: Concurrent jurisdiction: Refers to cases in which more than 1 court has jurisdiction. Both federal and state courts have equal authority to hear a case Exclusive jurisdiction: Only 1 court has the authority to rule. Bankruptcy, copyright and patents, and suits brought against the US gov’t are all cases in which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.

How do you become a federal judge? President appoints and senate approves Term: Life!! No particular qualifications Most are lawyers or federal judges

Limitations 1. President can refuse to enforce courts rulings or pardon those convicted 2. Congress can remove/accept presidential nominations

Closing What cases are only heard in federal courts? What does jurisdiction mean? What 3 levels make up the federal court system? Summarize the differences between original, appellate, concurrent and exclusive jurisdiction. Why do judges serve for life? What limitations do judges have? What is the meaning of “Equal Protection Under the Law”? What role does the Judicial Branch play in the law making process?

Closing Question? Do you feel that judges should be appointed for life? Explain.