Judicial Branch National Judiciary

Creation of a National Judiciary The Framers created the national judiciary to stop each state from interpreting laws for itself Two court systems in the US: 1. Federal Court system that spans the country, 2. courts run by each of the 50 States. The Constitution created the Supreme Court- Congress established the inferior courts—the lower federal courts. 5/21: 2nd & 6th ended here

Understanding Federal vs. State Cases Judicial Branch Understanding Federal vs. State Cases 6/2: 3rd ended here

Washington State Court System Washington State Supreme Court – highest court in the state; only hear appeals cases! Washington State Court of Appeals – only hear appeals cases! County Superior Courts – felonies, civil ($50,000+), family, etc. County District Courts – misdemeanors, small claims (below $50,000), name changes Municipal Courts – misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and parking tickets within city limits 6/2: 2nd ended here