The Judicial Branch The branch of government that Interprets the law Described in Article III of the Constitution

The Constitution “The Supreme Law of the Land” No law can conflict with the Constitution No government action can conflict with the Constitution No state action can conflict with the Constitution Protecting the Constitution is the most important job of the Judicial Branch

Article III Basic frame work of the judicial branch Establish the Supreme Court Nations highest court Gives Congress the power to create lower courts

Federal Court System Resolve disputes about national laws, the federal government, or the states Supreme Court (high court) 2 main sets of lower courts District courts first level of the courts, each district covers several states Appellate courts next level of the courts, review decisions made by district courts (decided if the original trial was fair/legal)

The Powers of the Supreme Court Last stop in the judicial process, decisions are final Supreme Court 9 justices appointed by the president, “serve in good behavior” Decides cases involving states or an ambassador from another county directly Decides cases indirectly through the appeals process Judicial Review the power to decided whether laws or acts of the other branches conflict with the Constitution allows the court to full-fill its role of protecting the “Supreme Law of the Land”