The Judicial Branch “The Balancing Branch” AP Government: Mr. Tumino The Court System The Judicial Branch “The Balancing Branch” AP Government: Mr. Tumino

Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts They arise under the Constitution, a federal law, or a treaty. They arise under admiralty and maritime laws. They arise because of a dispute involving land claimed under titles granted by two or more states. The United States is a party to the case. A state is a party to the case. They are between citizens of different states. They affect the accredited representatives of a foreign nation.

Factors Constraining Federal Judges The Constitution Precedent Statutory law Legal scholarship Opinions of other courts Interest groups Public opinion Media opinion

…continued Views of colleagues Views of law clerks Contemporary events and general social environment Traditions of the law Legislative actions Executive actions Limitations of time and staffing

Types of Law Statutory law Common law Equity law Constitutional law Admiralty and maritime law Administrative law Criminal law Civil law International law Other specialty areas