The Federal Court System Lower (Inferior) Courts

I. Structure of Federal System

I. Structure of Federal System

II. Roles of the Courts Dual Court System Resolving Disputes National judiciary with over 120 courts Each of the 50 states has its own court system. Most cases are heard at the state level. Resolving Disputes Lower courts hear “cases and controversies”. They review and resolve specific disputes between parties. Only people who have suffered a specific injury can bring suit. Setting Precedent A court’s ruling in a case serves as the model for future decisions in similar cases.

II. Roles of the Courts Interpreting Laws Strict Constructionists: laws and the Constitution should be interpreted based only on what is written in the document. Determine authors’ original intent Loose Constructionists: laws and the Constitution should be interpreted broadly in order to meet the needs of changing times.

III. Authority of the Courts Jurisdiction: authority to interpret and administer the law Original Jurisdiction: the authority to hear a case first Primarily cases arising under the Constitution and other federal laws Appellate Jurisdiction: the power to review cases previously decided by a lower court

IV. Lower Court Organization District Court: Trial courts in the federal system These courts are assigned to specific geographic areas Each state has 1-4, depending on size Original jurisdiction over federal cases U.S. Attorney prosecutes criminal cases

IV. Lower Court Organization Courts of Appeals Hear appeals from U.S. District Courts Each covers a large judicial district called a circuit Each has a total of 6-28 judges – no juries Usually only three of the judges hear any one case No new facts presented; only issues of law can be argued

IV. Lower Court Organization Courts of Appeals Decisions based on written record from the district court trial and briefs filed by the two sides The court may reverse a decision, affirm it, or send a case back to district court for retrial

V. Federal Judges Most serve for life: allows them to be independent Congress can impeach and convict them for serious crimes Nominated by President and approved or rejected by Senate Senatorial Courtesy: Senators are consulted on potential nominees for the district courts in their state before an official nomination is made The Senate examines nomination to the appeals courts more carefully because of these courts’ vital role