By: Robbie, Aidan, and Jaxon Lesson 2 Review By: Robbie, Aidan, and Jaxon

Lesson 2 Part One: The Lower Courts Each layer in the federal court system has it’s own purpose and structure The courts that are below the U.S. Supreme Court, make up the the system of the Lower Courts. The U.S. Senate is the highest court.

Lesson 2 Part Two: The District Courts The District Courts are the lowest in the federal court system. The District Courts have the original jurisdiction on most cases The District Courts take both Criminal and Civil cases.

Lesson 2 Part Three: The Circuit Courts Of Appeal Courts of appeal do not say if the person is guilty nor do they decide which party wins a lawsuit. Instead they have appellate jurisdiction. This is the authority to say if a trial that was appealed They are also called federal courts of appeal

Lesson 2 Part Four: Rulings The judge can uphold the results which leaves the verdict in that trial. They can reverse the results of a trial They can also send a case to the lower courts

Lesson 2 Part Five: Opinions When an appeals court makes a ruling, one judge writes an opinion for the court. The opinion describes a detailed explanation. A precedent can be used as the basis for a decision.

Lesson 2 Part Six: Principles Of The Legal System Some judicial principles were established early in the nation’s history. One is that no federal court, not even the Supreme Court may initiate action. That is, a judge or justice may not seek out an issue and ask both sides to bring it to court.

Lesson 2 Part Seven: Federal Judges There are over 650 judges that serve on district courts. Each appeal court has 6 to 28 judges. The supreme court has 9 judges

Lesson 2 Part Eight: Appointing Federal Judges The Constitution does not set particular qualifications that federal judges must meet. The president can appoint a federal judge with the consent of the senate In general, the president wants to appoint someone with his or her ideals

Lesson 2 Part Nine: Term Of Office Once appointed, federal judges have their jobs for life. They can only be removed from office through the process of impeachment. Federal judges have the right to hold their place in office or tenure.

Lesson 2 Part Ten: Other Court Officials Judges get help from clerks, secretaries, and many other people. Magistrate judges are appointed by a majority of federal judges in a district. A subpoena is is a court order that requires a person to appear in court.