UNITED STATES

Levels and Jurisdiction  3 Levels of the Court system Supreme Court Courts of Appeal District Courts  Original Jurisdiction Court in which a case is first heard  Appellate Jurisdiction Court that hears a case on appeal from a lower court

Appointment of Judges  All Federal Judges are appointed by the President Supreme Court, Appeals Courts, Special Courts and District Courts  All Judges are confirmed by the Senate Lower court judges are “rubber stamped” Supreme Court Justices are fought over.

Salary and Terms  Salary is set by Congress, but can not be lowered  Supreme Court and Constitutional Court Judges are appointed for life. They serve until they resign, retire, die or are impeached  Lower Court (special) Judges serve a 15 year term