Chapter 12 THE FEDERAL COURTS: Activism versus Restraint Theoretical Focus: Federalist #78 © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Introduction In Federalist Papers # 78-83, Publius deals with three facets of the proposed Judicial Branch: The selection of federal judges. The tenure of office. The partition of the jurisdiction. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Democracy and Judicial Appointments Hamilton is careful not to address the life- tenure of federal judges along with the mode of appointment because it suggests that the judiciary may be seen as anti- republican. Why? Unelected judiciary The President (Executive) appoints members and is also indirectly elected. Senators are also indirectly elected. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Justification for Judiciary as Proposed Therefore, Hamilton discusses the non- aristocratic nature of the judiciary rather than its blatantly elitist composition. So, he discusses the nature of an independent judiciary and its authoritative purpose within a republic. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Mode of Appointment Referring to Federalist #76-77, Alexander Hamilton states that appointing federal judges should be considered the same as other appointed federal officials: Executive nomination Senate confirmation Hamilton proposes the same process for the judges who will comprise the federal judiciary © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Tenure: Life Terms The tenure of federal judges should hold their offices during “good behavior” etc. if not they can be impeached and tried for their “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Publius counters the Anti-Federalist concern that an un-elected, life-tenured national judiciary will not be tyrannical. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Tenure: Life Terms Hamilton believes the duration of life terms ensures impartiality because the judiciary does not control the purse (money) or the sword (military). The judiciary “is the least dangerous branch.” © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Judicial Review Publius never mentions “judicial review.” In fact, Hamilton refers to Federalist #22 by quelling fears that the judiciary will not be active in foreign policy issues. Moreover, he points to the lack of judicial power as a shortcoming of the Articles: “Crowns the defects of the [Articles of] Confederation.” © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Judicial Review Hamilton expounds the need for the Judiciary to declare acts of the Legislature “void when they conflict with the Constitution.” © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Judicial Review Thus, the rule of law is paramount, and the role of the national judiciary is to decide this, i.e. judicial review! Consequently, the judicial branch power is to determine what law is and it provides a check on the constitutionality of the other two branches. In turn, reason is the power of the judiciary branch according to Hamilton which allows for making judgments he calls “moral imperatives.” © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Judicial Review in Practice Table 12.1 Number of Federal Statutes held Unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, Page 341 © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Judicial Review in Practice Table 12.2 Number of State Laws and Local Ordinances Held Unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, Page 342 © 2011 Taylor & Francis