Wilson 16B
Supreme Court Required by Article III Lower Federal Courts Created by Congress ▪ Constitutional ▪ 94 districts ▪ 12 appellate ▪ Legislative Much increased in number
Party effect Ideology Facts of the case Prior rulings Lawyers’ arguments Senatorial courtesy “Blue slip” Not for Supreme Court “Litmus Test”
Dual court system Federal – from Constitution ▪ Federal-question cases ▪ Diversity cases State – all else Dual sovereignty doctrine Each level has the right to enact laws serving its own purpose Neither level wants the other to block prosecution
Most start in federal districts Petition for repeal Writ of certiorari Lawyers submit briefs Oral arguments Amicus curiae Conference Closed debate Vote and opinion
Filing is easy and cheap Standing – one is entitled to bring a case Sovereign immunity – cannot sue government without consent Process is long and expensive In forma pauperis Fee shifting Class action suits