Judicial

JUDICIAL BRANCH BASIC INFORMATION Types of Cases Civil – involves a lawsuit filed (plaintiff), and (defendant) court decides responsibility Criminal – involves a crime committed. (Plaintiff = government) v. (defendant = accused) Judges Appointed by the President Approved by 2/3 of the Senate Serve Life Terms

JURISDICTION Jurisdiction – a court ’ s authority to hear a case 4 Types of Jurisdiction 1.Original Jurisdiction – a court ’ s authority to hear a case first. (state vs. state, government officials for Sup.Crt.) 2.Appellate Jurisdiction – a court ’ s authority to hear appeals.(most supreme court cases) 3.Exclusive Jurisdiction – federal courts have authority to hear cases. (the U.S. district courts have exclusive jurisdiction on bankruptcy matters) 4.Concurrent Jurisdiction – both state and federal courts can hear cases. (people from different states can take issues to their state court and federal court, or a robbery of a federal bank can be tried by both federal and state courts)

US DISTRICT COURTS Jurisdiction 94 Courts in the US – At least One in every State Original Jurisdiction – Hear Cases first involving a violation of federal statutes Types of Cases – Civil, Criminal People Involved – Judge, 12 Jurors, Plaintiff, Defendant Decisions – Responsible, Not Responsible, Innocent, Guilty Responsible or Guilty – Have Right to Appeal

US CIRCUIT COURTS 12 Courts Nationwide + 1 Federal Circuit Appellate Jurisdiction – Hear appeals from District Court Types of Cases – Criminal & Civil People Involved – 3 Judges, Plaintiff, Defendant Decisions – Uphold, Overturn, Remand (sends back) Uphold – May appeal to the Supreme Court

US SUPREME COURT 1 Supreme Court Jurisdiction – Original, Appellate Types of Cases – Disputes between states, involving ambassadors, admiralty/maritime law, appeals dealing with Constitutional Issues People Involved – 9 Supreme Court Justices, Plaintiff, Defendant Decisions – Uphold, Overturn, Remand Written Opinions – Majority, Concurring, Dissenting