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Published byMarianna Lamb Modified over 9 years ago
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Lower Courts, Supreme Court
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The Constitution establishes a Supreme Court – the top of the American judicial system. Article III of the Constitution describes the Judicial Branch. The Constitution also authorized Congress to establish any other courts that are needed Under the Judiciary Act of 1789, Congress set up the system of federal courts that is still in place today
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Most cases begin in district court where evidence is presented and a jury or judge decides the facts of the case. A party that disagrees with the decisions may appeal it – ask the decision to be reviewed by a higher court. Next level is the appellate court where the judge reviews decisions of district courts to make sure the right decision was made.
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The Court is made up of a Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices Chief Justice –John G. Roberts, Jr. Justices – John Paul Stevens, Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Stephen Breyer, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayer The President appoints the justices but Congress must approve the appointment Justices serve for life The main job of the Court is to serve as the nation’s final court of appeals
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Hears and decides fewer than 100 cases per year Usually involve federal laws The justices hear oral argument and then vote – must have the majority of at least 5 justices. Greatest power is to decide what the Constitution means Declare whether acts of the President or laws passed by Congress are unconstitutional – not allowed under the Constitution
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Refers to the right of a court to hear a case Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases that involve the Constitution, federal laws, treaties, foreign ambassadors and diplomats, naval and maritime laws, disagreements between states, and disputes between a state or citizen and a foreign state or citizen In Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court established the right to judge whether or not a law is constitutional Called Judicial Review
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