2. Federal Court Jurisdiction The Constitution gave federal courts jurisdiction in cases that involve United States laws and treaties with foreign nations.

3. Federal Courts Jurisdiction 1.Ambassadors and other representatives of foreign governments 2.Two or more states government 3.U.S. Government or one of it offices or agencies 4.Citizens who are resident of different states 5.Citizens who are residents of the same state but claim land under grants of different states

4. Special Federal Courts Congress has created a series of courts referred to as “Legislative Courts” Legislative courts help Congress exercise its power. – U.S. Court of Federal Claims – U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces – U.S. Tax Court – Territorial Courts – US Court of Military Appeals – Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court

5. Special Federal Courts U.S. Court of Federal Claims U.S. Court of International Trade U.S. Tax Court U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

6. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Has national jurisdiction over certain cases, such as those in which the U.S. government is a defendant

7. FEDERAL JUDGES Selection and Qualification

8. Qualifications No specific requirements in the constitution Most have prior experience (lower or state courts)

9. Selection of Federal Judges All federal judges are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. – Senatorial Courtesy – Allows Senators from the President’s party to have a say in the appointment of judges in their state – Hold position for life As long as they remain in “good standing”