2. 3-2 The Federal Court System
GOALS
Identify the source of power of the federal courts
Name the various levels of federal courts and describe their jurisdictions
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3. FOCUS Where did the federal courts receive their power?
From the Constitution (Article III, Section I)
Originally the founders did not believe that a federal supreme court was necessary. Why do you think?
The presumed that disputes between the citizens of various states could be fairly litigated in the state court system.
Why do you think a federal court system is necessary?
To provide a neutral forum for the resolution of significant disputes.
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4. ORIGIN OF THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
Judiciary Acts established:
U.S. Supreme Court
13 district courts
Federal Courts of Appeal
Specialized courts – hears only one type of case
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5. What is the source of power of the federal courts?
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6. JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL COURTS
Federal District Courts – lowest level of federal court with general jurisdiction
A trial court of the federal system
Jurisdiction over
federal questions, or
cases that arise under the Constitution,
US law,
US treaties and
Laws suits between citizens of different states
Law suits between US citizen and foreign nation or citizen
More than $75,000 must be in dispute in federal diversity of citizenship lawsuits
Diversity of citizenship
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7. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
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8. JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL COURTS
Federal Courts of Appeals – appellate jurisdiction over the district courts, certain specialized federal courts and many federal administrative agencies.
No appellate court can change the factual determinations of a jury
There are 13 federal courts of appeal.
12 are circuit courts assigned by geographic area
1 dedicated to federal circuit and handles patent cases from district courts and appeals from federal courts with special jurisdiction
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9. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
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10. JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL COURTS
United States Supreme Court – has both original and appellate jurisdiction.
Hears cases affecting ambassadors and other public ministers
Cases in which a state shall be party.
Hears appeals from the US Court of Appeals or from the highest courts of the states
If case contains constitutional issues important enough for them they issue a writ of certiorari to the last court case was in (order that compels the state court to turn over the record of the case for review)
Jurisdiction over state supreme court cases is limited to those in which a federal question of law or on US constitution.
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11. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
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12. Name the three levels of federal courts and describe the jurisdiction of each.
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