1. US History: Spiconardi
The Judicial Branch
US History: Spiconardi

3. The Supreme Court Final authority in the federal court system
Comprised of 1 chief justice and 8 associate justices (originally 1 & 5)
Number can change via congressional legislation

4. * Appointed by President * Confirmed by Senate * Lifetime Term
Roberts, Chief Justice (R)
Breyer (D)
Thomas (R)
Bader Ginsburg (D)
Alito (R)
Kennedy (R)
Stevens (D)
Scalia (R)
Souter (D)
The Justices
* Appointed by President * Confirmed by Senate * Lifetime Term

5. How do cases reach the Supreme Court?
Original Jurisdiction
Cases involving foreign ambassadors or disputes among states
Appellate Jurisdiction
In a lower court, if the losing side believes a judge made a mistake in applying the law in a case, that case may be appealed to a higher court.
vs.

6. Between 5,000 & 7,000 cases are appealed to the Supreme Court every year
Only 150 are heard
Clerks review cases
Pass on to Justices
4 justices must agree to review the case
Cases heard Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays from October to June

7. Judicial Review
Role of Judicial Branch is not described in much detail in the Constitution
Considered the weakest of the three branches until 1803 =

8. Judicial Review Marbury v. Madison
Establishes the principal of judicial review
Judicial review enables the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of laws and strike down those that are unconstitutional

9. Federal Courts: District Courts
Criminal
Federal laws only
Kidnapping across state lines
Drug transporting
Mail fraud
Tax evasion
Counterfeiting $
Civil
Claims against the federal government
Constitutional rights
(i.e. free speech)

10. Federal Courts: Appellate Courts
Considers court decisions in which the losing side has asked for a review of the verdict
Can overturn a verdict
Order a retrial