1. The Judicial Branch The branch of government that Interprets the law
Described in Article III of the Constitution

2. The Constitution “The Supreme Law of the Land”
No law can conflict with the Constitution
No government action can conflict with the Constitution
No state action can conflict with the Constitution
Protecting the Constitution is the most important job of the Judicial Branch

3. Article III Basic frame work of the judicial branch
Establish the Supreme Court
Nations highest court
Gives Congress the power to create lower courts

4. Federal Court System
Resolve disputes about national laws, the federal government, or the states
Supreme Court (high court)
2 main sets of lower courts
District courts first level of the courts, each district covers several states
Appellate courts next level of the courts, review decisions made by district courts (decided if the original trial was fair/legal)

5. The Powers of the Supreme Court
Last stop in the judicial process, decisions are final
Supreme Court
9 justices appointed by the president, “serve in good behavior”
Decides cases involving states or an ambassador from another county directly
Decides cases indirectly through the appeals process
Judicial Review the power to decided whether laws or acts of the other branches conflict with the Constitution
allows the court to full-fill its role of protecting the “Supreme Law of the Land”