1. The Federal Court System
Lower (Inferior) Courts

2. I. Structure of Federal System

3. I. Structure of Federal System

4. II. Roles of the Courts Dual Court System Resolving Disputes
National judiciary with over 120 courts
Each of the 50 states has its own court system. Most cases are heard at the state level.
Resolving Disputes
Lower courts hear “cases and controversies”.
They review and resolve specific disputes between parties.
Only people who have suffered a specific injury can bring suit.
Setting Precedent
A court’s ruling in a case serves as the model for future decisions in similar cases.

5. II. Roles of the Courts Interpreting Laws
Strict Constructionists: laws and the Constitution should be interpreted based only on what is written in the document.
Determine authors’ original intent
Loose Constructionists: laws and the Constitution should be interpreted broadly in order to meet the needs of changing times.

6. III. Authority of the Courts
Jurisdiction: authority to interpret and administer the law
Original Jurisdiction: the authority to hear a case first
Primarily cases arising under the Constitution and other federal laws
Appellate Jurisdiction: the power to review cases previously decided by a lower court

7. IV. Lower Court Organization
District Court: Trial courts in the federal system
These courts are assigned to specific geographic areas
Each state has 1-4, depending on size
Original jurisdiction over federal cases
U.S. Attorney prosecutes criminal cases

8. IV. Lower Court Organization
Courts of Appeals
Hear appeals from U.S. District Courts
Each covers a large judicial district called a circuit
Each has a total of 6-28 judges – no juries
Usually only three of the judges hear any one case
No new facts presented; only issues of law can be argued

9. IV. Lower Court Organization
Courts of Appeals
Decisions based on written record from the district court trial and briefs filed by the two sides
The court may reverse a decision, affirm it, or send a case back to district court for retrial

10. V. Federal Judges Most serve for life: allows them to be independent
Congress can impeach and convict them for serious crimes
Nominated by President and approved or rejected by Senate
Senatorial Courtesy: Senators are consulted on potential nominees for the district courts in their state before an official nomination is made
The Senate examines nomination to the appeals courts more carefully because of these courts’ vital role