3. Article I: Article II: Article III: Legislative Executive Judicial Courts = “least dangerous” branch Organization of the Constitution:

4. vested in a Supreme Court. any lower courts Congress may create. “Judicial Power” Judicial Review? 4 things to know from the Const.:

5. Senate must approve w/ simple majority vote. Qualifications? President appoints.

6. During “good behavior.” Can be impeached & removed. 3 ways a judge can leave the bench: 1) Imp. & Rem. 2) Die. 3) Resign/Retire. (H  S. M.)(S  2/3) *

7. Constitution is silent. FDR – “court packing” Congress decides. +1 for each justice 70  6 + 9 = 15 9 since the 1860s.

9. FEDERALISMFEDERALISM FEDERALISMFEDERALISM Federal Court System State Court System s “Dual System” of courts National lawsState laws

10. S.C. Federal District Courts Federal Appeals Courts 90+ 12 Trial Courts Courts of Review 1 Jury

11. State S.C. State District Courts State Appeals Courts Trial Courts To Fed. Courts Jury

13. 3 women 6 men (Most ever!)

14. 5 by Republican Presidents 4 by Democrat Presidents Reagan (2), H.W. Bush (1) W. Bush (2) Clinton (2), Obama (2)

15. Six Steps (of a case in the Supreme Court)

16. 7500-10,000 cases appealed. 75-100 cases accepted. ≈1%

17. Writ of Certiorari.

18. Precedents – Stare Decisis. Prepare questions. Friends of the Court Briefs – Amicus Curiae.

19. 30 Minutes per side.

20. Discussion and non-binding vote.

21. Majority Opinion. Dissenting Opinion. Concurring Opinion.