The Judicial Branch

The “protectors” of the ConstitutionOther powers include:

Resolving disputes that involve national laws, the federal government, or the states

People accused of breaking national laws can be tried in federal courts

Consists of the system of federal courts and judgesThe Supreme Court is the HIGHEST court in

the country

What is the judicial branch?

Article III gives Congress power to create an “inferior” court system to meet nation’s needs

These lower courts are called district courts and appellate courts

The Federal Court System

Most cases involving federal laws are first heard in district court. Each district covers several states.

The appellate courts review district court decisions . This happens when citizens “appeal” lower court decisions.

Last stop in the judicial system. All decisions are FINAL and are binding in lower courts.

There are nine justices in the Supreme Court. This was decided by Congress.

All judges are appointed and serve for life.A dispute only goes to the Supreme Court IF

it involves a state or ambassador from another country.

All other cases come after a trial and an appeal in a lower court

The Powers of the Supreme Court

The Current Supreme Court

Power to decide whether laws and actions by the legislative and executive branches conflict with the Constitution

Gives Supreme Court great power in its role of protecting the “supreme Law of the Land”

http://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docket.aspx

The Power of Judicial Review