US Court System
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US Court System • Which branch of government decides law through rulings? • Why are there so many levels & types of courts? • Which court is the highest?
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US Court System. Which branch of government decides law through rulings? Why are there so many levels & types of courts? Which court is the highest?. The Supreme Court. The Real Highest Court in the Land. Justices joke that they are not the highest court - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of US Court System
US Court System
• Which branch of government decides law through rulings?
• Why are there so many levels & types of courts?
• Which court is the highest?
The Supreme Court
The Real Highest Court in the Land
• Justices joke that they are not the highest court
• Above their court room is a basketball court
How many justices are on the Supreme Court Initially 6 and as high as 10 9 since 1869
How many cases does the Supreme Court rule on? 7,500 cases are sent to the Supreme Court They hear 80 to 100
What cases are heard by the Supreme Court? Original Jurisdiction if involves ambassadors, public
ministers, admiralty and maritime, between 2 or more states, between a state and Citizens of another state, US vs. another country citizen
Most often – Appellate Jurisdiction
How long is their term? Why? Life
How much do they make? $208,100 per year as of 2008 Chief Justice gets $217,400
What qualifications do you need to be a justice? No official qualifications, most have law
backgrounds
Chief Justice John G. RobertsBorn: 1955 in New York
56 years oldAppointed by: George W. Bush
Republican78-22 Appointment Vote in 2005
Political Leanings: Conservative
Judge, Lawyer, Professor, more
Justice Antonin ScaliaBorn: 1936 in Trenton, New Jersey
75 years oldAppointed by: Reagan
Republican98-0 Appointment Vote in 1986
Political Leanings: Conservative
Assistant Attorney General , Professor, Lawyer, more
Justice Anthony KennedyBorn: 1936 in Sacramento, California
75 years oldAppointed by: Reagan
Republican97-0 Appointment Vote in 1988
Political Leanings: Conservative who sometimes votes liberal
Professor, Lawyer, Judge,
Justice Clarence ThomasBorn: 1948 in Pin Point, Georgia
63 years oldAppointed by: G.H.W Bush
Republican52-48 Appointment Vote in 1991
Political Leanings: Conservative
Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Legislative Assistant for Senator, Judge, Attorney General, more
Justice Ruth Bader GinsburgBorn: 1933 in Brooklyn, New York
78 years oldAppointed by: Clinton
Democrat96-3 Appointment Vote in 1993
Political Leanings: Liberal
Judge, Professor, Lawyer, more
Justice Stephen BreyerBorn: 1938 in San Francisco, California
73 years oldAppointed by: Clinton
Democrat87-9 Appointment Vote in 1994
Political Leanings: Liberal
Judge, Professor, more
Justice Samuel AlitoBorn: 1950 in Trenton, New Jersey
61 years oldAppointed by: G.W. Bush
Republican58-42 Appointment Vote in 2006
Political Leanings: Conservative
Judge, Professor, more
Justice Sonia SotomayorBorn: 1954 in The Bronx, New York
57 years oldAppointed by: Obama
Democrat 68-31 Appointment Vote in 2009
Political Leanings: Liberal
Judge, Lawyer, more
Justice Elena KaganBorn: 1960 in New York, New York
51 years oldAppointed by: Obama
Democrat 63-37 Appointment Vote in Aug 2010
Political Leanings: Unproven
Law Clerk for Justices, Lawyer, professor, more
Summary3 Liberal4 Conservative1 Conservative that sometimes votes Liberal1 Unproven, looks to be Liberal4 over 70What could happen in the next few years?What would that do to the court?
President Nominates Senate approves or disapproves through
Confirmation Hearing Judiciary Committee gives opening statement Nominee gives opening statement 2 rounds of questions where each member of
the Judiciary Committee can ask questions Can keep asking questions if they wish
Committee hears from witnesses in favor and opposition of nominee
Committee reports findings to Senate and gives Recommendation
Senators vote to confirm Majority must be present and voting
Confirmed = Supreme Court Justice Approximately 80% of nominees are
confirmed
You and A partner (2 People) will complete research on a Landmark Supreme Court Case and present your findings to the class. You need a visual of some kind (PowerPoint, printout, etc.)
