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The Judicial Branch NEXT Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law The Main Idea The rights of all U.S. citizens are protected by laws and the courts. Reading Focus • In what ways is the United States a nation of laws? • What are the five sources of law in the United States? • What roles do the courts play in the United States? NEXT SECTION 1 Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law Two basic types of law: • Criminal Law – defines what acts are crimes • Civil Law – helps settle disputes between people Five main sources of law: Statutory law – passed by lawmaking bodies Common law – set by judicial decisions based on common sense and previous decisions Administrative law – created by government agencies Military law – based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice Constitutional law – based on the Constitution and Supreme Court decisions NEXT SECTION 1 Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law Role of the Courts in the United States • Use law to settle disputes • Assure equal justice for all through fair trials NEXT SECTION 1 Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law Question: What roles do the courts play in the United States? NEXT SECTION 1 Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law Question: What roles do the courts play in the United States? The Roles that Courts Play • provide fair public trials • ensure equal justice for all NEXT Section 2: The Federal Court System The Main Idea The federal court system consists of the three levels of courts, each of which has specific duties. Reading Focus • What is the purpose of the U.S. district courts? • How are the U.S. courts of appeals different from the district courts? • What is the role of the Supreme Court? NEXT SECTION 2 Section 2: The Federal Court System Cases tried in the federal courts: • Cases involving people charged with disobeying the Constitution, violating a U.S. treaty, or breaking laws passed by Congress • Charges brought by a foreign country against the United States or its citizens • Crimes committed on U.S. ships at sea • Ambassadors and consuls charged with breaking laws in a foreign country • Crimes committed on certain federal properties • Disagreements between the states • Lawsuits between citizens of different states NEXT SECTION 2 Section 2: The Federal Court System Organization of Federal Courts • Ninety-four district courts—at base of system; jury trials held here • Courts of Appeal—review district court cases; 12 courts of appeal cover circuits; panels of judges make the decisions • U.S. Supreme Court—highest court in the land; an appeals court; decisions are final NEXT SECTION 2 Section 2: The Federal Court System Role of the Supreme Court • Reviews cases from lower federal courts and state courts • Constitutional jurisdiction over: • cases involving diplomatic representatives from other countries • disputes between states • disputes between states and federal government NEXT SECTION 2 Section 2: The Federal Court System Question: Which cases are tried in federal courts? NEXT SECTION 2 Section 2: The Federal Court System Question: Which cases are tried in federal courts? Federal Court Cases • constitutional violations • U.S. treaty violations • congressional law violations • cases between a foreign government and a U.S. citizen or the government • crimes committed on U.S. ships at sea • cases involving U.S. ambassadors and consuls who broke laws in their stationed countries • crimes committed on certain types of federal property • disagreements between states or citizens of different states NEXT Section 3: The Supreme Court The Main Idea The Supreme Court hears appeals, reviews laws, and strongly influences American society. Reading Focus • What is the power of judicial review? • What are the constitutional checks on the Supreme Court's powers? • How has the Supreme Court strengthened constitutional rights? NEXT SECTION 3 Section 3: The Supreme Court Process through which cases are tried in the Supreme Court: • Thousands of cases are appealed to the Court each year. • One hundred to 200 cases are selected for the docket. • Selected cases contain significant public interest or questions. • Four out of nine justices must vote to hear a case. • Previous verdicts stand for rejected cases. NEXT SECTION 3 Section 3: The Supreme Court Supreme Court justices • Are appointed by the president and approved by a Senate majority vote. • Are appointed for life but may be impeached. NEXT SECTION 3 Section 3: The Supreme Court Judicial review has strengthened the Court's power. • Courts decide if a law or presidential action is constitutional. • Supreme Court has the ultimate power of judicial review. NEXT SECTION 3 Section 3: The Supreme Court Congress can limit the Court's power. • Can rewrite laws to make them constitutional • Can amend the Constitution to include new laws NEXT SECTION 3 Section 3: The Supreme Court Question: How has judicial review strengthened the Supreme Court's power, and how does Congress limit this power? NEXT SECTION 3 Section 3: The Supreme Court Question: How has judicial review strengthened the Supreme Court's power, and how does Congress limit this power? Judicial Review Strengthen - It asserted the Court's power to declare laws of Congress and presidential acts unconstitutional. Congress Limit - Congress may pass a similar law abiding by the Constitution or may try to amend the Constitution. NEXT Chapter 7 Wrap-Up Wrap-Up • Describe the types of laws that exist in the United States. • What services do U.S. courts provide? • Which cases are tried in federal courts? • How is the federal court system organized? • How are appointments made to the Supreme Court, and how long do justices serve? • How does the Supreme Court limit Congress's power, and how does Congress reassert it? NEXT