Transcript Chapter 7: The Judicial Branch

HOLT
American Civics
Chapter 7
The Judicial Branch
Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law
Section 2: The Federal Court System
Section 3: The Supreme Court
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law
OBJECTIVES
 How does majority rule affect the making of
laws, and why is obeying laws important?
 What are the four types of U.S. laws?
 What roles do the courts play in the United
States?
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law
Majority rule affects the making of laws.
 Laws usually reflect the opinion of the
majority.
 Laws are passed for the good of all citizens.
 Good citizenship involves abiding by the
laws.
 Without laws, anarchy could develop.
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law
Four types of U.S. laws:
 Statutory law—passed by lawmaking bodies
 Common law—judges’ decisions based on
common sense, experience, and practice
 Administrative law—created by government
agencies
 Constitutional law—based on the Constitution
and its interpretation by the Court
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
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
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
Section 2: The Federal Court System
OBJECTIVES
 Which cases are tried in the federal courts?
 How are federal courts organized?
 What is the Supreme Court’s role in the
judicial system?
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
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
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
Section 2: The Federal Court System
Cases tried in the federal courts: (continued)
 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
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
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
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
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
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
Section 3: The Supreme Court
OBJECTIVES
 What is the process through which cases are
tried in the Supreme Court?
 How do justices get appointed to the Supreme
Court, and how long do they serve?
 How has judicial review strengthened the
Court’s power, and how does Congress limit
this power?
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
Section 3: The Supreme Court
Process through which cases are
tried in the Supreme Court:
 Thousands of cases are appealed to the Court each
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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.
HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
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.
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
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.
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON
HOLT
Chapter 7
American Civics
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
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HOLT, RINEHART
AND
WINSTON