Warm Up/Review Describe what roles does the president

fulfill, and what authority come from such roles?

Explain what limitations are placed on the president by the Constitution?

What are the goals of American Foreign Policy?

What roles does the president fulfill in regard to American Foreign Policy?

Judicial Branch- Branch of government that interprets the laws of our Nation.

Judicial Review- Gives the Supreme Court the power to declare laws/acts unconstitutional

Today’s Vocab

What term describes the government as not being all powerful and power actually lying with the people?

Popular Sovereignty

Judicial Branch, Article III

What is the purpose of having courts?◦ To treat everyone

equal◦ “Equal protection

under the law” All courts have

some type of jurisdiction: Courts authority to hear and decide cases

The Federal Court System

Cases involving the constitution

Violation of federal law◦ Bank Robbery, kidnapping

Controversies between states

Suits involving the federal gov’t

Dealing with foreign countries, treaties, diplomats

Cases involving maritime law (sea)

What are only heard in federal courts?

Made up of 3 levels

The Federal Court System

Supreme Court

US Court of Appeals

District Courts (trial courts)

Where all federal trials begin◦ Both criminal and

civil cases 94 district courts in

USA Original jurisdiction:

Authority to hear a case first

Only federal court with jury, 1 judge and witnesses testifying

US District Courts

Job: Review decisions made in lower courts

Appellate jurisdiction: Authority to review decisions of lower courts

13 US Court of Appeals◦ 12 courts cover a particular

geographical area called a circuit

◦ 1 has nationwide jurisdiction Make up: panel of 3-5

judges ◦ Reverse decision or keep

original decision◦ Remand: send case back to

district court

US Court of Appeals

Job: To determine if laws or rulings are constitutional or unconstitutional◦ Judicial Review

Panel of 9 judges◦ Lead justice: Chief justice of

the United States◦ Associate judges: Other 8

judges Original jurisdiction: Cases

dealing with foreign diplomat and between states

Appellate jurisdiction: Review cases of appeals court

Supreme Court

1. Accept case- Put on docket

2. Written arguments- brief: one side position

3. Oral arguments- 30min to summarize case

4. Conference 5. Opinion writing

◦ Majority opinion◦ Minority opinion◦ Concurring opinion

6. Announcement- Final Say!!!

How are cases reached?

Concurrent jurisdiction: Refers to cases in which more than 1 court has jurisdiction.◦ Both federal and state courts have equal

authority to hear a case Exclusive jurisdiction: Only 1 court has the

authority to rule.◦ Bankruptcy, copyright and patents, and suits

brought against the US gov’t are all cases in which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.

Other types of jurisdiction:

President appoints and senate approves

Term: Life!! No particular

qualifications◦ Most are lawyers or

federal judges

How do you become a federal judge?

1. President can refuse to enforce courts rulings or pardon those convicted

2. Congress can remove/accept presidential nominations

Limitations

1. What cases are only heard in federal courts?2. What does jurisdiction mean?3. What 3 levels make up the federal court system?4. Summarize the differences between original,

appellate, concurrent and exclusive jurisdiction.5. Why do judges serve for life?6. What limitations do judges have?7. What is the meaning of “Equal Protection Under

the Law”? 8. What role does the Judicial Branch play in the

law making process?

Closing

Do you feel that judges should be appointed for life? Explain.

Closing Question?