1. Judicial Branch The Supreme Court

2. Powers of Supreme Court Judicial Review Interpreting Laws Review any federal, state, or local law/action for constitutionality Nullify or cancel laws found unconstitutional

3. Supreme Court 9 Justices Chief Justice + 8 Associate Justices

4. Jurisdiction Original Jurisdiction: Diplomats from foreign countries Disputes between states Final authority in cases involving: Constitution Acts of Congress Treaties with other nations

5. Organization and Duties 8 associate justices led by chief justice Congress sets this number & has power to change it Duty to hear & rule on cases Choose cases to hear from thousands appealed yearly Decide on case Issue decision – Court’s opinion

6. Selecting the Justices Presidential appointment Influenced by: Attorney General & other Justice Depts Supreme Court Justices American Bar Association Interest Groups – labor & civil rights groups Approved by Congress Can be rejected based on: Doubts on qualifications Legal philosophy

7. Background of Justices All have been lawyers Political support with presidents ideas Thurgood Marshall - 1967 Sandra Day O’Connor - 1981

8. Powers of the Court Legislative & Executive branches must follow Supreme Court rulings Removed from politics & special-interest groups

9. Marbury v. Madison (1803) http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/marbury-v-madison- establishes-judicial-review

10. Marbury v. Madison (1803) Judiciary Act 1789 – gave Court power of judicial review for acts of state governments 1803 - Are powers of Congress constitutional? First time Supreme Court determines federal law unconstitutional

11. Marbury v. Madison John Marshall’s opinion sets forth principles of Judicial Review: Constitution is supreme law of the land Conflict with law? CONSTITUTION RULES Judicial branch has duty to uphold Constitution

12. Limits on Supreme Court Depends on enforcement by executive branch, and state & local officials. (Worcester v. Georgia) Congress can change law ruled unconstitutional Try to undo court rulings by adopting new amendment Court can only hear and make rulings on cases that come to it.