T1/6/2015 National Judiciary (Ch. 18.1; pp ) Q: What roles does the Supreme Court play in the checks and balances of the federal system? Q: Why do you think this is important?

I. Creation of National Judiciary A. Roots of Federal System –No national courts under AOC –Constitution creates dual system B. Dual Court System –Article III –National & state system –Concurrent systems –Each state has own laws –National system as well –But very vague in Constitution –Leave Congress great latitude

B. Dual Court System

C. Inferior Federal Courts –Two major systems –a) Constitutional Courts –District, Appellate, Int’l Trade –Deal with broader issues –b) Special/Legislative Courts –Tax, Armed Forces, Veterans Claims, Federal Claims, Territorial Courts, DC –Specific range of cases

II. Jurisdiction –Depends on two major factors: 1. Subject of case –Interpretation of any part of Constitution –Interpretation of any federal law or treaty –Question of admiralty or maritime law (high seas – directly & indirectly) 2. Parties involved –U.S. gov’t –Ambassador –Interstate issues (including state or individual lawsuits) –Foreign gov’ts

II. Jurisdiction (cont.) 1. exclusive jurisdiction Can only be heard in federal courts 2. concurrent jurisdiction Can be heard in federal or state courts Share power to hear cases Often involve suits between citizens of different states Must involve significant money ($75K+)

III. Appointment of Judges –All federal judges approved by Senate –Often partisan decision Democratic President picks Democrats Republican President picks Republicans –Sometimes contentious process –Usually approved –Congress sets pay & retirement –Judges have grown dramatically in 20 th Century About 100 in 1900 to over 800 in 2000 Why?

IV. Supreme Court Justices Current Chief Justice? –Previous Chief Justices? Chief Justice Name as many Supreme Court Justices as you can? –Current? –Previous? Supreme Court Judges