Courts The Constitution created one court in Article III   the Supreme Court.  Article I gives Congress power to create inferior courts

Jurisdiction— authority to hear certain cases State courts state law or settling disputes between people who live in that state Hear the majority of cases Federal courts national law interpreting the Constitution settling disputes between people from different states.

Jurisdiction Original—first court to hear a case Exclusive—can only be heard in that court Concurrent—can be heard in either state or federal court

State Courts Structure—each state has different names Minor courts petty crimes and arguments over property.  traffic courts, divorce courts, and juvenile courts General trial courts severe crimes and civil disputes Appeals court Supreme Court

Federal Courts Structure 94 district courts general trial courts for all federal cases, civil or criminal 13 federal courts of appeal

Appellate system Both State and Federal The place to appeal an unfair ruling

The Supreme Court The final stop 9 Justices Appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate Hear cases related to federal law or the Constitution

Basic Information… 9 Justices Nominated by President Approved by Senate Hold position for life or until retire

Judicial Review… Marbury v. Madison Reviews Constitutionality of: State and federal legislation Actions of chief executives Decisions of other courts

Important Terms… Writ of Certiorari Stare Decisis/ Precedent Remember: Majority Opinion Concurring Opinion Dissenting Opinion The losing litigant in the court below asks permission and the Supreme Court exercises its discretion to grant review.