Article III – The Judicial Branch Made up of the Supreme Court and the lower courts District Courts There are 94 district courts in the United States Try civil and criminal cases that fall under federal instead of state authority Examples: kidnapping; federal tax evasion; cases against the government involving civil rights, the Constitution, etc. Appeals Courts There are 13 in the United States Their job is to review district court decisions, when the losing side requests a review of the verdict They may overturn a verdict, order a retrial, or let the previous verdict stand

Powers of the Federal Courts Supreme Court 8 justices and the Chief Justice (9 total) Serve life terms (until retirement, during good behavior) Are appointed by the president and must be approved by the Senate Powers of the Federal Courts To review all laws and treaties To settle disputes involving the United States To settle disputes between states

Supreme Court Appeals Court District Courts The Supreme Court Is an appeals court Is the highest court in the United States Is the final place to appeal cases Decides which cases it will hear Presides over impeachment trials (Chief Justice) Supreme Court Appeals Court District Courts