The Judicial Branch

Court Systems & Jurisdictions

Judicial function in the United States is exercised in a dual court system. Judicial function in the United States is exercised in a dual court system.

U.S. Courts Handle (have jurisdiction over) cases involving federal law and the Constitution. Handle (have jurisdiction over) cases involving federal law and the Constitution.

State Courts Handle (have jurisdiction over) cases involving state matters.

Jurisdiction: The right of a court to hear a case and make a decision

OriginalJurisdiction Authority of a court to hear a case before any other court; grants a traial Appellate Jurisdiction Authority of a court to review the decisions of the lower court. Hears cases on appeal

Powers of the Judicial Branch

Conduct Trials The hearing and judgment of a case in court.

Interpret the Law The Judicial Branch decides arguments about the meaning of laws, how they are applied and whether they break the rules of the U.S. Constitution.

HearAppeals The right of a convicted person to ask a higher court to review his or her case.

Judicial Review The power to determine the constitutionality of laws and executive acts. The power to determine the constitutionality of laws and executive acts.

Role of the Judicial Branch in the System of Checks and Balances

Judicial Checks Judicial Powers over the Legislative Branch The Judicial Branch can declare Congressional laws unconstitutional. Judicial Powers over the Executive Branch The Judicial Branch can declare executive acts unconstitutional.

Checks on the Judicial Branch Legislative Powers over the over the Judicial Branch Congress approves and can impeach federal judges Executive Powers over the Judicial Branch The President appoints federal judges.

The Federal Court System

The federal courts try cases involving federal laws and the Constitution.

U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals U.S. District Courts

The Constitution and Laws define the jurisdictions, powers and structure of the federal courts.

Types of Cases heard by Federal Courts: - Constitutional Questions - Constitutional Questions -Crime committed on federal property -Crime committed on federal property Violation of federal laws Violation of federal laws Disputes between states Disputes between states Disputes involving foreign governments. Disputes involving foreign governments.

U.S. District Courts Only Trial Court Only Trial Court Plaintiff: Plaintiff: U.S. Government U.S. Government Defendant: Defendant: Accused Accused 1 Judge 1 Judge Jury Jury Original Jurisdiction Original Jurisdiction

U.S. Court of Appeals If unhappy with ruling in District Court, the accused needs a legal reason to appeal to this court. If unhappy with ruling in District Court, the accused needs a legal reason to appeal to this court. 3 Justices (judges) 3 Justices (judges) No jury No jury Appellate Jurisdiction Appellate Jurisdiction

U.S. Supreme Court Final court of appeals if unhappy with ruling in District Court of Appeals Final court of appeals if unhappy with ruling in District Court of Appeals 9 Justices 9 Justices No Jury No Jury Appellate jurisdiction Appellate jurisdiction Limited Original Limited OriginalJurisdiction

The U.S. Supreme Court and Judicial Review

U.S. Supreme Court Highest Court in the land Highest Court in the land The only court specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution The only court specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution Justices appointed by the President and approved by the Senate Justices appointed by the President and approved by the Senate Appointed for life Appointed for life Can be impeached by Congress Can be impeached by Congress

The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution; checking the actions of the legislative and executive branches to insure that they do not violate the supreme law of the land.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to determine if laws made by Congress and executive acts of the President are Constitutional.

Marburyv.Madison1803 *Established the principle of judicial review. *Established the Supreme Court as the interpreter of the Constitution. *1st time that the Supreme Court said an act of Congress was unconstitutional.

Brownv.Board of Education 1954 *The Supreme Court declared a state law unconstitutional. *Racial segregation in public schools violated the Constitution *Violated the 14th Amendment: All citizens have equal protection under the law

Bushv.Gore2000 *The Supreme Court decided the outcome of the presidential election. *Manual recount of presidential votes in Florida would stop *Recount was unconstitutional: it could not be completed by the deadline.

The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution; checking the actions of the legislative and executive branches to insure that they do not violate the supreme law of the land.

Principles of the Judicial Branch

PrincipleWhere is it Found? What does it mean? Due Process Rights 5 th Amendment prohibits the national government from acting in an unfair manner. 14 th Amendment prohibits the states and local governments from acting in an unfair manner. The Constitutional protection against unfair government action and laws.

PrincipleWhere is it Found? What does it mean? Trial by Jury 6 th Amendment Right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury

PrincipleWhere is it Found? What does it mean? Rights of the Accused 6 th Amendment to be informed of the charges to cross examine witnesses to have witness on their behalf assistance of counsel

PrincipleWhere is it Found? What does it mean? Equal Protection under the law 14 th Amendment States can not deny any person equal protection. Further defined that all men are created equal

The judicial branch interprets the law in order to protect individuals from the power of the government.

Criminal Cases and Procedures

Criminal Cases The court determines whether a person accused of breaking the law is guilty or not guilty of a misdemeanor, a less serious crime with a punishment of less than a year in jail or felony, a more serious crime punishable by more than a year in prison. The court determines whether a person accused of breaking the law is guilty or not guilty of a misdemeanor, a less serious crime with a punishment of less than a year in jail or felony, a more serious crime punishable by more than a year in prison.

Procedures for a criminal case Arrest Jail or Bail Arraignment Preliminary Hearing Trial Sentencing

Arrest Police can place someone under arrest if: There is probable cause- reason to believe someone is guilty of a crime. The police officer witnesses a crime. An arrest warrant is issued. Miranda rights must be read: right to remain silent, to have an attorney

Jail or Bail Jail or Bail The accused may be committed to jail or released on bail. Bail- Security, usually a sum of money, exchanged for the release of an arrested person as a guarantee of that person's appearance for trial

Arraignment Arraignment First Meeting in front of a judge Bail is set Attorney is appointed by the court if requested Preliminary Trial date is set

Preliminary Hearing Guilty or not guilty plea is entered Judge reviews probable cause (is there enough evidence to proceed to trial?) Trial date is set

Trial (District Court) Trial (District Court) Prosecution- Government Attorney Defense- Accused and Attorney Jury is chosen Opening Statements Witness Testimony and Cross- Examination Closing Arguments Jury Deliberation- must find the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Verdict

Sentencing If a defendant is found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, the judge will sentence them to probation, prison or to pay a fine.

Appeal The convicted may appeal the case to a higher court if his/hers rights were violated or if there was an error in the court procedures.

Civil Cases

The court settles a disagreement between two parties; often over money or harm to someone’s reputation. The court settles a disagreement between two parties; often over money or harm to someone’s reputation.

Plaintiff Person who feels that they have been wronged Person who feels that they have been wronged Initiates (begins) lawsuit Initiates (begins) lawsuit Files complain to recover damages or to receive money Files complain to recover damages or to receive money Describes plaintiff’s injury, asks court to order relief Describes plaintiff’s injury, asks court to order relief

Defendant Served a copy of the complaint Served a copy of the complaint Defends themselves against the complaint Defends themselves against the complaint Has to be proven guilty by a preponderance (majority) of the evidence Has to be proven guilty by a preponderance (majority) of the evidence

Disagreement Settled by: Jury Judge explains law that is relevant in the case Judge explains law that is relevant in the case Determine if defendant is responsible damages or compensation Determine if defendant is responsible damages or compensation Judge Bench Trial Determines if defendant is responsible Determines amount of damages or compensation

The court decides which side is right or wrong; the decision can be appealed to Court of Appeals or to the Supreme Court.

Juvenile Crime

Juvenile Anyone under the age of 18

Juvenile Delinquent Juvenile who commits an act that would be a crime if they were an adult.

Procedures for Juvenile Cases No juvenile is tried in the federal court system; state systems only Juveniles who commit serious crimes can be tried as adults No jury trials for juveniles; judges have greater latitude in handling cases Goal of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate not to punish