Article Three The Judicial Branch

VIII. Article Three - Judicial Branch A. Responsibilities of the Judicial Branch 1. Interpret the laws passed by Congress 2. Give out justice to people according to the Constitution Members of the Supreme Court

VIII. Article Three - Judicial Branch B. Federal Court System 1. Supreme Court - highest court in the U.S. a.Nine members; 1 Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices 1. Appointed by the President, approved by the Senate 2. Serve for life, lessens political interference in decisions

VIII. Article Three - Judicial Branch B. Federal Court System b. S.C. has the power of Judicial Review - determine if laws are constitutional c. S.C. has original jurisdiction - to hear a case from the very beginning 1. Cases involving states 2. Cases involving foreign officials

VIII. Article Three - Judicial Branch d. S.C. has appellate jurisdiction - the power to review decisions of local, state and lower federal courts e. The Supreme Court does not have a trial but listens to the attorneys and reads everything that happened in the lower courts and then hands down its decision. The S.C. does not have to agree to hear cases from the lower courts.

VIII. Article Three - Judicial Branch 2. Appellate Courts b. Appellate jurisdiction - hears cases from the lower courts (federal district and state courts) a. 13 of these courts in the U.S. 1. Listens to the lawyers and reads the transcript from the district court; no witnesses, jury, etc.

VIII. Article Three - Judicial Branch 2. The court either agrees with the district court’s decision or will reverse the decision. “Gavel.” photo. West’s of East Dean Accessories. 12 Dec

VIII. Article Three - Judicial Branch 3. District Courts a. 94 of these courts in the U.S. b. These are the trial courts where there is a jury. c. Most common type of federal court. 1. Only federal courts that have a trial where there is a prosecuting attorney, judge, jury, witnesses, evidence, etc.

VIII. Article Three - Judicial Branch 2. The jury hands down the verdict (decision) “Michael Vick Jury.” cartoon. The Tribune News.com. 12 Dec

VIII. Article Three - Judicial Branch C. The Constitution assures every citizen of a trial by jury in the state in which the crime was committed. D. Treason - making war against the United States and/or helping an enemy of the United States