The Judicial Branch NEXT

Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law The rights of all U.S. citizens are protected by laws and the courts. Reading Focus In what ways is the United States a nation of laws? What are the five sources of law in the United States? What roles do the courts play in the United States? NEXT The Main Idea

Two basic types of law: Criminal Law – defines what acts are crimes Civil Law – helps settle disputes between people Five main sources of law: Statutory law – passed by lawmaking bodies Common law – set by judicial decisions based on common sense and previous decisions Administrative law – created by government agencies Military law – based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice Constitutional law – based on the Constitution and Supreme Court decisions Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law 1 SECTION NEXT

Role of the Courts in the United States Use law to settle disputes Assure equal justice for all through fair trials Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law 1 SECTION NEXT

Question: What roles do the courts play in the United States? Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law 1 SECTION NEXT

Question: What roles do the courts play in the United States? The Roles that Courts Play provide fair public trials ensure equal justice for all Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law 1 SECTION NEXT

Section 2: The Federal Court System The federal court system consists of the three levels of courts, each of which has specific duties. Reading Focus What is the purpose of the U.S. district courts? How are the U.S. courts of appeals different from the district courts? What is the role of the Supreme Court? NEXT The Main Idea

Cases tried in the federal courts: Cases involving people charged with disobeying the Constitution, violating a U.S. treaty, or breaking laws passed by Congress Charges brought by a foreign country against the United States or its citizens Crimes committed on U.S. ships at sea Ambassadors and consuls charged with breaking laws in a foreign country Crimes committed on certain federal properties Disagreements between the states Lawsuits between citizens of different states Section 2: The Federal Court System 2 SECTION NEXT

Organization of Federal Courts Ninety-four district courts—at base of system; jury trials held here Courts of Appeal—review district court cases; 12 courts of appeal cover circuits; panels of judges make the decisions U.S. Supreme Court—highest court in the land; an appeals court; decisions are final Section 2: The Federal Court System 2 SECTION NEXT

Role of the Supreme Court Reviews cases from lower federal courts and state courts Constitutional jurisdiction over: cases involving diplomatic representatives from other countries disputes between states disputes between states and federal government Section 2: The Federal Court System 2 SECTION NEXT

Question: Which cases are tried in federal courts? Section 2: The Federal Court System 2 SECTION NEXT

Question: Which cases are tried in federal courts? Federal Court Cases constitutional violations U.S. treaty violations congressional law violations cases between a foreign government and a U.S. citizen or the government crimes committed on U.S. ships at sea cases involving U.S. ambassadors and consuls who broke laws in their stationed countries crimes committed on certain types of federal property disagreements between states or citizens of different states Section 2: The Federal Court System 2 SECTION NEXT

Section 3: The Supreme Court The Supreme Court hears appeals, reviews laws, and strongly influences American society. Reading Focus What is the power of judicial review? What are the constitutional checks on the Supreme Court's powers? How has the Supreme Court strengthened constitutional rights? NEXT The Main Idea

Process through which cases are tried in the Supreme Court: Thousands of cases are appealed to the Court each year. One hundred to 200 cases are selected for the docket. Selected cases contain significant public interest or questions. Four out of nine justices must vote to hear a case. Previous verdicts stand for rejected cases. Section 3: The Supreme Court 3 SECTION NEXT

Supreme Court justices Are appointed by the president and approved by a Senate majority vote. Are appointed for life but may be impeached. Section 3: The Supreme Court 3 SECTION NEXT

Judicial review has strengthened the Court's power. Courts decide if a law or presidential action is constitutional. Supreme Court has the ultimate power of judicial review. Section 3: The Supreme Court 3 SECTION NEXT

Congress can limit the Court's power. Can rewrite laws to make them constitutional Can amend the Constitution to include new laws Section 3: The Supreme Court 3 SECTION NEXT

Question: How has judicial review strengthened the Supreme Court's power, and how does Congress limit this power? Section 3: The Supreme Court 3 SECTION NEXT

Question: How has judicial review strengthened the Supreme Court's power, and how does Congress limit this power? Judicial Review Strengthen - It asserted the Court's power to declare laws of Congress and presidential acts unconstitutional. Congress Limit - Congress may pass a similar law abiding by the Constitution or may try to amend the Constitution. Section 3: The Supreme Court 3 SECTION NEXT

Describe the types of laws that exist in the United States. What services do U.S. courts provide? Which cases are tried in federal courts? How is the federal court system organized? How are appointments made to the Supreme Court, and how long do justices serve? How does the Supreme Court limit Congress's power, and how does Congress reassert it? Chapter 7 Wrap-Up NEXT Wrap-Up