1. The Judicial Branch
Article III

2. Judicial Branch Job Interpret Laws, declare laws unconstitutional.
Judicial check on the Legislative and Executive.
Settles disputes between:
Different states
Citizens from different states
States and the federal government

3. Supreme Court Highest Court in the U.S.
9 members of the Court (Justices)
Appointed to the position by the President.
Serves for life, or during good behavior.
Qualifications: Must be an attorney

4. Chief Justice Leader of the Supreme Court Job:
Current = John Roberts Jr.
First: John Jay
Job:
Assign cases/make schedule
Leads discussions
Has no greater power in voting/decision making

6. Jurisdiction of Federal Courts
Has both original and appellate jurisdiction.
Can be the first to hear a case OR can hear cases that have been appealed.
Original jurisdiction: first to hear the case.
Cases involving state governments or an ambassador.
Appellate jurisdiction: tried in a lower court first.
Does not have to hear all appealed cases.
MUST BE AN ERROR OF LAW IN QUESTION.

7. Supreme Court Justices
Justice Clarence Thomas
 Justice Antonin Scalia
Chief Justice John G. Roberts
Justice Anthony M. Kennedy
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Justice Stephen G. Breyer
Justice Samuel A. Alito
Jr., Justice Elena Kagan.