1. Courts The Constitution created one court in Article III
  the Supreme Court.
 Article I gives Congress power to create inferior courts

2. Jurisdiction— authority to hear certain cases
State courts
state law or settling disputes between people who live in that state
Hear the majority of cases
Federal courts
national law
interpreting the Constitution
settling disputes between people from different states.

3. Jurisdiction Original—first court to hear a case
Exclusive—can only be heard in that court
Concurrent—can be heard in either state or federal court

4. State Courts Structure—each state has different names
Minor courts
petty crimes and arguments over property.
 traffic courts, divorce courts, and juvenile courts
General trial courts
severe crimes and civil disputes
Appeals court
Supreme Court

5. Federal Courts Structure
94 district courts
general trial courts for all federal cases, civil or criminal
13 federal courts of appeal

6. Appellate system
Both State and Federal
The place to appeal an unfair ruling

7. The Supreme Court The final stop 9 Justices
Appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate
Hear cases related to federal law or the Constitution

8. Basic Information… 9 Justices Nominated by President
Approved by Senate
Hold position for life or until retire

9. Judicial Review… Marbury v. Madison Reviews Constitutionality of:
State and federal legislation
Actions of chief executives
Decisions of other courts

10. Important Terms… Writ of Certiorari Stare Decisis/ Precedent Remember:
Majority Opinion
Concurring Opinion
Dissenting Opinion
The losing litigant in the court below asks permission and the Supreme Court exercises its discretion to grant review.