1. The Judicial Branch Who? Supreme Court and Federal Courts
Chapter 8 Sections 1 and 2
Who? Supreme Court and Federal Courts
Main Job: To interpret laws

2. There are three levels of Federal Courts
There are three levels of Federal Courts. The highest court is the Supreme Court. The goal of all federal courts is “equal justice under the law” or for every person to be treated the same.

3. The trial courts for civil and criminal trials.
U.S. District Courts
The trial courts for civil and criminal trials.
They have original jurisdiction (they hear all federal cases first).
They are the only federal courts where witnesses testify and juries hear cases and reach verdicts.
Each state has a District Court.

4. They review decisions made by the lower District Courts.
U.S. Court of Appeals
They review decisions made by the lower District Courts.
*Also called Circuit Courts
They have appellate jurisdiction. They hear cases in which someone disagrees with the verdict (outcome) of a case. That person can appeal the decision and ask for it to be overturned (changed) by a higher court.
There are 12 appeals courts. Each one presides over an area known as a circuit.

5. The 12 Federal Circuits

6. Judges (not juries) make decisions. The Verdicts in Appeals Courts
Appeals Court Decisions
Judges (not juries) make decisions.
The Verdicts in Appeals Courts
Uphold the original decision made by a lower court
Reverse the original decision made by a lower court
Remand the case – send back to a lower court to be retried

7. What types of cases go to federal court?
Cases that involve the Constitution
Cases where Federal Law has been violated
Disagreements between state governments
Cases between citizens of two different states
Lawsuits against the Federal government
Cases that involve any foreign government or treaty
Disputes that deal with crimes on the high seas
Cases involving U.S. diplomats.

8. JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS
How do judges get their jobs?
They are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. Once they are approved, they serve a life term. They can only be removed from office by impeachment.
Why do Federal Judges serve a life term? It keeps them free from political influences.

9. even after his term is finished?
How can the President
influence the country
even after his term is finished?