1. Unit 5: The Judicial Branch
1. Purpose and Membership
Unit 5: The Judicial Branch

2. Purpose
Where in the US Constitution can you find details about the Supreme Court?
Article III
Section 1: Sets up courts
Section 2: Assigns jurisdiction
Section 3: Clear definition of treason

3. Purpose
The main duty of the Supreme Court is to hear and rule on cases.
They are the ones who interpret and uphold the US Constitution.
This involves three things: choosing cases to hear, making a decision after hearing that case, and writing their Opinion (an explanation of their decision).

4. Purpose
They are also responsible for overseeing federal circuits (lower courts).
This means overseeing that they are functioning correctly, and responding to requests for special legal actions (such as suspending decisions).
All while maintaining objectivity.
Supreme Court Justices must be careful not to be involved with outside activities that would interfere with their objectivity.

5. The American Legal System
The US Supreme Court
US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Military Court of Appeals
US Courts of Appeals (12)
Highest State Appeals Courts
Military Courts
Tax court, territorial courts, district court, DC courts, appeals from federal regulatory agencies
Claims courts, Veterans’ Appeals, International Trade
Legislative Courts (state and local courts)

6. Purpose The Supreme Court is the court of last resort.
It is not required to hear all cases presented to it; it gets to choose.
When it does hear cases, it is the final authority; its decisions are binding on all other courts.
Will always hear cases concerning the US Constitution, acts of Congress, treason, and treaties made by the US.

7. Membership Justices No constitutional qualifications.
Have law degree, practiced law for a number of years (attorney, judge), generally older because of this (50s-60s).
Not always a desired position.
“Riding the circuit” ended in 1891.

8. Membership The number of Supreme Court Justices is set by Congress.
Currently this number is nine.
Justices are chosen by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
Interviewed about judicial/legal philosophies.
President will typically nominate someone from their political party.
All professional qualifications are evaluated by the Bar Association.

9. Membership Justices can be impeached by Congress.
Length of term is life or until a justice decides to retire.

10. Membership Name Appointed in Appointed by Current Age
Chief Justice John Roberts
2005
George W. Bush 60
Antonin Scalia
1986
Ronald Reagan 79
Anthony Kennedy
1988
Clarence Thomas
1991
George H.W. Bush 67
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
1993
Bill Clinton 82
Stephen Breyer
1994 77
Samuel Alito
2006 65
Sonia Sotomayor
2009
Barack Obama 61
Elena Kagan
2010 55