1. The Federal Court System (& Supreme Court) Article III (U.S. Constitution) = Founders based it on European tradition of law & courts already established (Articles I & II were more radical ideas) Strengthened a weak court system which existed under the Articles of Confederation

2. Article 3 (Section 1) “The judicial power of the United States, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behaviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services, a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.”

4. What topics does the SCOTUS hear? Same sex marriage Obamacare Racial segregation Law enforcement Education Copyright laws Censorship Abortion Prayer in schools Freedom of expression Free speech

6. How does the SCOTUS work? The Court hears cases with relevance to Constitution (“reviews” cases) Original jurisdiction (very rare) Appellate jurisdiction (most common) For the SCOTUS to review a case: 1.Is it constitutionally relevant? 2.Has it caused harm? Need 4 of 9 justices to “sign off” to hear case Hear approximately 80-100 cases/session (Over 10,000 cases filed)

7. SCOTUS Facts: Review “Constitutionality” of US laws Hear 2-3 cases per day (Oct.-June) Each side gets 30 minutes to argue their side of the case (timed) Justices serve “lifetime” terms No specific requirements to serve Each Justice has his or her own legal team and offices SCOTUS decisions are final (unless the SCOTUS reverses itself) Justices nominated by POTUS, confirmed by U.S. Senate

8. Confirmation Votes of all SCOTUS Justices: Elena Kagen (Obama) 63-37 Sonia Sotomayor (Obama)68-31 Samuel Alito (W. Bush)58-42 John Roberts (W. Bush)78-22 Stephen Breyer (Clinton)87-9 Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Clinton)96-3 Clarence Thomas (H.W. Bush)52-48 Anthony Kennedy (Reagan)97-0 Antonin Scalia (Reagan)98-0