1. Judicial Review Flashcards
What are the two types of jurisdiction limited by Article 3, Section 2 of the federal courts?
- Law-based Jurisdiction
- Party-based Jurisdiction
What is Law-Based Jurisdiction in federal courts?
Federal courts have law-based jurisdiction in:
1. Cases arising under the Constitution or federal law
2. Cases arising under a treaty of the U.S.
3. Cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction
What is Party-Based Jurisdiction in federal courts?
Federal courts have party-based jurisdiction in:
1. Controversies to which the U.S. shall be a party
2. Controversies between two or more states
3. Cases between a state and citizens of another state
4. Cases between citizens of different states exceeding $75,000
5. Cases affecting ambassadors and consuls
Does Congress have the power to decide what types of cases the U.S. Supreme Court hears?
Congress has the general power to decide what types of cases the U.S. Supreme Court may hear, as long as it doesn’t expand the Court’s original jurisdiction beyond the federal judicial power as established by Article 3, Section 2.
What does the Eleventh Amendment prohibit?
It prohibits citizens of one state from suing their own state or another state in federal court on federal claims for monetary damages or an injunction without the state’s consent.
What are the exceptions where the Eleventh Amendment does not apply?
- Federal suits by one state against another state.
- Suits by the federal government against a state
- Subdivisions of a state (e.g., cities, towns, and counties) do not have immunity
- Suits against state officials for unconstitutional actions
- Private citizens suing to enjoin state officials from violating federal rights
What is required for a state to consent to suit in federal court?
A state must expressly and unequivocally waive its 11th Amendment immunity
What is the rule regarding Congress revoking a state’s immunity?
Congress may revoke a state’s immunity if the act asserts that it is revoking the state’s immunity and is enacted under a grant of power that allows for such revocation
What does Article III, Section 2 restrict federal court jurisdiction to?
Case or Controversy
Real disputes between parties with adverse interests that can be conclusively resolved by a judicial decree
Can The Supreme Court give advisory opinions to either the President or Congress concerning the constitutionality of proposed actions or legislation?
No.
Can Federal courts give an advisory opinion concerning the constitutionality of a proposed action or legislation?
No.
Are State Courts allowed to render advisory opinions?
Yes.
What is the rule regarding Ripeness in federal court cases?
Ripeness bars consideration of claims BEFORE they have fully developed.
courts cannot review or grant a declaratory judgment of:
i.) a state law BEFORE it is enforced; OR
ii.) where there is NO threat the statute will EVER be enforced.
Relies on uncertain or contingent future events that may not occur as anticipated.
What is the exception to the Ripeness rule?
If the plaintiff can show a specific or present harm or a threat of specific future and imminent harm before the law is enforced
when the future events have an immediate impact, even if they rely on uncertain or contingent future events,
In what situations may a federal court abstain from hearing a case?
- When the meaning of a state law or regulation is unclear or undecided;
- When there is an ongoing state court proceeding on the same matter
What does it mean for a case to become ‘moot’?
A case becomes moot when the issues presented are:
1. no longer live; or
2. the parties lack a legally cognizable interest in the outcome
Relief is NO LONGER AVAILABLE!
What is the ‘Capable of Repetition, Yet Evading Review’ doctrine?
A case will not be dismissed for mootness if the injury is likely to recur but unlikely to be resolved because of the short-term nature of the issue.
Voluntary Cessation Doctrine
A case will be considered moot in this situation if subsequent events make it “absolutely clear that the allegedly wrongful behavior could not reasonably be expected to recur/start again.”
What is the Political Question Doctrine?
Federal courts cannot hear cases involving political questions assigned by the Constitution to another branch of government or incapable of judicial resolution
What are the two factors that define a political question?
- The Constitution suggests ultimate decision-making authority is given to another governmental actor
- The required decision is political rather than legal in character
True or False: a claim that a state has redrawn its electoral districts in a racially discriminatory manner is a political question.
False.
True or False: a claim that the state has redrawn electoral district to benefit one political party is a political question.
True.
When are Interbranch disputes involving foreign affairs NOT subject to the political question doctrine?
when they concern the validity of a federal statute.
What are five other areas of political questions?
- The impeachment process;
- The amendment ratification process;
- The president’s power to unilaterally terminate a treaty;
- Foreign affairs; and
- Guaranty Clause issues under Article IV.