Judicial Branch Flashcards
Which article of the constitution gives the Judicial Branch its power?
Article III
Which branch of government interprets the laws and protects the constitution?
The Judicial branch
What does Article III establish?
The basic framework for this branch, a system of federal courts and judges, the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court, and gives Congress the power to create inferior courts to meet the nation’s needs.
When would a person be tried in federal court?
When else would federal court be used?
When accused of breaking national law
To resolve an argument between states
What are the two main sets of inferior federal courts?
District and Appellate Court
How does the federal court system work?
Most cases first go to district court. Citizens can appeal decisions given in district court. Appellate court is where these cases are reviewed. An appellate court only considers whether the original trial was fair and legal. The decision of appellate court can be reviewed in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the “last stop” in the Judicial system.
How many justices does the constitution say the Supreme Court should have?
It doesn’t say. Congress chose that there should be 9 justices.
How long does a justice serve for?
Usually for life
How many cases does the Supreme Court review a year?
Every year lawyers ask the Supreme Court to review thousands of cases, but the Supreme Court only considers about a hundred of them.
When does a Supreme Court review a case?
They usually review a case only if the justices think that the decisions made in the lower courts conflict with the constitution.
What is judicial review?
The power to decide whether laws or acts made by the legislative or executive branches conflict with the constitution. Judicial review gives the a Supreme Court great power.
