Judicial Branch Review Flashcards
what makes up the judicial branch?
United States federal court system
The judicial act of 1789
Established three levels of courts in America
what are three levels of courts?
Lowest level - US District Court(94 courts)
Middle level - US Circuit Court of Appeals(13 courts)
Highest level - US Supreme Court(1 court)
What is jurisdiction?
The right of a court to hear a case
Explain the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction
Original - the authority of a court to hold a trial (first time)
Appellate - the authority of a court to hear a case (second time)
What grants the courts jurisdiction?
US Constitution
What are justices and how many are there?
Judges (9)
what is the head justice known as?
Chief justice of the Supreme Court
What are the qualifications to be a justice?
there are no official qualifications, but all have been lawyers before being appointed
How long are the terms of justices?
For life
How is the justice chosen?
Has to be chosen by the president
Senate has to approve presidents decision by 2/3 vote
What are the only three ways in which of justice can be removed?
Resign
Impeached
Death
What is judicial review?
Supreme Court decide whether or not a law passed by Congress violates your rights
what does precedent mean?
Gives guidance
how can supreme court decision to be overturned?
Supreme Court decisions are final
what kind of cases get heard by federal courts?
cases involving the constitution
Violations of federal law
Controversies between states
Cases on Admirality and maritime laws
- ex: when someone finds sunken treasure
cases involving foreign governments and treaties
What are the three ways the appeals courts can respond to an appeal?
uphold original decision
Reverse the decision
remand the case(send it back to lower court to be tried again)
What is a precedent
Gives guidance to judges
