The Supreme Court has the final say on interpreting the Constitution for the other branches of government and for citizens. Their interpretation of the Constitution cannot be checked. How important is this job compared to the other two branches we have studied? Do you think this makes the judicial branch more powerful, less powerful, or equal with the other two branches?

Do Now

1. DO NOW2. Announcements3. Review4. Classroom Court System5. The Federal Court System Class Teach6. 7.2 worksheet

Agenda

Competencies: Students will demonstrate and understand the organization of the American Court System.

SWBAT: Identify the three levels of courts and their specific duties.

Competencies/ Objectives

“the judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior [lower] courts as the Congress may from time to time….establish”

Federal Court System Notes

1st Congress set up system of federal courts

3 levels of federal courts Jurisdiction-the extent or scope of

authority that court has to hear and decide a case that has properly been brought before it.

Two types of jurisdiction: original and appellate

U.S. District Courts

District courts is the lowest level of federal courts

District Courts- trial courts, courts of original jurisdiction.

Original Jurisdiction- authority of a court to hear and decide a case for the first time.

Only federal court with jury trials. 94 fed district courts in U.S. At least one in each of the 50 states and

D.C.

U.S. Federal Districts

Judges apply relevant law to the case before them.

Amount of judges in district court depends on caseload.

Conduct both civil and criminal trials. Rule on court procedure and apply

relevant laws to the facts of the case. Make a ruling if there is no jury. Decides punishment in criminal cases.

U.S. District Judges

Judges are appointed for life by president with approval of the senate.

Can only be removed by impeachment Cannot have salary lowered during their

time in office.

U.S. District Judges Protections of the Constitution

After district court trial loser can appeal to the courts of appeals.

Appellate jurisdiction- power to review decisions made by lower courts.

12 judicial circuits- each circuit has a court of appeals.

6- 28 judges Senior judge- oldest judge under 65 who

has served the longest Judges are appointed for life

U.S. Courts of Appeals

Do not hold trials. Panel of judges decide on case. Examine court records and hear

arguments from lawyers on both sides. Do not determine guilt or innocence. Answer question: Was the original trial

fair and was the law interpreted correctly?

May uphold district court decision or send it back for new trial.

Courts of Appeals