Chapter 7 Judiciary Review

The Framers stipulated that federal judges should be appointed, rather than elected, and serve for life because

• they wanted to be able to appoint their friends.

• they did not think people were knowledgeable enough to vote for judges.

• they felt public pressure to do so.

• they wanted judges to be able to make decisions based on their best judgment.

What kind of jurisdiction allows either a State or a federal court to hear a case?

• original jurisdiction

• appellate jurisdiction

• exclusive jurisdiction

• concurrent jurisdiction

Today, most Supreme Court justices come from

• the U.S. Senate.

• the U.S. House of Representatives.

• the State courts.

• the courts of appeals.

A federal crime involving parties on Guam would most likely be heard in which court?

• U.S. Court of International Trade

• U.S. Tax Court

• U.S. Court of Federal Claims

• Territorial Courts

Why do special courts exist in the U.S. judicial system?

• Congress needed to create courts with narrow jurisdictions to address specific types of cases.

• Congress needed to create additional courts with broad jurisdiction to ease court docket burdens.

• The Constitution did not provide the federal judiciary with enough power to decide all cases that might occur.

• The Constitution only allowed the establishment of courts that handled general cases with broad jurisdiction.

An activity that may be handled by the lawyers, although the procedure is monitored by the judge if necessary, is

• hiring the court reporter.

• requesting a bailiff’s presence.

• determining the sentencing.

• selecting the jury.

Why is understanding precedent an important part of a judge’s role?

• It allows the judge to demonstrate an overall understanding of the judicial system structure.

• It provides background to maintain consistency with rulings in the current case or highlight key differences.

• It allows the judge to maintain balance in the courtroom by understanding courtroom procedures.

• It serves as a basis for understanding lawyers’ strategies for selecting a fair and balanced jury.

The Framers believed a strong judicial system was necessary

because it would

• stop corrupt leaders from gaining power.

• guarantee freedom of press.

• prevent the States from interpreting, applying, or ignoring U.S. laws as they saw fit.

• provide the new country with a set of precedents on which to base legal decisions.

Federal and State courts have concurrent jurisdiction in cases in which

• an American citizen sues a citizen of another country.

• a citizen of one State sues a citizen of another State for damages greater than $75,000.

• an American citizen sues another citizen of the same State for damages greater than $75,000.

• a citizen of one State sues the National Park Service.

Which of the following is a statement in support of judicial activism?

• Let policy decisions be made by the legislative and judicial powers.

• Always follow existing legal principles and precedent.

• Make decisions based on the intent of the Framers.

• Interpret the Constitution by taking into account changes in society.