Judicial Branch

What part of the Constitution establishes the Judicial Branch?

• Article 1

• Article 2

• Article 3

What does it mean for the Constitution to be the Supreme Law of the Land”?

What can Federal courts do? (pick two)

• Resolve disputes that involve national laws, the federal government, or the states.

• Hear cases involving crimes that are considered serious

• Hear cases involving people accused of breaking federal law

What are the two (2) sets of inferior Federal courts? (pick two)

• Supreme Court

• District Courts

• Appellate Courts

What do the District courts do?

• Hear cases involving Federal laws

• Hear cases involving crimes against property

• Hear cases that were appealed from Appellate Courts

What cases go to the Appellate courts (aka Court of Appeals)?

• Cases involving personal property and injury

• Cases that are appealed from lower courts

• Cases involving disputes between states

Can Supreme Court decisions be appealed?

• Yes

• No

How long do Federal judges serve?

• Four-year terms

• Six-year terms

• Once they are appointed, justices usually serve on the Court for life.

How do most cases get to the Supreme Court?

• Most cases go straight to the Supreme Court

• Most cases are appealed from lower courts

What usually has to happen for the Supreme Court to hear a case?

• It has to involve the President in some way

• A decision made by a lower court might conflict with the Constitution or a federal law.

• It has made news on social media