Understanding the Judicial Branch

What is the main responsibility of the Judicial Branch?

• Creating laws

• Enforcing laws

• Interpreting laws and administering justice

• Electing officials

Answer explanation

The main responsibility of the Judicial Branch is interpreting laws and administering justice. This ensures that laws are applied fairly and consistently, distinguishing it from the legislative and executive branches.

What is the highest federal court in the United States?

• District Court

• Supreme Court

• Circuit Court

• Appellate Court

Answer explanation

The highest federal court in the United States is the Supreme Court. It has the ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution and federal law, unlike the District, Circuit, and Appellate Courts, which serve different functions.

What is another term for a judge of the Supreme Court?

• Justice

• Plaintiff

• Juror

• Chief Judge

Answer explanation

Another term for a judge of the Supreme Court is 'Justice'. This title reflects their role in interpreting the law and making decisions on important legal issues.

Who is the head of the United States Supreme Court?

• President

• Chief Justice

• Attorney General

• Federal Magistrate

Answer explanation

The head of the United States Supreme Court is the Chief Justice, who presides over court proceedings and leads the judicial branch. The other options, such as President and Attorney General, do not hold this position.

What are courts established by the federal government called?

• State Courts

• Federal Courts

• Local Courts

• Appellate Courts

Answer explanation

Courts established by the federal government are called Federal Courts. They handle cases involving federal law, while State Courts deal with state laws.

What type of court reviews decisions made by lower courts?

• Trial Court

• District Court

• Appellate Court

• Supreme Court

Answer explanation

An Appellate Court reviews decisions made by lower courts to ensure the law was applied correctly. Unlike trial courts, which hear cases for the first time, appellate courts focus on legal errors in previous rulings.

What is the authority of a court to hear and decide cases?

• Appeal

• Jurisdiction

• Brief

• Indictment

Answer explanation

The authority of a court to hear and decide cases is known as jurisdiction. It determines the scope and limits of a court's power, making 'jurisdiction' the correct answer.

What is it called when a court hears a case for the first time?

• Appellate Jurisdiction

• Trial

• Original Jurisdiction

• Certification

Answer explanation

When a court hears a case for the first time, it is exercising its Original Jurisdiction. This term refers to the authority of a court to hear a case in its initial stage, as opposed to Appellate Jurisdiction, which involves reviewing decisions from lower courts.

What is the authority of a court to review decisions of lower courts?

• Precedent

• Appeal

• Appellate Jurisdiction

• Grand Jury

Answer explanation

The authority of a court to review decisions of lower courts is known as Appellate Jurisdiction. This allows higher courts to evaluate and potentially overturn lower court rulings.

What is the first court to hear a case called?

• District Court

• Circuit Court

• Appellate Court

• Trial Court

Answer explanation

The first court to hear a case is typically the District Court, where initial trials and hearings occur. Other courts, like Circuit and Appellate Courts, handle appeals or specific types of cases.