Federal Judicial Branch Flashcards

Federal Judicial Branch Overview

• The judicial branch interprets laws passed by Congress.
• Most federal judges are appointed for life, ensuring judicial independence.

Supreme Court Structure

• Comprises one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
• The Chief Justice's salary is $223,500; each Associate Justice earns $213,900.

Jurisdiction Types

• Original Jurisdiction: Authority to hear a case first.
• Appellate Jurisdiction: The power to review cases from lower courts.
• Exclusive Jurisdiction: Only one court has the authority to hear a case.
• Concurrent Jurisdiction: Multiple courts have the authority to hear a case.

Federal Court System Levels

• Three main levels:
  • District Courts (trial court with original jurisdiction).
  • Circuit Courts (first level of appeal with appellate jurisdiction).
  • Supreme Court of the United States (final level of appeal).

District Courts

• Original jurisdiction; 94 district courts across the U.S.
• Jurors determine guilt or innocence based on evidence presented.

Court of Appeals

• Serves appellate jurisdiction with three judges reviewing lower court decisions.
• Comprises 12 circuits covering multiple states.

Supreme Court Functions

• Holds both original and appellate jurisdiction with nine justices.
• Final authority on significant legal questions and cases involving diplomats or state disputes.

Specialized Courts

• U.S. Tax Court: Resolves disputes with the IRS.
• U.S. Court of Military Appeals: The highest court for military matters.
• U.S. Federal Claims Court: Handles monetary claims against the U.S. government.
• U.S. Court of International Trade: Manages cases regarding tariffs and trade disputes.
• Special courts are established by Congress for specific case types and include military and tax courts.

Constitution and Judicial Review

• Federal courts can hear cases involving the Constitution.
• Judicial review allows courts to assess the constitutionality of laws.

Supreme Court Operations

• The Supreme Court listens to cases in sessions spanning two weeks, followed by two weeks of recess.
• A writ of certiorari is a request for lower court transcripts.
• The "rule of four" requires four justices to agree to hear a case.

Supreme Court Case Selection

• Avoids certain types of cases, such as those concerning gun laws.
• Selected cases often involve:
  • Constitutionality issues.
  • Admiralty/maritime laws.
  • Disputes involving the U.S. or between states.
  • Cases involving foreign governments.

Judicial Opinions

• Majority Opinion: Represents the viewpoint of most justices.
• Concurring Opinion: Expresses agreement with the majority but for different reasons.
• Dissenting Opinion: Articulates the reasons for disagreement with the majority.

Types of Law

• Criminal Law: Addresses violations against public order.
• Civil Law: Resolves disputes between individuals or entities.
• Administrative Law: Governs the actions of governmental agencies.
• Constitutional Law: Based on the Constitution's provisions.
• International Law: Governs relations between nations.
• Statutory Law: Enacted by legislatures.
• Common Law: Derived from judicial precedents and traditions.

Checks and Balances

• Each government branch monitors the others to maintain balance and prevent abuse of power.

Test your knowledge of the federal judicial branch with these flashcards. From the roles of judicial branches to the salaries of federal judges, this quiz covers essential topics related to the Supreme Court and its justices. Perfect for students studying American government or law.