Federal Judicial Branch Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the job of the judicial branch?

Interpret laws passed by Congress.

Most federal judges are appointed for _____

life

The Supreme Court is made up of one and eight _________

chief justice, and eight associate judges

What is the salary for the Chief Justice?

$223,500 Signup and view all the answers

What is the salary for an associate justice?

$213,900 Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of jurisdiction?

Concurrent Signup and view all the answers

What is original jurisdiction?

The authority to hear the case first. Signup and view all the answers

What is appellate jurisdiction?

Authority to hear the case on an appeal from a lower court. Signup and view all the answers

What is exclusive jurisdiction?

The only court authorized to hear a case. Signup and view all the answers

What is concurrent jurisdiction?

Authority shared to hear a case. Signup and view all the answers

What are the levels of the federal court system?

District courts, circuit courts, and the Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of district courts?

Original jurisdiction Signup and view all the answers

What is the Court of Appeals' role?

Appellate jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Supreme Court's function?

Original and appellate jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

What court deals with issues citizens have with the IRS?

U.S. Tax Court. Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest court in the military?

U.S. Court of Military Appeals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the U.S. Federal Claims Court do?

Hears monetary claims against the U.S. government. Signup and view all the answers

What does the U.S. Court of International Trade handle?

Cases that involve tariffs and international trade disputes. Signup and view all the answers

What are special courts?

Federal courts created to hear specific types of cases. Signup and view all the answers

When do federal courts hear cases?

If it involves the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is judicial review?

Allows the court to determine the constitutionality of laws. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Supreme Court listen to cases?

Sitting and listening for 2 weeks, then going on recess for 2 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a writ of certiorari?

Document used to request the lower court transcripts of a case. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'rule of four'?

Four justices must vote to accept a case before it is placed on the court's docket. Signup and view all the answers

What types of cases does the Supreme Court avoid?

Gun cases. Signup and view all the answers

What is a majority opinion?

A court opinion reflecting the views of the majority of the judges. Signup and view all the answers

What is a concurring opinion?

The opinion of justices who agree with the majority. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dissenting opinion?

The opinion of justices who disagree with the majority. Signup and view all the answers

What types of cases go to the Supreme Court?

Admiralty/maritime laws Signup and view all the answers

What are checks and balances?

How do the other branches check each other? Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of law?

Criminal Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.