Judicial Branch Overview Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does appellate jurisdiction refer to?

A lower court's authority to hear a case from the executive branch.

The Supreme Court's authority to hear a case from a lower court. (correct)

A lower court's authority to hear a case from the legislative branch.

The Supreme Court's authority to hear a case for the first time.

The Supreme Court is best characterized as:

An appellate court. (correct)

A federal court.

An inferior court.

A judicial court.

What is an unanswered Constitutional question about the judicial branch?

How to create lower federal courts.

Which explains a difference between an original case and an appellate case that the Supreme Court hears?

An appellate case has been heard by a lower court, while an original case has not. Signup and view all the answers

Compared with the executive and legislative branches, the main purpose of the judicial branch is:

To interpret laws. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Constitution grant the judicial branch the power to create 'inferior courts'?

The Constitution anticipated there would be many cases and issues that courts would need to decide. Signup and view all the answers

What are people who make judgments in lower federal courts called?

Judges. Signup and view all the answers

During criminal cases, which are guaranteed by the Constitution?

Trials and juries Signup and view all the answers

What type of panel does the judicial branch have the power to try criminal cases?

Jury. Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution gives Congress the power to create federal courts:

Lower than the Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Judicial Branch Overview

Appellate jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to hear cases from lower courts, not as a trial court.
The Supreme Court functions primarily as an appellate court, reviewing lower court decisions.

Constitutional Questions

A significant unanswered constitutional question revolves around the process of creating lower federal courts.
The Constitution does not specify who should approve judges and justices, leading to varying interpretations.

Case Types

Original cases are those heard for the first time, while appellate cases have previously been reviewed in lower courts.
The distinction is critical: original cases arise directly within the Supreme Court, whereas appellate cases involve issues passed up from lower courts.

Purpose of Judicial Branch

The primary function of the judicial branch is to interpret laws, distinguishing it from the executive branch, which executes laws, and the legislative branch, which creates laws.

Creation of Inferior Courts

The power to create "inferior courts" was granted to manage the large volume of cases anticipated by the Constitution, ensuring the Supreme Court does not become overwhelmed with individual cases.

Roles within Federal Courts

Individuals who make decisions in lower federal courts are referred to as judges.
Constitutional guarantees during criminal cases include the presence of trials and juries, ensuring a fair legal process.

Jury's Role

The judicial branch is empowered to try criminal cases with a jury, reflecting the democratic principles embedded in the justice system.

Congressional Powers

The Constitution empowers Congress to establish federal courts that operate below the Supreme Court in the judicial hierarchy, which aids in the structured administration of justice.

Description

Test your knowledge on the functions and structure of the judicial branch. This quiz covers appellate jurisdiction, constitutional questions, and the distinction between original and appellate cases. Understand how the Supreme Court operates in the broader legal framework.