Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main responsibility of the judicial branch?
What is the main responsibility of the judicial branch?
- Making laws
- Appointing federal judges
- Confirming presidential appointments
- Interpreting laws (correct)
How are federal judges appointed in the United States?
How are federal judges appointed in the United States?
- By the Supreme Court
- By Congress
- By direct election
- By the President and Senate (correct)
What is the purpose of appointing federal judges for life?
What is the purpose of appointing federal judges for life?
- To avoid Senate confirmation
- To give them power over Congress
- To allow them to interpret laws freely (correct)
- To make decisions based on elections
How many U.S. District Courts are there in the United States?
How many U.S. District Courts are there in the United States?
Why does the Supreme Court have the final say in legal matters?
Why does the Supreme Court have the final say in legal matters?
Who nominates the members of the Supreme Court?
Who nominates the members of the Supreme Court?
What is the main role of the Supreme Court in reviewing cases?
What is the main role of the Supreme Court in reviewing cases?
What right does the Bill of Rights guarantee to individuals accused of a crime?
What right does the Bill of Rights guarantee to individuals accused of a crime?
What happens if the jury reaches a verdict of 'not-guilty' in a trial?
What happens if the jury reaches a verdict of 'not-guilty' in a trial?
In the judicial process, when is the accused given a lawyer?
In the judicial process, when is the accused given a lawyer?
What can happen if one side in a trial feels it wasn't handled correctly or fairly?
What can happen if one side in a trial feels it wasn't handled correctly or fairly?
How many requests are sent to the Supreme Court each year for consideration?
How many requests are sent to the Supreme Court each year for consideration?
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Study Notes
The Judicial Branch
- The Judicial Branch is composed of judges and courts, with federal judges appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, rather than being elected by the people.
- The hierarchy of federal courts consists of 94 U.S. District Courts, 13 Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court at the top.
The Supreme Court
- The Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting laws and has nine members, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, who serve for life.
- The number of Supreme Court Justices is not specified in the Constitution, but has been nine since 1869.
- The Supreme Court reviews cases appealed from lower courts, but only considers around 150 of the 7,500 requests it receives each year.
The Judicial Process
- The Constitution guarantees the right to a fair trial before a competent judge and a jury of peers.
- The Bill of Rights adds additional rights, including a speedy trial, legal representation, protection from double jeopardy, and protection from cruel punishments.
- The judicial process involves a judge charging the accused, allowing them to enter a plea, and providing a lawyer and time to review evidence.
- The case is then tried before a judge and jury, with the possibility of appeal to a higher court if deemed necessary.
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