Understanding the Judicial Branch of the Philippines

Overview of the Judicial Branch

• The Judicial Branch interprets laws, settles disputes and ensures laws adhere to the Constitution.

Structure of the Judiciary

• The Philippine judiciary is comprised of the Supreme Court and lower courts including RTCs, Municipal Trial Courts, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Shari'a Courts.

The Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court acts as the highest court.
• It resolves final appeals and examines the constitutionality of laws.

Composition of the Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court has 1 Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices.

Judicial Review

• Judicial Review allows the Supreme Court to evaluate the constitutionality of laws and actions.

Functions of the Supreme Court

• Administrative: Oversees the entire judicial system.
• Judicial: Resolves disputes and reviews laws.

Regional Trial Courts (RTCs)

• RTCs handle significant criminal and civil cases exceeding ₱300,000.

Sandiganbayan

• The Sandiganbayan hears cases of corruption and malfeasance involving public officials.

Shari'a Courts

• Shari'a Courts deal with Muslim personal laws like marriage and inheritance.

Katarungang Pambarangay

• Katarungang Pambarangay facilitates dispute resolution at the barangay level to reduce court congestion.

Court of Appeals

• The Court of Appeals reviews appeals from RTCs and other lower courts.

Qualifications of Supreme Court Justices

• To be a Supreme Court Justice, one must be a natural-born Filipino, at least 50 years old, have 15 years of legal experience (as a lawyer or judge), and demonstrate integrity and impartiality.

Tenure of Supreme Court Justices

• Supreme Court Justices serve until they reach age 70, are incapacitated, or removed by impeachment.

Court Jurisdictions

• Municipal Circuit Courts oversee disputes between municipalities.

This quiz explores the structure, functions, and key components of the Judicial Branch in the Philippines. Topics include the Supreme Court, lower courts, and the concept of judicial review. Test your knowledge about how the judiciary interprets laws and ensures constitutional adherence.