



Describe what roles does the president fulfill, and what authority come from such roles?
Explain what limitations are placed on the president by the Constitution?
What are the goals of American Foreign
Policy?
What roles does the president fulfill in regard to American Foreign Policy?



Judicial Branch- Branch of government that interprets the laws of our Nation.
Judicial Review- Gives the Supreme Court the power to declare laws/acts unconstitutional



What term describes the government as not being all powerful and power actually lying with the people?
Popular Sovereignty



What is the purpose of having courts?
◦ To treat everyone equal
◦ “Equal protection under the law”
All courts have some type of jurisdiction: Courts authority to hear and decide cases







Cases involving the constitution
Violation of federal law
◦ Bank Robbery, kidnapping
Controversies between states
Suits involving the federal gov’t
Dealing with foreign countries, treaties, diplomats
Cases involving maritime law (sea)


Made up of 3 levels
Supreme Court
US Court of Appeals
District Courts (trial courts)





Where all federal trials begin
◦ Both criminal and civil cases
94 district courts in USA
Original jurisdiction:
Authority to hear a case first
Only federal court with jury, 1 judge and witnesses testifying





Job: Review decisions made in lower courts
Appellate jurisdiction:
Authority to review decisions of lower courts
13 US Court of Appeals
◦ 12 courts cover a particular geographical area called a circuit
◦ 1 has nationwide jurisdiction
Make up: panel of 3-5 judges
◦ Reverse decision or keep original decision
◦ Remand: send case back to district court





Job: To determine if laws or rulings are constitutional or unconstitutional
◦ Judicial Review
Panel of 9 judges
◦ Lead justice: Chief justice of the United States
◦ Associate judges: Other 8 judges
Original jurisdiction: Cases dealing with foreign diplomat and between states
Appellate jurisdiction:
Review cases of appeals court







1. Accept case- Put on docket
2. Written argumentsbrief: one side position
3. Oral arguments-
30min to summarize case
4. Conference
5. Opinion writing
◦ Majority opinion
◦ Minority opinion
◦ Concurring opinion
6. Announcement-
Final Say!!!



Concurrent jurisdiction: Refers to cases in which more than 1 court has jurisdiction.
◦ Both federal and state courts have equal authority to hear a case
Exclusive jurisdiction: Only 1 court has the authority to rule.
◦ Bankruptcy, copyright and patents, and suits brought against the US gov’t are all cases in which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.




President appoints and senate approves
Term: Life!!
No particular qualifications
◦ Most are lawyers or federal judges



1. President can refuse to enforce courts rulings or pardon those convicted
2. Congress can remove/accept presidential nominations

1.
2.
3.
5.
6.
7.
4.
8.
What cases are only heard in federal courts?
What does jurisdiction mean?
What 3 levels make up the federal court system?
Summarize the differences between original, appellate, concurrent and exclusive jurisdiction.
Why do judges serve for life?
What limitations do judges have?
What is the meaning of “Equal Protection Under the Law”?
What role does the Judicial Branch play in the law making process?


Do you feel that judges should be appointed for life? Explain.