Bell Ringer
1. What is original jurisdiction?
2. What is appellate jurisdiction?
3. Which federal courts have original jurisdiction?
4. Which federal courts have appellate
jurisdiction?
Today we will …
Objectives
• Outline the structure of the
US Federal Court System.
• Identify qualifications and
tenure of federal judges.
Agenda
1.
2.
3.
4.
Slides/notes
Closure
How is the US judicial system
organized to ensure justice?
Activity
Start HW
HW: Judicial Branch in a Flash article
and activities
Prom Night in Mississippi reflection
due next block if you have not
turned it in already!
Federal Courts System
Federal Court Jurisdiction
• The Constitution gave the Federal
courts original jurisdiction in cases that
involve United States laws, treaties
with foreign nations and interstate
issues.
Original Jurisdiction
Supreme Court
• Ambassadors and other
representatives of foreign
governments
• Two or more state’s
government
• United States government
or one of it offices or
agencies
Federal District Courts
• Citizens who are resident of
different states
• Citizens who are residents
of the same state but claim
land under grants of
different states
Check for Understanding
• What is an example of original jurisdiction for
the Supreme Court?
• What is an example of original jurisdiction for
the Federal District Courts?
Federal Courts System
Supreme
Court
Court of
Appeals
District
Courts
Special Federal Courts
• Congress has created a series of courts
referred to as Legislative Courts.
• Legislative courts help Congress exercise its
power.
– U.S. Court of Federal Claims
– U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
– U.S. Tax Court
– Territorial Courts
– US Court of Military Appeals
– Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court
Federal Courts System
Special Federal Courts
4. U.S. Court of Federal Claims
5. U.S. Court of International Trade
6. U.S. Tax Court
7. U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed
Forces
Supreme
Court
Court of
Appeals
District
Courts
Federal Courts System
The Court of Appeals for
the Federal Circuit
• National jurisdiction over certain
cases, such as those in which the U.S.
government is a defendant.
Check for Understanding
• Which court in the federal system reviews the
convictions of military personnel who have
violated military law?
• Which court hears cases that involve customs
or other trade issues?
Qualification & Selection
FEDERAL JUDGES
Federal Courts System
Qualifications
• No specific requirements in the
Constitution
• Most have prior experience ( lower or
state courts)
Federal Courts System
Selection of Federal Judges
• All federal judges are appointed by the
President and approved by the Senate.
– Senatorial courtesy -allows Senators from the
president’s party to have a say in the
appointment of judges in their state
• Hold position for life (must be in good
standing)
Closure
Federal court judges in both the Supreme Court
and inferior (lower) courts are appointed for life.
This provision was written into the US
Constitution. The Founding Fathers evidently
considered it important.
• Why do you think lifetime appointment for
federal court judges is important? Discuss at
least 2 reasons why.
How is the US judicial system
organized to ensure justice?
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV4zKeG
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