NOTE: Federal courts can also hear cases dealing with waterborne commerce or crimes.
NOTE TO TEACHER: The federal courts can also hear a case involving a citizen of a state suing another citizen of the same state where both claim title to land under grants from different states.
Checkpoint Answer: The United States or its officers or agencies, an official representative of a foreign government, one of the 50 states suing another state, a resident of another state, or a foreign government, and a U.S. citizen suing a citizen of another state or a foreign government or citizen.
NOTE TO TEACHER: This is a federal case because bank robbery violates a federal law, regardless of the State in which the crime is committed.
NOTE TO TEACHER: This is a concurrent case because when a citizen from one State sues a citizen of another State for damages greater than $75,000, the case can be heard in either a federal or State court.
NOTE TO TEACHER: This is a State case because State courts usually hear cases involving events in the State.Since AJ’s is an Ohio business, the State has jurisdiction over the case.
NOTE TO TEACHER: Special court judges are appointed to terms that vary in length from 8 to 15 years and are rarely reappointed.
Feature Question Answer: A judge might rule differently in future cases involving similar issues, or disagree with the precedent set by his or her previous rulings in similar cases.
NOTE TO TEACHER: This image shows an attorney for Napster, Inc., the online music firm, outside the9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Checkpoint Answer: District courts have original jurisdiction to try the majority of federal and criminal cases.
Checkpoint Answer: Marbury v. Madison established the power of judicial review, which increased the role of the judicial branch in shaping the developing of American government.
NOTE FOR TEACHERS: A few appeals reach the Supreme Court from district courts or the Courts of Appeal for the Armed Forces.
Interpreting Diagrams Question Answer: Because if it were simple to bring a case before the Supreme Court, people might be tempted to bring frivolous appeals, bogging down the judicial system.
Checkpoint Answer: The Supreme Court issues a majority opinion explaining the decision. Individual judges may also issue concurring or dissenting opinions in the case.
NOTE TO TEACHERS: This image shows a U.S. Army attorney before a courts-martial.
Answer: They view it as a “black hole,” or something that swallows up detainees’ rights in a mysterious, comprehensive way
NOTE TO TEACHERS: If the court awards a claim, Congress must appropriate the money to pay that claim.
Checkpoint Answer: The Court of Federal Claims hears lawsuits against the federal government that claim damages and seek a money award in compensation for those damages.