The document discusses the key aspects and principles of the US federal judiciary and judicial system. It establishes that Marbury v Madison established judicial review for the federal government, while Martin v Hunter's Lessee established it for state laws. It also outlines the structure and roles of the federal court system, from the district courts up to the Supreme Court, including their jurisdictions and selection processes for judges.
What's the difference between the federal and state court systems? Criminal and civil cases? Constitutional, statutory and administrative law? This brief overview hits the highlights.
What's the difference between the federal and state court systems? Criminal and civil cases? Constitutional, statutory and administrative law? This brief overview hits the highlights.
The basics of the U.S. legal system, including types of law (constitutional, statutorial and administrative), types of offenses (criminal and civil) and an explanation of how the appeals process works.
This is a self-explanatory powerpoint lecture with information concerning the NCFCA resolution for 2015. Resolved: That the United States Federal Court system should be significantly reformed.
Slide show prepared for a series of lectures on the Federal Judiciary for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Fall 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Lecturer.
The basics of the U.S. legal system, including types of law (constitutional, statutorial and administrative), types of offenses (criminal and civil) and an explanation of how the appeals process works.
This is a self-explanatory powerpoint lecture with information concerning the NCFCA resolution for 2015. Resolved: That the United States Federal Court system should be significantly reformed.
Slide show prepared for a series of lectures on the Federal Judiciary for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Fall 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Lecturer.
This presentation deals with SCOTUS in detail and uncovered all aspects of it's working ,powers etc.It is beneficial for law students who take US Constitution as their minor subject in their course.
The Court System Federal and State | David Ford Avon CtDavid Ford Avon Ct
Created by Article III of the Constitution. Supreme Court is the only Court Created by the Constitution all other federal courts were created by Congress. Chief Justice John Marshall appointed in 1801-1835 did much to increase the power of the Court.
Top of FormWEEK 5 SUPREME COURT Lesson Lesson 5 Th.docxedwardmarivel
Top of Form
WEEK 5: SUPREME COURT
Lesson
Lesson 5: The Supreme Court
"A law embodies beliefs that have triumphed in the battle of ideas.”
-Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes
Expected Outcomes
To understand the evolution of the Supreme Court in relation to the other branches of power; to appreciate the difference between the “original intent” and “judicial activist” philosophies; and to critically evaluate the political and cultural importance of major Supreme Court decisions.
Overview
I. The Legal Framework
Most American laws are based on the English legal system. The body of judge-made law is referred to as common law. The U.S. Constitution, State Constitutions and statutes - laws passed by Congress or State Legislatures - are sources upon which American law is founded. Common law countries around the world include: United States; Britain, Australia, Canada, India, and New Zealand.
The United States utilizes a dual court system which is comprised of both State and Federal Courts. The rules and principles which are the basis of court decisions are referred to as Case Law. Case law has bearing on future cases that involve similar facts and constitutional issues. The case law or court rule from previous cases establishes the precedents on which future cases will be relied upon in the decision making process. The doctrine of stare decisis means to stand on the decided cases.
A courts authority to hear and decide cases refers to the jurisdiction of the court. According to the Constitution, the accused must receive a fair trial in the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed. Federal Courts have jurisdiction when there is a federal question in the case, when there is diversity of citizenship involved in the case (meaning citizens from different states), and when there are two or more different states or state boundaries involved. When a case is to be heard in Federal Court, courts with limited jurisdiction include Tax and Bankruptcy Courts. These are examples of courts that deal with very specialized issues that do not deal with constitutional issues, but other federal issues.
II. The Judicial Powers
According to Article III of the Constitution, the judicial power of the United States would be vested in one Supreme Court. The actual authority of the Supreme Court was described as:
· “The Judicial power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority; to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls; to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction; to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party; to Controversies between two or more States; between a State and Citizens of another State; between Citizens of different States; between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizen ...
2. JUDICIAL REVIEW
Which case established federal judicial review for
national gov’t?
Which case established judicial review for state law?
3. JUDICIAL REVIEW
Which case established federal judicial review for
national gov’t?
Marbury v Madison
Which case established judicial review for state law?
4. JUDICIAL REVIEW
Which case established federal judicial review for
national gov’t?
Marbury v Madison
Which case established judicial review for state law?
Martin v Hunter’s Lessee
5. PRINCIPLES OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM
Strict Constructionalist or Judicial Activist
Allow the decisions of other branches to stand Use their power broadly to further justice
http://thevoiceforschoolchoice.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/judicial-activism.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f327/jackgreen7/stahler0626.gif
6. PRINCIPLES OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM
Equal Justice Under The Law
-everyone receives equal treatment
Due Process
-application of the law in a fair manner
(5th and 14th amendments)
- types of due process
procedural= certain procedures must be followed so that
individual freedom is guaranteed
substantive= content of the law must be reasonable
7. PRINCIPLES OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM
Adversary System
J = judge/jury who are passive decision makers
P/D = prosecutor or plaintiff/defense who are advocates for
their “cause.”
8. PRINCIPLES OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM
Presumption of Innocence
- not mentioned in the Constitution
- rooted in English Common Law
- Burden of proof is on the Prosecution
Justiciable Disputes
- there must be “real harm”
- case must be able to be settled as a matter of law
10. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
Types of cases
criminal law - the gov’t charges an individual with violating
a specific law
civil law - the court resolves a dispute b/w 2 or more
people and defines the relationship b/w them
11. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
Federal Jurisdiction
1. Subject matter
- interpretation of the Constitution/fed laws
- federal law or foreign treaty
- admiralty or maritime law
- bankruptcy
2. Parties involved
- foreign ambassadors, diplomats
- two or more state gov’ts
- US gov’t or agency
- citizens of different states
- state (citizen) & foreign country (citizen)
12. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
Federal Jurisdiction
3. Concurrent Jurisdiction
- cases that may be tried in either a state (they hear the
majority of cases w/in the U.S.) or federal court such as when
state and federal laws are broken
4. Original Jurisdiction
- the court where a case is first tried (in criminal cases will
one judge and jury)
5. Appellate Jurisdiction
- may uphold, reverse, or modify lower court rulings (will
have multiple judges)
13. THE STRUCTURE OF THE FEDERAL JUDICIAL
SYSTEM
either state or as usual
- appellate
appellate
courts
courts of
original
jurisdiction state
courts
14. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
Federal Court Structure - (original)
District Courts (94) - does 90% of cases
-trial courts of original jurisdiction for criminal & civil cases
- grand jury (16-23) hears charges & issues indictments in
cases with enough evidence
- trial of original jurisdiction is before a petit jury (12)
which renders a verdict
15. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
Court of International Trade
- civil cases involving foreign business and imports
U.S. Claims Court damages/unlawful seizure
- claims against US govt or its officials of private property
U.S. Tax Court
- disputes between citizens and the IRS
Territorial Courts
- for Virgin Islands, N. Mariana and Guam
Court of the District of Columbia
Superior Court - trial court
Military Courts - courts of services, courts of military review,
court of veteran appeals
16. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
Federal Court Structure (Appellate)
each contains q # of
Federal Court of Appeals (12) districts courts (at least 1
in each state - trial
- divided into 12 circuits courts) 90% of cases
begin here
- each circuit has from 5-27 judges &
a SC justice assigned to it
- only have appellate jurisdiction
- can review cases and Independent Regulatory Agencies
(FCC, SEC, etc.)
18. FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- hears cases from Claims Court, Court of International Trade,
and U.S. Patent
- appellate jurisdiction
Court of Military Appeals
- reviews decisions of military courts
Courts of the District of Columbia
- Court of Appeals - appellate jurisdiction
20. FEDERAL COURT JUDGES
Constitutional Provisions
- Article II: appointed by President with consent of Senate for
life terms
- Removal by impeachment for bribery, treason, or high crime
complete list at http://www.fjc.gov/history/home.nsf/page/topics_ji_bdy
Selection Process
- President makes list (same judicial philosophy)
- ABA & interest groups try to influence
- Senate Judiciary Comm. holds hearings & recommends
to Senate for full vote - very partisan process (very apparent with
Roberts/Alito/Sotomayor nominations)
22. FEDERAL COURT JUDGES
Politics of Selection
- selection for lower federal courts has a long term effect on
the judicial process
- lower courts selection often gives broader influence for
President than SC choices
Supreme Court Justice Selection
- same selection process as lower courts
- more political pressure and media
- Chief Justice can be from current Court or new to the SC
24. SUPREME COURT ROLES
Chief Justice -does not have to be current member of the
Supreme Court
- Nominated by President, confirmed by Senate
- Serves for life as long as on “good behavior”
- Vote weighs the same
- Ultimately decides which cases are heard (in a sense, this makes
he makes the discuss list)
Associate Justices (8)
- sit and speak according to rank (seniority)
- most junior justice is on the far right
- in charge of a circuit
25. Ginsburg Breyer
Roberts Scalia
Alito Sotomayor
Kennedy
Thomas
Stevens
26. TODAY’S COURT
Stevens: Senior most (Ford, ’75) liberal
Scalia (Reagan, ’86) Conservative
Kennedy: (Reagan, ’86) swing bloc, Republican
Thomas (Bush, ’91) Conservative
Ginsburg: (Clinton, ’93) Liberal
Breyer: (Clinton, ’94) Liberal
Roberts: Chief Justice (Bush, ’05) Conservative
Sotomayor: junior most (Obama, ’09) Liberal
Alito: (Bush, ’06) Conservative
28. THE SUPREME COURT
Types of cases
Restriction on cases
- must be live between 2 adversaries
- must involve real harm
- must be substantial federal question
- no political questions - go back to Ex and Legisl.
- use only cases sent
- no enforcement power
Original Jurisdiction (less than 1%)
- involve a state or diplomatic question
29. THE SUPREME COURT
Appellate Jurisdiction
1) cases on appeal where lower court has ruled on a
constitutional question
- accepted under the “rule of four”
- most are dismissed (not accepted)
2) - writ of certiorari is the main route to SC and is an order
from a lower court asking for a case to be handed up for
review
- certification appeals heard from Dist Ct b/c of importance
they skip middle tier (U.S. v Nixon)
30. THE SUPREME COURT
Selection of cases
Discuss list made up of:
- Chief Justice’s suggested cases from cert. requests and added
to by other justices
- made up first by justices’ law clerks
- rejected require no reason for refusal - just say cert “denied”
- rule of four for discussion
- final cases selected by justices becomes the Orders list or
docket
31. THE SUPREME COURT
Decision Process
Per Curiam these cases are decided w/o oral arguments
Full Consideration
-briefs are filed by lawyers involved as well as amicus curiae or
friends of the court (interested parties)
- oral arguments allow each side 30 minutes w/ questioning
by the judges
- Friday Conferences discussion of cases & vote where only a
simple majority (5-4) is necessary
- votes based on precedent & rule of law
32. THE SUPREME COURT
Writing the Opinion
Written announcement of the Court’s opinion (delivered in the
spring)
Types
- unanimous (9-0)
- majority: expresses the views of the majority when the Court
is divided
-concurring: agree with the majority but for different legal
reasons
- dissenting: those not in agreement with majority state why
33. THE SUPREME COURT
Writers
- Chief Justice writes if he is in majority or may assign to
another Justice
- Chief Justice writes is he is in the minority or may assign
- Writers circulate drafts which are commented on with much
compromising
- occasionally justices will change sides which might change
final decision
34. THE SUPREME COURT
Factors that influence decisions and policy
- the law and the Constitution
- Judicial Philosophy of the justices
- activism - should make bold policy decisions and use
the cases to chart new constitutional ground
- restraint - play a minimal policymaking role and leave
policy to the legislative branch
-Relationships among the Justices (can be seen in number of
concurring & dissenting opinions)
35. THE SUPREME COURT
Factors that influence decisions and policy (cont)
- Role of the Chief Justice
- Social Forces: courts are influenced by values and beliefs of
the times
- Other branches of gov’t: through Presidential appointments
and Congressional legislation aimed at repealing court
decisions (i.e. Flag Protection Act after Texas v Johnson)
36. THE SUPREME COURT
Reading of the Opinion
- Read in Court on special days - usually from April to June or
July
- Majority opinion writers delivers summary as do dissenters
- Opinions released to the media
- Usually save the most controversial for the last
Editor's Notes
1816 - loyalist land in n neck of va - state ruled us treaty concerning loyalist property confiscated during Am Rev meant va could supercede treaty and keep land - sc said no - reprimmanded back to va -they said sc couldn’t review state law- sc said yes they could
1816 - loyalist land in n neck of va - state ruled us treaty concerning loyalist property confiscated during Am Rev meant va could supercede treaty and keep land - sc said no - reprimmanded back to va -they said sc couldn’t review state law- sc said yes they could
SC - SC - A-SC-SC-A
5th protects citizen’s life liberty property w due process from fed gov’t
14th extends 5th by ensuring “equal protection under the law”
due process- guards indiv rights from infringement by state or fed gov
substantive asks if law itself is fair
real harm- someone must have been “wronged” in order for there to b a case i.e. Plessy V Furgerson- Plessy got on the train to B segregated
not a matter of arguing ideologies though that may come into play
criminal - warrants a punishment b/c crime was committed (murder, burglery)
civil- no charge of criminality- no law violated (divorce)
explain admiralty
Snipers - both, why state of Va? death penalty
OK city bombers - that was in a federal building. Tried in Co.
*concurrent also consider snipers
original - power to hear/decide case for the first time
appellate - power of higher court to correct decision of lower court
Provide note page/diagram here
specialized courts - claims of $ damages against US gov’t, unlawful seizure of private propety by gov’t
indictments -formal accusation of a crime (no guilt or innocence). Enough evidence to have a trial b/c possib of committed crime exists
verdict- guilt or innocent
“riding the circuit” justices visiting circuit courts
considers gay marriage cases (Ca, Vt, Ma)
for federal court - only 12 impeachments
* Senatorial courtesy
ABA influence - send message support/opposition
Harriet Miers
lower fed court judges are also chosen for life, hear more cases than SC b/c most cases are decided at the lower level
when on circuit they don’t usually sit on courts but can stay executions, grant bail, etc
Alito - generally views restrictions on Pres power as unconstitutional, narrow view of defendants rts, church state restrictions, AS LAWYER IN 3rd Dist Ct Appeals -in Planned Phood v Casey upheld prov of Pa law req spousal notification - SC overruled this decisin in ’91, citing it as undue burden
most SC cases are heard on appeal
writ of certiorari must come from “US Court of Appeals” or state court of last resort. Must involve a federal question