The Judicial Branch

Jurisdiction is the right of a court to hear a case and apply the law.

Dual Court System

The dual court system is the division between federal and state courts. Federal courts hear criminal and civil cases involving Constitutional questions, federal law, and treaties. State courts hear criminal and civil cases related to state constitutional questions and state laws.

Purpose

This limits the power and scope of jurisdiction at both levels.

District Courts

They are the first to hear a case.

Court of Appeals

They hear challenges to verdicts on previous trial cases. They do not retry cases or hear new evidence.

Supreme Court

The court of last resort in all questions of federal law and constitutionality. They have nine justices. Appointing a justice entails that they serve for life and good behavior. Freedom from political pressures allow justices to rule without outside influence.

Duties

  • Deciding which cases to hear
  • Deciding on the case itself
  • Determining an explanation for the decision (opinion)
  • Writ of certiorari
    • Orders a lower court to deliver its record in a case so that the higher court may review it.

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