Apopka High - POLS AMERICAN GAMSCO Unit 2 Chapter 6

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Unit 2: Interaction Among Branches of Government Chapter 6: The Judicial Branch Essential Question How do the nation’s courts compete and cooperate with the other branches to settle legal controv... ersies and to shape public policy? CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY OF THE FEDERAL COURTS p. 189 U.S. District Courts Appointed by President, approved by Senate to life terms. Mentioned in the Constitution. p. 189 U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals Appointed by President, approved by Senate to life terms. . Mentioned in the Constitution. p. 189 U.S. Supreme Court Appointed by President, approved by Senate to life terms. . Mentioned in the Constitution. Article III p. 190 Judge’s Terms Also referred to as the life term, judges can interpret and rule on law independent from other branches and not worry about losing their job on a decision they deem as right. p. 190 Original Jurisdiction The Supreme court has original jurisdiction meaning they have the right to hear a case for the first time. Usually cases involving ambassadors and public ministers or when a state is a party. p. 190 Appellate Jurisdiction When the Supreme court acts as an appeals court. Appellate jurisdiction gives the right for the court to hear an appeal. p. 190 Treason Two witnesses or more must testify in open court against one who is being accused of treason to convict the accused. Treason is defined in the Constitution as “levying war” or giving “aid or comfort” to the enemy. p. 190 Right to Jury Trial Stated in the Constitution, the defendant has a right to a trial by jury. p. 191 Federalist No. 78 Alexander Hamilton argued that the independency of the judicial branch was the crucial piece in its effectiveness in achieving a balance against corruption. Judicial review and lifelong terms allowed judges to make constitutional rulings pivotal to the nation without fear of career suicide. (So long as they followed the law themselves) [Show More]

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