Judicial Branch
The Judicial branch is make up of 3 types of courts starting with the District Courts, then the Courts of Appeals, and finally and most powerful is the Supreme Court. Members of these courts are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. These courts interperate the laws that the other branches make.
Types of Laws
Criminal Cases- Government charges a person of a federal crime.
Civil Cases- Involves a dispute between two or more parties.(ex. Family, Contract, Property)
Types of Laws Tried in Federal Courts
District Courts
Court of Appeals
Supreme Court
Structure
District Courts
Court of Appeals
Supreme Court
Types of Laws
Criminal Cases- Government charges a person of a federal crime.
Civil Cases- Involves a dispute between two or more parties.(ex. Family, Contract, Property)
Types of Laws Tried in Federal Courts
District Courts
- Federal Crimes
- Civil suits between citizens of different states.
- Bankruptcy
- Maritime law
- Naturalization
Court of Appeals
- Not looking for guilty or innocent but to correct errors made at District Court level.
Supreme Court
- Hear cases to resolve conflict among states, interpreting national laws, and maintain national supremacy in law.
Structure
District Courts
- 91 in all (678 total judges)
- At least 1 in each state
- They have original jurisdiction
- The only federal court that holds trials
- Hear about 350,000 cases
Court of Appeals
- Divided into 12 judicial circuits
- Usually has a panel of 3 judges to hear a case (total of 178 judges in all)
Supreme Court
- Consist of 9 justices (1 chief and 8 associate justices)
- Hold position for life
- Appointed by the President and approved by the Senate
- Can only be removed by impeachment