The Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch

Introduction

1.    Who appoints members of the Judicial Branch? The president appoints and its confirmed by Senate.

2.    What Article of the Constitution establishes the Judicial Branch? Article 3

3.    Who has the power to determine the structure of the courts? Congress

4.    Do judges and justices serve for fixed terms or do they serve for lifelong terms? They serve for life

5.    What court is the “last stop” in the Judicial Branch? Supreme Court

6.    What are three responsibilities of federal courts? They interpret the law, determine the constitutionality of the law, and apply it to individual cases.  

The Supreme Court of the United States

1.    Typically, how many Justices serve on the Supreme Court? There is not a set number but commonly it’s been 9  

2.    The head justice is known by this special title: Chief Justice

3.    What are three reasons a Justice leaves office? Resignation, pass away, or are impeached.

4.    Can Supreme Court decisions be reversed? Yes

5.    Do Supreme Court cases go to trial or are arguments only heard before the Justices?

6.    What is a writ of certiorari? A writ or order by which a higher court reviews a case tried in a lower court

7.    How many requests for certiorari does the Supreme Court receive each year? 7,500

8.    How many cases does the Supreme Court usually hear each year? less than 150

9.    After hearing arguments, what does the steps does the Supreme Court take? They accept legal briefs from the parties to the case

The Judicial Process

1.    Article III guarantees what to every person? The right to fair trial before a competent judge and a jury of peers.

2.    What amendment guarantees due process of law? The fifth Amendment  

3.    What is double jeopardy? Being charged for the same crime twice

4.    What is self-incrimination? Making a charge on yourself

5.    A criminal case begins with this: an arrest by a law enforcement officer

6.    A civil case deals with disputes between who/what? Individuals or organizations

7.    What is an appeal? When a case is recognized by a higher court

8.    Legal arguments are presented to a panel of judges in federal appeals court; what is this written document called? A writ of certiorari