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Importance of U.S. Courts

Explore the federal court system, how cases are decided, and how federal judges are chosen. Learn why courts matter on every issue, from voting rights to immigration. Discover the ideal characteristics of a federal judge and what you can do to support a strong judiciary.

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Importance of U.S. Courts

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  1. Importance of U.S. Courts

  2. The League of Women Voters • Nonpartisan, but political • Established: 1920 • 1972: Men accepted • Educate & Advocate

  3. What We’re Going to Cover The federal court system How a case is decided How federal judges are chosen Ideal characteristics of a federal judge What you (we) can do

  4. Why Courts Matter on Every Issue Pick any issue you care about – and you can be sure our federal courts will have an important role to play in every law pertaining to that issue. Voting Rights Religious Liberty Environment Gun Violence Reproductive Rights Health Care LGBTQ Rights Civil Rights Criminal Justice Immigration

  5. State Courts • Most criminal cases • Probate • Contract cases • Tort cases • Family law • State laws and constitutions

  6. Federal Courts • Constitutionality of laws • U.S. laws and treaties • Disputes between states • Ambassadors and public ministers • Admiralty law • Bankruptcy • Habeas corpus

  7. The Federal Court System How a case is decided How federal judges are chosen Ideal characteristics of a federal judge What you (we) can do

  8. The Federal Court System

  9. U.S. Circuit Court Map

  10. Federal Court Cases

  11. You be the judge

  12. What did you decide? What was the actual outcome?

  13. Appointment of Federal Judges U.S. Constitution Appointments Clause • Article II, Section 2: The President has the power to nominate and “with the Advice and Consent of the Senate” appoint federal judges. • Article III, Section 1: Federal judges are appointed for life.

  14. How judges traditionally are chosen President Makes nomination Home senators send names to PRESIDENT VACANCY ANNOUNCED

  15. How judges traditionally are chosen President Makes nomination Home senators send names to PRESIDENT VACANCY ANNOUNCED BLUE SLIPS TO JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

  16. How judges traditionally are chosen President Makes nomination Home senators send names to PRESIDENT VACANCY ANNOUNCED Senate judiciary Committee Hearing & Vote BLUE SLIPS TO JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

  17. How judges traditionally are chosen President Makes nomination Home senators send names to PRESIDENT VACANCY ANNOUNCED FULL Senate debate & vote Senate judiciary Committee Hearing & Vote BLUE SLIPS TO JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

  18. How judges traditionally are chosen President Makes nomination Home senators send names to PRESIDENT VACANCY ANNOUNCED FULL Senate debate & vote Senate judiciary Committee Hearing & Vote BLUE SLIPS TO JUDICIARY COMMITTEE CONFIRMATION

  19. Recent changes to the process REUTERS

  20. Federal Court Vacancies There are 870 federal supreme, circuit & district court judgeships

  21. Judges Matter

  22. Food for thought “… we depend on judges to stand apart from political and partisan ideas… you need to examine a judge’s character, integrity and willingness to decide cases based on the law and the evidence. Judges should not be influenced by special interests…” National Association of Women Judges

  23. Essential qualities of a good judge • Integrity • Professional Competence • Judicial Temperament • Experience • Service

  24. What can you do? • Tell everyone that courts and judges matter! • Tell others to speak out on the critical role that judges play in our daily lives. • Share your message: • Submit an op-ed or letter to the editor • Spread the word online • Contact your elected representatives • Sign up for League Legislative Action Alerts • his issue to your existing work!

  25. The most important thing you can do Vote In every election and encourage everyone to vote • his issue to your existing work!

  26. Why Courts Matter We gratefully acknowledge the work of the National Council of Jewish Women in promoting public awareness of Why Courts Matter.

  27. THANK YOU! Questions? “We came because we knew that second only to silence, the greatest danger to man is loss of faith in Man’s capacity to act.” PowerPoint created by Christene Campbell-Gabor Civics Education Committee Chair League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County

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