The United States Constitution

1. The United States Constitution Judicial Branch

2. III. Judicial Branch PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY “Decides if laws are carried out fairly” (Interprets laws)

3. District Courts #15 • Federal Trial Courts • Most federal cases begin here • Decisions can be made by a judge or jury • Cases may involve criminal or civil laws • Jury:a group of persons that render a verdict in a court case

4. Circuit Courts • Also called court of appeals or appellate courts • Every citizen has right to appeal • Judges decide if a mistrial or errors had taken place. • Appeal: review of a previous decision

5. The Supreme Court • This is the final court of appeals • Has power of Judicial Review • Five of the Nine judges are needed to rest on a decision • Jurisdiction:the right of a court to hear a case

6. Supreme Court Justices Term of judges are life Number There are nine Supreme Court Justices Selection Appointed by the President & 2/3 Majority of Senate Requirements No age or residency requirements CURRENT CHIEF JUSTICE:

7. Judicial Review • Establishes the right to judge whether or not a law is Constitutional • Marbury v. Madison case decided in favor of “Judicial Review”