CIVICS IN PRACTICE

HOLT

Chapter 7

The Judicial Branch

Section 1:
Section 2:
Section 3:

Equal Justice Under the Law

The Federal Court System
The Supreme Court

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Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law

The Main Idea
The rights of all U.S. citizens are protected by laws and
the courts.
Reading Focus
In what ways is the United States a nation of laws?
What are the four sources of law in the United
States?
What roles do the courts play in the United States?
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Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law

Majority rule affects the making of

laws.
Laws usually reflect the opinion of the

majority.
Laws are passed for the good of all citizens.
Good citizenship involves abiding by the
laws.
Without laws, anarchy could develop.
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Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law

Four types of U.S. laws:

Statutory lawpassed by lawmaking bodies
Common lawjudges decisions based on

common sense, experience, and practice

Administrative lawcreated by government
agencies
Constitutional lawbased on the Constitution
and its interpretation by the Court
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Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law

Role of the Courts in the United States

Use law to settle disputes
Assure equal justice for all through fair trials

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SECTION 1

Question: What roles do the courts play in

the United States?
The Roles that Courts Play

provide fair
public trials

ensure equal
justice for all

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Section 2: The Federal Court System

The Main Idea
The federal court system consists of the three levels of
courts, each of which has specific duties.
Reading Focus
What is the purpose of the U.S. district courts?
How are the U.S. courts of appeals different from the
district courts?
What is the role of the Supreme Court?
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Section 2: The Federal Court System

Cases tried in the federal courts:

Cases involving people charged with

disobeying the Constitution, violating a U.S.

treaty, or breaking laws passed by Congress
Charges brought by a foreign country against
the United States or its citizens
Crimes committed on U.S. ships at sea
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Section 2: The Federal Court System

Cases tried in the federal courts: (continued)

Ambassadors and consuls charged with

breaking laws in a foreign country

Crimes committed on certain federal
properties
Disagreements between the states
Lawsuits between citizens of different states
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Section 2: The Federal Court System

Organization of Federal Courts

Ninety-four district courtsat base of system;

jury trials held here

Courts of Appealreview district court cases; 12
courts of appeal cover circuits; panels of judges
make the decisions
U.S. Supreme Courthighest court in the land;
an appeals court; decisions are final
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Section 2: The Federal Court System

Role of the Supreme Court

Reviews cases from lower federal courts and

state courts
Constitutional jurisdiction over:
cases involving diplomatic representatives from

other countries
disputes between states
disputes between states and federal government
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Question: Which cases are tried in federal

courts?
Federal Court Cases
1. constitutional violations
2. U.S. treaty violations
3. congressional law violations
4. cases between a foreign government and a U.S. citizen or the
government
5. crimes committed on U.S. ships at sea
6. cases involving U.S. ambassadors and consuls who broke laws in
their stationed countries
7. crimes committed on certain types of federal property
8. disagreements between states or citizens of different states
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Section 3: The Supreme Court

The Main Idea
The Supreme Court hears appeals, reviews laws, and
strongly influences American society.
Reading Focus
What is the power of the judicial review?
What are the constitutional checks on the Supreme
Courts powers?
How has the Supreme Court strengthened
constitutional rights?
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Section 3: The Supreme Court

Process through which cases are tried

in the Supreme Court:
Thousands of cases are appealed to the Court each

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year.
One hundred to 200 cases are selected for the docket.
Selected cases contain significant public interest or
questions.
Four out of nine justices must vote to hear a case.
Previous verdicts stand for rejected cases.
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Section 3: The Supreme Court

Supreme Court justices

Are appointed by the president and approved

by a Senate majority vote.

Are appointed for life but may be impeached.

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Section 3: The Supreme Court

Judicial review has strengthened the

Courts power.
Courts decide if a law or presidential action is

constitutional.
Supreme Court has the ultimate power of
judicial review.

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Section 3: The Supreme Court

Congress can limit the Courts power.

Can rewrite laws to make them constitutional
Can amend the Constitution to include new

laws

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Question: How has judicial review strengthened

the Supreme Courts power, and how does
Congress limit this power?
Judicial
Review

Strengthen
It asserted the Courts
power to declare laws of
Congress and
presidential acts
unconstitutional.
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Limit
Congress may pass a
similar law abiding by
the Constitution or may
try to amend the
Constitution.

Congress

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Chapter7WrapUp
1. Describethetypesoflawsthatexistinthe
UnitedStates.
2. WhatservicesdoU.S.courtsprovide?
3. Whichcasesaretriedinfederalcourts?
4. Howisthefederalcourtsystemorganized?
5. HowareappointmentsmadetotheSupreme
Court,andhowlongdojusticesserve?
6. HowdoestheSupremeCourtlimitCongresss
power,andhowdoesCongressreassertit?
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