Bell Ringer1. What is original jurisdiction?

2. What is appellate jurisdiction?

3. Which federal courts have original jurisdiction?

4. Which federal courts have appellate jurisdiction?

Today we will …

Objectives• Outline the structure of the

US Federal Court System.• Identify qualifications and

tenure of federal judges.

Agenda1. Slides/notes2. Closure3. How is the US judicial system

organized to ensure justice? Activity

4. Start HW

HW: Judicial Branch in a Flash article and activities

Prom Night in Mississippi reflection due next block if you have not turned it in already!

Federal Court Jurisdiction• The Constitution gave the Federal

courts original jurisdiction in cases that involve United States laws, treaties with foreign nations and interstate issues.

Federal Courts System

Original Jurisdiction

Supreme Court• Ambassadors and other

representatives of foreign governments

• Two or more state’s government

• United States government or one of it offices or agencies

Federal District Courts• Citizens who are resident of

different states• Citizens who are residents

of the same state but claim land under grants of different states

Check for Understanding

• What is an example of original jurisdiction for the Supreme Court?

• What is an example of original jurisdiction for the Federal District Courts?

District Courts

Court of Appeals

Supreme Court

Federal Courts System

Special Federal Courts• Congress has created a series of courts referred

to as Legislative Courts.• Legislative courts help Congress exercise its

power.– U.S. Court of Federal Claims– U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces– U.S. Tax Court– Territorial Courts– US Court of Military Appeals – Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court

Special Federal Courts4. U.S. Court of Federal Claims5. U.S. Court of International Trade6. U.S. Tax Court7. U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Federal Courts System

District Courts

Court of Appeals

Supreme Court

The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

• National jurisdiction over certain cases, such as those in which the U.S. government is a defendant.

Federal Courts System

Check for Understanding

• Which court in the federal system reviews the convictions of military personnel who have violated military law?

• Which court hears cases that involve customs or other trade issues?

FEDERAL JUDGES Qualification & Selection

Qualifications• No specific requirements in the

Constitution• Most have prior experience ( lower or

state courts)

Federal Courts System

Selection of Federal Judges• All federal judges are appointed by the

President and approved by the Senate.– Senatorial courtesy -allows Senators from the

president’s party to have a say in the appointment of judges in their state

• Hold position for life (must be in good standing)

Federal Courts System

Closure

Federal court judges in both the Supreme Court and inferior (lower) courts are appointed for life. This provision was written into the US Constitution. The Founding Fathers evidently considered it important.

• Why do you think lifetime appointment for federal court judges is important? Discuss at least 2 reasons why.

How is the US judicial system organized to ensure justice?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV4zKeGM3fc