Who's Involved: Constitutional Cases
Who can start a constitutional case by claiming their rights were violated?
CITIZENS!
What usually starts a constitutional case?
Someone complains that a law or government action breaks the constitution.
Who decides the outcome of a constitutional case?
A judge or a group of judges
What usually starts a constitutional case?
When someone believes that their rights were violated
What can a court do if it thinks the government did nothing wrong?
The court can keep the law of action the same.
True or False? Citizens are involved in the constitutional law
TRUE!
Where can a constitutional case begin? (state courts, federal courts, or both)?
BOTH!
What do judges mainly look at when deciding a constitutional case?
The constitution and how it applies to the situation.
What does a person do to officially start a constitutional case in court?
They will file a lawsuit or a complaint
What can happen if the court decides someones rights were violated?
The court can rule in favor of that person.
Which group can be taken to court if someone believes a state law breaks the constitution?
The state government
What is one way constitutional cases are similar to reguar cases?
They both use the same steps like arguments, evidence, and judge making decisions.
What do both sides give to the court to help the judge decide?
Arguments and Evidence
What must a person show to begin a constitutional case?
That a law or government action might break the constitution
What can a court do to a law that breaks the constitution?
The court can strike it down(make it invalid)
Who has the final say on Constitutional Cases in the United States and can overturn laws?
The U.S Supreme Court
What is one big difference between a constitutional case and a regular case?
Constitutional case decides if something is allowed under the constitution.
What does the court do when it compares a law to the constitution?
It checks whether the law follows or violates the constitution.
Which level of court can a constitutional case begin in?
It can start in either state courts or federal courts.
What happens if the losing side disagrees with the decision?
They can appeal the case to a higher court
Which branches are involved in the constitutional law?
ALL OF THEM! (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial).
What happens when a constitutional, case is appealed all the way to the supreme court?
The justices read written arguments, listen to lawyers speak, and then vote and explain their decision.
What does the judge or court usually produce at the end of a constitutional case to explain the decision?
A written opinion that explains why they decided the case they way that they did.
Before a constitutional case can move forward, what must the court decide?
Whether the case is valid, or that the person has a real constitutional issue for the court to review
What is the final possible outcome if the Supreme Court makes a decision on a constitutional case?
The decision becomes the final law of the land and applies to the whole country