Structure of the Courts
What are the three levels of the federal court system?
District Courts, Courts of Appeals, Supreme Court
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
9 (One is the chie)
What is judicial review?
The power to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional that only the Supreme Court has
Brown v. Board of Education ended what?
Racial segregation in both schools and daily environments
Which amendment(s) guarantees due process?
5th & 14th
Which federal court is the “trial court” level?
District Courts
How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
Life (unless they die or ’bad behavior’)
Which court case established judicial review?
Madison V. Marbury
Gideon v. Wainwright established
A Right to an attorney
What amendment protects against cruel and unusual punishment?
8th
What is the job of the Courts of Appeals?
To review cases for errors of law; no new trials
What is the majority of justices needed to decide a case?
5 out of 9
What is the role of the judicial branch in checks and balances?
To limit other branches by reviewing them constitutionally
Miranda v. Arizona protects
Rights against self-incrimination; must be read rights
What part of the constitution establishes the Judicial Branch?
Article III
What does “original jurisdiction” mean?
The authority to hear a case first
What is a “writ of certiorari”?
A request to the Supreme Court to hear a case
What does “precedent” mean in cases
A ruling that set/sets an example for future similar cases
Roe v. Wade dealt with what constitutional right?
Right to privacy
What amendment protects the right to a jury trial?
7th
Which court has original jurisdiction in cases involving diplomats and states?
The Supreme Court
What percentage of petitions does the Supreme Court usually accept?
Less than 1%
How does the judicial branch check executive and legislative?
Executive:Judicial Review on actions/orders/policies
Legislative:declaring laws/actions unconstitutional
Tinker v. Des Moines expanded what type of free speech?
Student symbolic speech
What are the steps of trial?
1. Jury selection
2.Opening statements
3. Testimony of witnesses & evidence
4. Closing Arguments
5. Jury Instructions
6. Deliberation (Jury discussion)