Supreme Court
Where in the U.S. Constitution is the Supreme Court established?
Article III.
How many federal District Courts are there?
94 district courts.
Define jurisdiction.
The authority of a court to hear (try and decide) a case.
Who is the plaintiff?
The person who files suit.
Who nominates federal judges and Supreme Court Justices?
The President.
Why is the Supreme Court known as the court of last resort?
A decision issued by the Supreme Court cannot be appealed.
How many federal Circuit Courts of Appeals are there?
13 circuit courts of appeal.
Define original jurisdiction.
The court where a case is first heard.
Who is the defendant?
The person whom the complaint is filed against.
What committee conducts hearings before the Senate votes on confirmation?
The Senate Judiciary Committee.
What types of jurisdiction does the Supreme Court have?
Both original and appellate jurisdiction.
How many Supreme Courts are in the United States?
There is just one Supreme Court.
Define appellate jurisdiction.
When a court hears a case on appeal from a lower court.
Define criminal cases.
Cases in which a defendant is charged with committing a crime that Congress or a state has declared by law to be a federal or state crime.
Why are federal judges appointed for life?
To allow judges to make decisions without worrying about reelection and to ensure independence.
How many Justices are on the Supreme Court?
Nine Justices (eight associate justices and one chief justice).
What type of cases can federal courts hear?
Only cases authorized by the U.S. Constitution or federal statutes (exclusive jurisdiction).
What may an appellate court do to a lower court’s decision?
Uphold or overrule the decision of a lower court
Define civil cases.
Cases involving non-criminal matters such as disputes over contracts, property, divorce, or child custody.
What happens after the Senate Judiciary Committee votes a nominee out favorably? (meaning they say "yes")
The nomination is forwarded to the Senate floor.
Give one example of a case where the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction.
Suits between states or cases involving ambassadors or public ministers.
What level of the federal courts is considered the trial courts? (lowest level)
District Courts.
Define exclusive jurisdiction and give an example.
Exclusive jurisdiction means a case can ONLY be heard in a federal court; examples include cases involving ambassadors, federal crimes, patent or copyright infringement, or acts of Congress.
Give an example of a civil case from the notes.
Disputes over contracts, property disputes, divorce, or child custody.
What is the Senate Judiciary Committee?
A standing committee in the Senate currently comprised of 20 members.