Lesson 1
Why did colonists in New York protest the actions of Governor William Cosby in 1733?
He replaced a popular judge with someone he believed to be corrupt and incompetent.
What is the primary function of judicial review?
To determine whether an act of government is constitutional
What type of cases do courts of appeals primarily hear?
Appeals from district courts and other lower courts
The main trial courts in the federal system where most cases are heard.
Federal District Courts
The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to reviewing the case on appeal.
Original Jurisdiction
Which of the following is true about the federal court system in the United States?
The federal judiciary is composed of only the Supreme Court.
Federal judges are elected by the people and serve fixed terms.
The federal court system includes constitutional courts and special courts.
There are no state courts in the United States.
The federal court system includes constitutional courts and special courts.
Which case established the principle of judicial review in the United States?
Marbury v. Madison
In which of the following cases would a district court likely have jurisdiction?
A criminal case where the United States is the prosecutor
A court that hears disputes about customs and trade laws, but not criminal cases.
Court of International Trade
A court that reviews the decisions of district courts, not conducting trials but determining if the law was applied correctly.
Court of Appeals
Which type of jurisdiction allows a case to be heard by both federal and state courts?
Concurrent jurisdiction
What must happen for a case to be placed on the Supreme Court's docket?
At least four justices must agree to hear the case.
Which of the following is true about the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA court)?
It is composed of five district court judges.
It was created in 1996 to try terrorism-related cases.
It issues secret search warrants to aid in the fight against terrorism.
It operates openly, allowing the public to view its proceedings.
It issues secret search warrants to aid in the fight against terrorism.
A court created to issue secret search warrants and monitor foreign intelligence activities, especially related to terrorism.
FISA Court
A legal order that directs a lower court to send up a case for review.
Writ of Certiorari
What is the main reason that federal judges are appointed for life, according to the Framers of the Constitution?
To guarantee their independence and protect them from political pressures.
What is a writ of certiorari?
It is a court order that directs a lower court to send up a case for review.
How many federal judicial districts exist in the United States?
89
Courts established to handle legal cases related to military personnel and violations of military law.
Military Courts
A case where the Supreme Court first asserted its power to declare laws unconstitutional.
Marbury v. Madison
What is the primary purpose of judicial restraint as a judicial philosophy?
Judges should make decisions based on the original intent of the Constitution and existing laws.
What is the role of the Solicitor General?
To decide which cases the government will bring before the Supreme Court
What is the primary function of the United States district courts?
To handle criminal and civil cases at the federal level
A court that reviews appeals from veterans who are dissatisfied with decisions made by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
The power of the court to review a case and determine if it is constitutional.
Judicial Review