Federal Judges
This person nominates Article III federal judges.
The President
This term means judges can make decisions without pressure from elected leaders or political parties.
Judicial Independence
This term describes a more serious crime that may carry a prison sentence longer than one year.
A Felony
During this process, officials record an arrested person’s identity, fingerprints, photographs, and charges.
Booking
This term means the government must follow fair laws and procedures before taking someone’s life, liberty, or property.
Due Process
This chamber of Congress votes to confirm federal judicial nominees.
The United States Senate
Article III judges serve during “good behavior,” commonly described as this type of tenure.
Life Tenure
This term describes a less serious crime that may result in a shorter jail sentence, a fine, or probation.
A Misdemeanor
At this court proceeding, the accused hears the formal charge and enters a plea.
Arraignment
Due process protects these three things from unfair government action.
Life, liberty, and property
This Senate committee investigates nominees and holds confirmation hearings.
Senate Judiciary Committee
The Constitution protects judicial independence by preventing this part of a judge’s compensation from being reduced while the judge remains in office.
The judge’s salary
Breaking a store window is an example of this category of crime.
A crime against property
At trial, the prosecution must prove guilt to this standard.
Beyond a reasonable doubt
This amendment requires the federal government to respect due process.
The Fifth Amendment
After Senate confirmation, the President signs this official document appointing the judge.
A Commission
Name the roles of the House and Senate in removing a federal judge.
The House impeaches; the Senate convicts and removes.
An employee changes company records to steal money. This is an example of this category of crime.
White-collar crime
Explain the difference between a fine and restitution.
A fine is money paid as a penalty. Restitution pays a victim for losses.
This amendment requires state and local governments to respect due process.
The Fourteenth Amendment
Put these steps in order: Senate confirmation, vacancy, appointment and oath, presidential nomination, committee review.
Vacancy → presidential nomination → committee review → Senate confirmation → appointment and oath
Explain how life tenure helps a judge protect people’s rights when a ruling is unpopular.
The judge can follow the Constitution and law without fearing dismissal by an elected leader for the ruling.
Someone hacks an account and steals personal information. Identify the crime category and explain whether that category alone tells you if the offense is a felony or misdemeanor.
Cybercrime. Seriousness depends on the law and the facts of the case.
A convicted person remains in the community under supervision, completes unpaid work, and pays for a victim’s losses. Identify all three sentence types.
Probation, community service, and restitution
A state court convicts an accused person without allowing them to hear the charge or defend themselves. Explain how this violates due process.
The government denied fair procedures and a meaningful opportunity to defend against the charge.