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 amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
The Fourth Amendment
This term means the government must follow fair laws and procedures before taking someone’s life, liberty, or property.
Due process
This term describes a more serious crime that may carry a prison sentence longer than one year.
A felony
This chamber of Congress votes to confirm federal judicial nominees.
The Senate
Article III judges serve during “good behavior,” commonly described as this type of tenure.
Life tenure
This amendment protects a person from being forced to testify against themselves.
The Fifth Amendment
Due process protects these three things from unfair government action.
Life, liberty, and property
This term describes a less serious crime that may result in a shorter jail sentence, a fine, or probation.
A misdemeanor
This Senate committee investigates nominees and holds confirmation hearings.
The 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
This amendment protects the accused person’s right to an attorney and a speedy, public trial.
The Sixth Amendment
This amendment requires the federal government to respect due process.
The Fifth Amendment
Breaking a store window is an example of this category of crime.
A crime against property
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.
This amendment requires state and local governments to respect due process.
The Fourteenth Amendment
This amendment requires state and local governments to respect due process.
The Fourteenth Amendment
An employee changes company records to steal money. This is an example of this category of crime.
White-collar crime
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.
Police search a home based only on a hunch. Later, the accused person faces trial without access to legal counsel. Identify the amendment connected to each issue.
Search: Fourth Amendment. Legal counsel: Sixth Amendment.
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.
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.