Malcolm Rivera
The US judicial system is a complex network of courts, with the Supreme Court at the top of the hierarchy. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation, and below it are various state and federal courts, each with its own trial and appellate divisions. Federal courts handle cases involving federal laws and constitutional issues, while state courts handle matters related to state laws and disputes. Criminal cases may be tried in either federal or state courts, depending on the specifics of the case. The federal judiciary is divided into two main types of courts: legislative courts and constitutional courts. Constitutional courts, also known as Article III courts, have broad judicial powers and judges with lifetime appointments. Legislative courts, or Article I courts, handle specialized legal areas with judges serving fixed terms as determined by Congress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Judicial Branch | The judicial branch has the authority to decide the constitutionality of federal laws and resolve other cases involving federal laws. |
| Federal Courts | The federal court system includes the Supreme Court, United States Courts of Appeals, United States District Courts, United States Bankruptcy Courts, and United States Courts of Special Jurisdiction. |
| State Courts | State courts address matters related to state laws and disputes. Criminal cases brought by states may only be prosecuted in state courts. |
| Constitutional Courts | Constitutional courts have broad judicial powers and judges with lifetime appointments. They set important legal precedents and make decisions that guide lower courts. |
| Legislative Courts | Legislative courts are established by Congressional acts and handle specialized legal areas with judges serving fixed terms. They assist in enforcing laws and administering specific sectors of federal law. |
| Special Jurisdiction Courts | Examples include the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the Court of Federal Claims, the Court of International Trade, and the Tax Court. |
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What You'll Learn
- Criminal cases are heard in federal court under 'diversity jurisdiction'
- The US Constitution's Article III created the Supreme Court
- District courts handle criminal trials within the federal court system
- The US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces has appellate jurisdiction over the armed forces
- Constitutional courts set important legal precedents and make decisions for lower courts
Criminal cases are heard in federal court under 'diversity jurisdiction'
Criminal cases are generally heard in state courts, and federal courts do not have jurisdiction over them. However, there are certain circumstances in which a criminal case may be heard in a federal court.
The federal court system includes the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Courts of Appeals, the United States District Courts, and the United States Bankruptcy Courts. Additionally, there are also courts referred to as the United States Courts of Special Jurisdiction, which include the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the Court of Federal Claims, the Court of International Trade, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, and the Tax Court.
The United States Constitution's Article III establishes the Supreme Court and authorizes Congress to establish a system of lower courts. Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction, meaning they can only hear cases authorized by the Constitution or federal statutes. Diversity jurisdiction is a type of jurisdiction that allows a plaintiff of one state to file a lawsuit in federal court if the defendants are citizens of another state, and the amount in controversy exceeds a certain threshold, typically $75,000. However, criminal cases cannot be brought under diversity jurisdiction.
While criminal cases typically fall under state jurisdiction, there are exceptions. For example, if a state brings a murder charge and does not secure a conviction, the federal government may, in some cases, file charges against the defendant if the act is also illegal under federal law. This is because the principle of double jeopardy, which prevents a defendant from being tried twice for the same charge, does not apply between the federal and state governments.
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The US Constitution's Article III created the Supreme Court
The US Constitution's Article III establishes the federal judiciary, vesting the judicial power of the United States in a "supreme Court" and such "inferior courts" as Congress may establish from time to time. This article outlines the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the rights and liberties it protects, including the guarantee of trial by jury in criminal cases and freedom from bills of attainder or vague charges of treason.
Article III, Section I of the US Constitution states that "The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish." This section establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court in the United States, with Congress having the power to decide its organisation and the establishment of lower federal courts.
The Judiciary Act of 1789 was the first exercise of this power, creating a Supreme Court with six justices and a lower federal court system. Over the years, the number of seats on the Supreme Court has varied from five to ten, with nine being the current number of justices. The Court consists of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They typically hold office for life, and their salaries cannot be decreased during their term to protect the judiciary's independence.
Article III, Section II of the Constitution establishes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, outlining its original and appellate jurisdiction. The Court has original jurisdiction over specific cases, such as suits between two or more states and cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers. It has appellate jurisdiction over almost all other cases involving constitutional or federal law, where it can hear the case on appeal.
The Supreme Court's authority to strike down state laws found to be in violation of the Constitution is an essential aspect of its role. This power was established in a case where the Court held that an Act of Congress contrary to the Constitution could not stand, as Article VI establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
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District courts handle criminal trials within the federal court system
The federal court system in the United States comprises three main levels: district courts, circuit courts, and the Supreme Court. The district courts, also referred to as trial courts, are the general trial courts of the federal court system. They handle both civil and criminal trials within the federal court system. Each district court has at least one United States District Judge, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a life term. These judges are responsible for managing the court and supervising the court's employees.
There are 94 district courts across the country, and they are called the United States District Courts. District courts resolve disputes by determining the facts and applying the law to those facts. In criminal matters, magistrate judges, who are appointed by the district court, can oversee certain cases, issue search and arrest warrants, conduct initial hearings, set bail, and decide on certain motions.
The federal court system operates within a constitutional system of "checks and balances", where the three branches of the government—legislative, executive, and judicial—are formally separate but often require cooperation. The judicial branch, which includes the district courts, has the authority to decide the constitutionality of federal laws and resolve cases involving federal laws.
In addition to the three main levels of federal courts, there are also courts referred to as the United States Courts of Special Jurisdiction. These include the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the Court of Federal Claims, the Court of International Trade, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, and the Tax Court.
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The US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces has appellate jurisdiction over the armed forces
The US Constitution divides the US government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The judicial branch, which includes federal courts, has the authority to decide the constitutionality of federal laws and resolve other cases involving federal laws. The US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces is a federal court with appellate jurisdiction over members of the armed forces on active duty and those subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces is a unique court within the US judicial system. It was established by Article 67 of the UCMJ, which was enacted on May 5, 1950. The court's original name was the Court of Military Appeals, and it was composed of three civilian judges. In 1968, Congress changed the court's name to the United States Court of Military Appeals. It wasn't until 1994 that the court received its current designation: the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces is composed of five civilian judges appointed by the President for 15-year terms. These judges have worldwide jurisdiction over members of the armed forces on active duty, as well as those subject to the UCMJ. This means that the court can hear cases from any member of the armed forces, regardless of their location. The court's decisions can be reviewed by the US Supreme Court, the highest court in the United States.
The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces plays a crucial role in the military justice system. It addresses legal issues such as constitutional law, criminal law, ethics, administrative law, and national security law. The court's rulings have a significant impact on discipline in the armed forces, military readiness, and the rights of service members. The court's establishment was intended to enhance the rights of servicemen while also considering the disciplinary needs of the armed forces.
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Constitutional courts set important legal precedents and make decisions for lower courts
The US judicial system is a complex network of courts, with the Supreme Court at the top of the hierarchy. Constitutional courts, also known as Article III courts, are the mainstay of the federal judiciary. They include the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, such as district courts and circuit courts of appeals. These courts have broad judicial powers and can hear a wide range of cases and controversies.
Constitutional courts set important legal precedents and make decisions that serve as a guide for lower courts. They have the authority to decide the constitutionality of federal laws and resolve cases involving federal laws, ensuring that laws and government actions are in line with the Constitution. The Supreme Court, for instance, has original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls, and those in which a state is a party. In all other cases, it has appellate jurisdiction.
The US Constitution grants Congress the power to establish legislative courts, also known as Article I courts, which assist in the enforcement of laws. These courts handle specialized legal areas and have focused jurisdiction, dealing with specific sectors of federal law or issues. For example, the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces has jurisdiction over members of the armed forces and those subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Legislative courts help streamline the judicial process by providing expertise in specific areas of law.
While constitutional court judges have lifetime appointments, legislative court judges serve for terms set by Congress. This protects the independence of constitutional courts from the executive and legislative branches of government. The separation of powers is a fundamental aspect of the US government, ensuring that each branch has its own roles and areas of authority, with a system of checks and balances in place.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitutional courts, also known as Article III courts, have broad judicial powers and judges with lifetime appointments. They include the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, such as district courts and circuit courts of appeals. On the other hand, special courts, also known as legislative courts or Article I courts, handle specialized legal areas with judges serving fixed terms as determined by Congress.
Examples of special courts include the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. Court of International Trade, and the U.S. Tax Court.
Constitutional courts handle a wide range of cases and controversies, including those involving federal laws and constitutional issues. They set important legal precedents and make decisions that lower courts follow, protecting the integrity of the nation's constitutional framework.
Yes, criminal cases can be heard in constitutional courts, specifically in the district courts, which are the general trial courts of the federal court system. These courts handle both civil and criminal trials within the federal court system. Additionally, magistrate judges in federal trial courts may also oversee certain criminal cases, issue search and arrest warrants, and conduct initial hearings. However, it is important to note that criminal cases based solely on state law cannot be brought in federal court under diversity jurisdiction; they can only be prosecuted in state courts.
