Overview
This lesson introduces the Philippine Judicial Branch, its structure, the roles and responsibilities of its courts, and how justice is administered in the country.
The Judicial Branch: Purpose and Power
- The judiciary interprets laws, resolves legal controversies, and determines grave abuses of discretion by government entities.
- Its main function is to give clear interpretations of unclear laws and ensure equal justice for all.
- The judiciary does not make laws but applies and interprets them in court cases.
- Judicial power rests with the Supreme Court and lower courts.
Structure of the Philippine Judiciary
- The Supreme Court is the highest court, followed by the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, Regional Trial Courts, and Sharia District Courts.
- Each court has specific jurisdiction and functions to prevent overlapping and manage case loads.
The Supreme Court
- Composed of one Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices.
- Has judicial functions (interpreting laws) and administrative functions (supervising lower courts and personnel).
- The Supreme Court's decisions are final.
Other Courts and Their Functions
- Court of Appeals: Reviews appealed cases from lower courts, consists of 68 associate justices and one presiding judge.
- Sandiganbayan: Handles criminal and civil cases involving government officials accused of graft and corruption.
- Court of Tax Appeals: Resolves cases related to tax and revenue laws and violations.
- Regional Trial Courts (RTC): Handle serious criminal cases not within the special jurisdiction of other courts.
- Sharia District Courts: Handle cases involving Muslims based on the Muslim Personal Laws, decisions here are final.
The Chief Justice
- The Chief Justice leads the judiciary, appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council.
- No term limit; retires at age 70.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Judiciary — The branch of government that interprets laws and administers justice.
- Supreme Court — The highest court in the Philippines.
- Court of Appeals — Reviews cases appealed from lower courts.
- Sandiganbayan — Special court for cases involving government officials.
- Court of Tax Appeals — Court specializing in tax and revenue cases.
- Regional Trial Court (RTC) — Trial courts for serious criminal and civil cases.
- Sharia District Court — Courts applying Muslim Personal Laws within certain regions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review lessons five and eight for related content.
- Study the structure and functions of each court for possible exam questions.