Lecture Notes on the US Judiciary and the Supreme Court

Introduction to the Judiciary

• The US Constitution establishes the judiciary as a separate branch of the federal government.
• Empowered to hear all cases arising under the Constitution, US laws, and treaties.
• Described by Alexander Hamilton as the weakest branch due to its reliance on judgment.
• Despite being called weak, the Supreme Court is highly influential (e.g., Citizens United decision in 2010).

Structure of the Federal Court System

• Three Layers:
  • District Courts:
    • Original jurisdiction; trial courts with judges and juries.
    • 94 district courts; one or more per state.
  • Federal Appeals or Circuit Courts:
    • Appellate jurisdiction; review decisions of lower courts.
    • 13 appeals courts with separate geographical jurisdictions.
  • Supreme Court:
    • Operates mostly as an appellate court.
    • Chooses most of the cases it hears (1% of requests).

State Courts

• States have their own court systems with trial courts, appellate courts, and a state Supreme Court.
• Most legal cases are settled in state courts.

Supreme Court Operations

• Selection of cases through writ of certiorari (four justices must agree).
• Oral arguments, followed by private justice meetings and voting.
• Types of opinions:
  • Majority Opinion: Legal argument of the winning side; serves as precedent.
  • Plurality Opinion: When majority agrees on decision but not the rationale.
  • Concurring Opinion: Different reasoning from majority by a winning side justice.
  • Dissenting Opinion: Explanation by a losing side justice.

Influences on Supreme Court Decisions

• Law and Politics:
  • Cases involve complex legal and political issues.
  • Justices' decisions influenced by partisan backgrounds.
  • Appointments are strategic; presidents pick nominees aligned with their views.

Partisanship in Supreme Court Appointments

• Presidents typically nominate justices from their own party.
• Supreme Court has become a battleground for policy issues.
• Partisanship seen in high-profile cases like Citizens United.
• Research shows partisan leanings affect judicial behavior.

Judicial Review

• Defines the power to nullify actions of other government branches if unconstitutional.
• Supreme Court's power stems from the divided and limited US government system.
• Judges have lifetime terms, adding to their influence.

Supreme Court's Power and Criticism

• Acts as the final arbiter in constitutional disputes.
• Criticized for partisanship but also praised for protecting individual rights.
• Decisions are significant but are not the only policy determinants.

Conclusion

• Summary:
  • Federal court system hierarchy explained (district, appeals, Supreme Court).
  • Supreme Court's role as both a legal and political entity.
  • Judicial review as a central component of its power.
  • Importance of understanding the court's role in governance.