The document discusses key aspects of the US judicial system, including the dual court system with both federal and state courts. It outlines the structure and jurisdiction of federal courts, from district courts handling original cases up to the Supreme Court as the highest court. The Supreme Court has discretion over which cases it will hear and uses a process of writs of certiorari. It also discusses the political aspects of appointing federal judges and their job security.

1. The Judiciary

2. Why are courts important?

3. “ Cult of the Robe”

7. The American Justice System The Adversarial System Judges serve as relatively passive and detached referees who do not argue with attorneys or challenge evidence The Inquisitorial System Judges take an active role in discovering and evaluating evidence, will question witnesses and intervene as deemed necessary

9. Federal Courts

11. “ The Least Dangerous Branch”

12. Neither the Purse nor the Sword

13. Judiciary Act of 1789

14. Structure of the Federal Courts

15. Structure of the Federal Courts

16. Structure of the Federal Courts

18. Jurisdiction The ability of a court to hear a particular type of case.

27. Federal District Courts

28. Original Jurisdiction

31. Appellate Courts

35. Stare Decisis

36. Supreme Court

39. Writ of Certiorari (also known as cert)‏

42. The Rule of Four

49. Qualifications of Federal Judges Law Degrees Race & Gender Age Judicial Experience

50. Diversity in the Judiciary

51. Diversity in the Federal Judiciary

52. The Role of Politics

55. Political Litmus Tests Litmus Test In political terms, a person’s stand on a key issue that determines whether he or she will be appointed to public office or supported in electoral campaigns

58. Senatorial Courtesy