An overview of the federal judiciary's structure and powers, as well as the Supreme Court's role.
The Constitution: This topic covers the amendments, articles, and provisions that set up the federal judiciary and defines its powers and responsibilities.
The Branches of Government: This topic covers the basic structure of the federal government and the specific roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The Federal Court System: This topic covers the three-tiered court system of the United States, including the Supreme Court, the appellate courts, and the district courts.
Judicial Independence: This topic covers the principle of judicial independence, including how judges are appointed, their salaries, and their terms of office.
Judicial Review: This topic covers the role of the judiciary in interpreting laws and the constitution and its power of judicial review.
Trial Procedures: This topic covers the various stages of a trial, including jury selection, opening statements, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, evidence presentation, and closing arguments.
Criminal Law: This topic covers the law governing criminal behavior and the criminal justice system, including the role of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges.
Civil Law: This topic covers the law governing disputes between private parties, including contract law and tort law.
Constitutional Law: This topic covers the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution in court cases.
Ethics and Professional Responsibility: This topic covers the ethical standards and professional responsibility of judges, lawyers, and other members of the legal profession.
U.S. Supreme Court: This is the highest federal court and has the final say on all legal cases in the country. The Supreme Court hears only a small number of cases each year and has the power of judicial review.
Circuit Courts of Appeals: There are 13 circuit courts across the country, and they are the next level down from the Supreme Court. They hear appeals from the federal district courts within their geographic region.
District Courts: There are 94 district courts across the country, and they are the trial courts for the federal judiciary. They hear both criminal and civil cases.
Bankruptcy Courts: These courts handle bankruptcy cases and are part of the district courts.
Court of International Trade: This court hears cases involving international trade and customs issues.
Court of Federal Claims: This court hears cases against the federal government related to money claims, such as breach of contract or takings claims.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court: This court handles classified cases related to national security and surveillance.
Territorial Courts: There are four territorial courts in the U.S., which handle cases in American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.