Unit 6

Mastery
Proj
Nina Layugan, Manuel Gutierrez, Audrey
Enriquez

Identify and explain the organization of the Judiciary

The Judiciary branch is made up of three different courts: District courts, Courts of
Appeal, and the Supreme Court. There are three routes to the Supreme Court: original
jurisdiction over cases involving disputes between the states (this is the least common
case. only about 1-2 cases per term), cases on appeal from circuit courts- party files a
petition (cert) and justice determine if they will hear it or not (most common), and the
last appeal from the state Supreme Courts (general constitutional issues). The
organization of this branch starts from the lower courts the work horses, however the
court of appeals has no jury and is separated into 12 regional courts. The Supreme Court
does use a jury and consists of 94 lower level courts and 13 court of appeals.

Identify and provide examples of the Judiciary

powers

The Judiciary branch has the power to interpret the law, hear court cases, and determine
constitutionality of laws. Specifically they can have appellate jurisdiction meaning they
handle appeal from US District Courts, set legal precedent. Some examples of judiciary
powers would be immediate degrees such as the overviewing a case that a participant
thinks violated a constitutional

Identify and explain how the Judiciary shares power with the
Congress, Executive, and the Bureaucracy

These branches are all connected through the appointment process.

The President can appoint justices but with Senate approval.
Congress creates the federal courts according to the Constitution.
The Judiciary sets legislative boundaries for Congress in which they
explore constitutionality of proposed legislation. Congress establishes
the size of the SCOTUS in having the power to change the number of
justices.
With the power of the purse, Congress approves of requested
government funds by the Judiciary.

Discuss the functions that Judiciary performs

The Judiciary branch guards the constitution, interprets the law,

defends individual rights, and determines whether or not laws or
precedents are constitutional.

Identify how the power of Judiciary has/may evolve gradually

If the original intent is not followed by Congress over time, then the
power of the judiciary will expand.
The Judiciary 1st expanded/defined its power with the Marbury vs.
Madison case that established judicial review.

Identify and discuss the ties between the judiciary and political
parties

Political parties affect court rulings. A democratic judge will rule in

favor of something more liberal, while a republican judge will rule in
favor of something more conservative.

Identify and discuss the ties between the Judiciary and interest
groups

Interest groups have the most influence on Supreme Court decisions.

They often voice their opinions and thoughts on cases to influence
decisions on behalf of their interest group.

Identify and discuss the ties between the Judiciary and the media

The media often broadcasts Supreme Court cases on tv for the public
to see. They also can voice their opinions on the matter, which can
affect what happens in the case.

Identify and discuss the ties between the Judiciary and local and state
governments

DIstrict courts and Court of appeals handle state laws, while the
Supreme court handles federal laws. People unsatisfied with their
lower case ruling can appeal to the Supreme Court to see if any
constitutional rights were violated.