The Federal Court System

Chapter 8.1

“Lady Justice” is the symbol of the Federal judiciary

• What do the scales represent?

• Why is she blindfolded?

• Why is she holding a sword?

• How do these symbols illustrate the meaning of “equal justice under law?”

Equal Justice Under Law, p. 75• What is the source of the concept?

• Is the court system “blind?” Have our courts evolved?

• Use pp. 792-97 to explain how the 14th amendment relates to each case:– Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) – Brown v. Board of Topeka (1954) – Korematsu & Endo (1944) cases– Miranda & Gideon (1960s) cases– Debate flaws of our system with recent decisions

Types of laws

• Criminal Law: Cases where laws have been broken—Can be federal or state crimes. Determined by who passes law.– Congress passes federal laws– NC General Assembly passes state laws

• Civil Law: Cases about disputes between two or more parties—Can involve individuals, businesses, government agencies, etc. Can be federal or state cases. Determined by who the plaintiff and defendant are.

Courts and Federalism• US has a dual judicial system

– Each state has a hierarchy of courts that deal with state cases and their appeals.

– The federal court system deals with federal cases & appeals.

• Most civil and criminal actions involve state laws, disputes, and courts.

• Some cases involve concurrent jurisdiction. These cases involve BOTH federal and state laws and can be tried by both jurisdictions.– Example: Robbing a bank is a federal crime, fleeing the

scene and running from police is a state crime.

Jurisdiction Review

Federal Exclusive Jurisdiction

Exclusive Federal Cases

Cases involving the Constitution

Violation of federal laws

Disputes between states

Disputes between citizens of 2 different states

Suits involving the federal gov’t

Cases involving foreign nations or treaties

Maritime Cases that happen at Sea

Cases involving US Diplomat abroad

Example of this type of case

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x5hLOd-vUU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT31I9uCspw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLhmT4vWaEc

Start at 1:00 Stop at 4:30

Discuss example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLMDnpFwTQI&feature=fvsr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiF-X7z9t1A&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gR_S_B4Dgs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-kcRDhatoM&feature=related

Assignment

• Read 8.2-8.3. Complete overview for p. 74 of notebook.

• Due tomorrow!