Judiciary Branch 

Learning Objectives


  • Identify and explain the organization of the Judiciary
  • Identify and provide examples of the powers of the Judiciary powers.
  • Identify and explain how Judiciary shares powers with the Congress, Executive, and bureaucracy.
  • Discuss the implications of Judiciary sharing powers with each of the following: Congress, Executive, and bureaucracy.
  • Discuss the functions that Judiciary performs.
  • Identify how the power of the Judiciary has/may evolve gradually.
  • Identify and discuss the ties between the Judiciary and political parties.
  • Identify and discuss the ties between the Judiciary and interest groups.
  • Identify and discuss the ties between the Judiciary and media.
  • Identify and discuss the ties between the Judiciary and state and local governments.

Vocabulary

procedure
Standing to sue
Senatorial courtesy
Original jurisdiction
Appellate jurisdiction
District courts
Courts of appeal
Supreme Court
Opinion
Stare decisis
Precedent
Original intent
Judicial implementation
Class action suit
Solicitor general
Judicial restraint
Judicial activism
Political questions

Lectures & Videos

For this unit, view and take notes from The Judiciary Branch section.

Activities & Assignments

A Conversation with Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. on the Origin, Nature, and Importance of the Supreme Court video 

A Conversation with Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. on the Origin, Nature, and Importance of the Supreme Court doc

Structure & Basics of the Federal Court doc

SCOTUS Blog Post: Listen to one of the Oral Arguments from March 24-April 2. Summarize the case and Constitutional issue, SCOTUS questioning and answer of the plaintiff, SCOTUS questioning and answer of the defendant, and how would you decide the case. In your decision, be sure to include an explanation of why citing evidence to justify your position. Due April 11th on your class website blog page.

Supreme Court Historical Trends doc

Nominating & Selecting Federal Judges doc

How the SCOTUS Works doc

Philosophy & Interpretation of SCOTUS doc

SCOTUS Review doc

Judge Sotomayor Questioned on Abortion
Judge Sotomayor Questioned on Judicial Activism