Unit 6 Judicial Branch

Essential Questions

*  What role do the courts play in interpreting the Constitution and implementing public policy?  
*  Are the courts "guilty" as some critics charge, of supplanting the legislative and executive branches by "legislating       from the bench"?  
*  What is the proper role for the judicial branch in the public policy process? 
*  What is the evolving relationship between the courts and the "civil rights"? 

Vocabulary

procedure
Standing to sue
Senatorial courtesy
Original jurisdiction

Appellate jurisdiction
District courts
Courts of appeal
Supreme Court
Justifiable disputes opinion

Stare decisis
Precedent
Original intent
Judicial implementation
Class action suit

Solicitor general
Judicial restraint
Judicial activism
Political questions
Statutory construction

Lectures & Videos

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

Activities & Handouts

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

Supreme Court Historical Trends doc

Nominating & Selecting Federal Judges doc

Politics of Confirming Judicial Nominees

Judge Sotoyamor Nominated to SCOTUS

Judge Sotomayor Questioned on Abortion

Judge Sotomayor Questioned on Judicial Activism

How the Supreme Court Works doc

Judicial Philosophy & Interpretation doc

Judiciary Exam Review doc