Unit 6 Judiciary

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

Judiciary in the News

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

Supreme Court Historical Trends doc

Nominating & Selecting Federal Judges doc

How the SCOTUS Works doc

Philosophy & Interpretation of SCOTUS doc

Judge Sotomayor Questioned on Abortion


Judge Sotomayor Questioned on Judicial Activism


iCivics Supreme Decision Simulation