Unpacking the Power of Judicial Review in the U.S. Federal Courts

Understanding the Federal Court System: More Than Just the Supreme Court

When we think about the federal court system, the illustrious Supreme Court often comes to mind. However, the federal court system is a complex, multi-tiered hierarchy, with the Supreme Court sitting at its apex. As established by Article III of the Constitution, this court has the honor of being the only one directly created by the nation's founding document. Appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate, and serving lifetime appointments, the justices of the Supreme Court have long-term influence over the nation's legal landscape, provided they maintain 'good behavior.'

The Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

Jurisdiction refers to the power of a court to hear certain types of cases. There are two main types of jurisdiction: original and appellate. Original jurisdiction allows a court to hear a case for the first time, while appellate jurisdiction means a court hears appeals from lower courts.

The Supreme Court has both, but its original jurisdiction is narrowly defined, typically involving disputes between states or cases concerning ambassadors or other public ministers. On the other hand, most cases the Supreme Court hears are on appeal, utilizing its appellate jurisdiction.

The Creation of Inferior Courts

While the Constitution established the Supreme Court, it also empowered Congress to create additional 'inferior courts' as needed. This led to the passage of the Judiciary Act of 1789, which laid out the structure and jurisdiction of these lower federal courts.

The Appellate Courts and District Courts

Beneath the Supreme Court are the 12 regional courts of appeals. As their name suggests, these courts handle appeals from lower courts, ensuring legal correctness in those decisions. Each of the nation's 12 regions has one of these courts, which typically feature three-judge panels and no jury.

At the base of the hierarchy are the 94 U.S. district courts, which possess only original jurisdiction. These courts are where federal cases are first heard, with a judge and jury presiding. Each state hosts at least one federal district court, with some states having more.

The Path of a Federal Case

A typical federal case might start in a district court, move on to a regional court of appeals if appealed, and potentially reach the Supreme Court if further appealed. However, the journey of a case through the court system can be influenced by many factors and is often more complex than this simplified path suggests.

The Supreme Court's Power: Judicial Review

Now, let's delve into the power that sets the Supreme Court apart: judicial review. This is the ability to declare laws unconstitutional, a power not explicitly granted by the Constitution but essential to the court's role.

The Federalist Papers and Judicial Review

In Federalist No. 78, Alexander Hamilton argued for the judiciary's independence, which was safeguarded by lifetime appointments. He contended that this independence allowed judges to focus on constitutional interpretations without political pressure. He also introduced the concept of judicial review, suggesting that the court should have the authority to strike down laws that do not conform to the Constitution.

The Landmark Case: Marbury v. Madison

The precedent for judicial review was established by the seminal Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison in 1803. This case confirmed the Supreme Court's power to exercise judicial review, making it a significant check on the other branches of government.

The Impact of Judicial Review

Through judicial review, the Supreme Court wields considerable power over the legislative and executive branches, serving as a guardian of the Constitution and a balancer of federal power.

In conclusion, the federal court system, spearheaded by the Supreme Court, plays a critical role in interpreting and enforcing the law. The principle of judicial review, while not originally spelled out in the Constitution, has become a cornerstone of the American legal system, ensuring that laws adhere to the nation's highest legal document. The intricate design of the federal courts and the influential power of judicial review work together to maintain a check on government institutions and safeguard the rights of the states and the public.

For a more in-depth exploration of the U.S. Federal Courts and the power of judicial review, watch the full video here.