13: The Courts
- Page ID
- 284323
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 13.0: Introduction
- This page discusses the judiciary's role in safeguarding individual rights, focusing on the landmark 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. It highlights the courts' importance in balancing individual freedoms with societal needs and their function as a check on government branches. The chapter aims to clarify the operation and structure of courts, particularly emphasizing the Supreme Court's unique authority.
- 13.1: Guardians of the Constitution and Individual Rights
- This page outlines the evolution of the judiciary since the Constitution's ratification, highlighting its role as a protector of individual rights and influencer of public policy. Key developments include the establishment of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison and landmark cases that expanded rights, such as desegregation and same-sex marriage.
- 13.2: The Dual Court System
- This page explains the U.S. dual court system, consisting of federal and state courts with three tiers. It highlights the interplay between these courts, particularly through cases like Miranda v. Arizona, illustrating how both systems address individual rights. The variation in state and federal laws, especially concerning marijuana, reveals disparities in judicial proceedings influenced by local cultures and judicial selections.
- 13.3: The Federal Court System
- This page explains the structure and function of the U.S. federal court system, detailing the roles of district courts, circuit courts, and the Supreme Court, along with the judicial appointment process. It discusses presidential influence on Supreme Court nominations, noting the unpredictability of justices' decisions and the historical impact of nominees.
- 13.4: The Supreme Court
- This page provides an overview of the U.S. Supreme Court, detailing its structure of nine justices serving lifetime terms and its case selection process, which prioritizes cases with significant conflicts. It highlights the role of the solicitor general in influencing justices and representing the government, even in non-party cases.
- 13.5: Judicial Decision-Making and Implementation by the Supreme Court
- This page explores the factors influencing U.S. Supreme Court decisions, including legal, ideological, and political dynamics. Justices' opinions shape precedents, and public sentiment can sway their rulings over time. The balance of power between the Court and other government branches is highlighted, with historical examples like FDR's court-packing attempt and Congress's role in judicial nominations.
- 13.6: Key Terms
- This page defines essential legal terms pertaining to the judicial system, covering types of courts, legal concepts, and judicial principles. It explains justices' roles, various opinions, and procedures like oral arguments and writs of certiorari. Key cases, such as Marbury v. Madison, that established judicial review are discussed, alongside customs like senatorial courtesy and the Rule of Four.
- 13.7: Summary
- This page discusses the evolution of the U.S. judicial branch since the Constitution's framing, highlighting its role in law interpretation and individual rights protection. It describes the dual court system with federal and state courts, each having unique jurisdictions. The federal court structure is three-tiered, and the Supreme Court combines tradition with contemporary issues.
- 13.8: Review Questions
- This page presents questions and prompts that explore the U.S. judicial system, emphasizing the Supreme Court and judicial review. Key topics include the lifetime tenure of judges, the significance of legal precedent, the dual court system, and the impact of interest groups. It also prompts discussion on the effects of judicial appointments and the interaction between judges and elected officials.
- 13.9: Critical Thinking Questions
- This page explores the judicial branch's role in the U.S. government through a series of thought-provoking questions. It examines the court system's ability to protect individuals, judicial power over specific policies, relationships with other branches, considerations in judicial appointments, issues of jury duty neglect, and the Supreme Court's operations. The content promotes critical thinking regarding the effectiveness, traditions, and potential reforms of the judiciary.
- 13.10: Suggestions for Further Study
- This page highlights books authored by current and former U.S. Supreme Court justices, including reflections from Stephen Breyer, Sandra Day O'Connor, Antonin Scalia, and Sonia Sotomayor. It also discusses literature about the U.S. court system, prominent topics like the Roberts Court, and jury duty. Additionally, it mentions films connected to the Supreme Court, such as "The Pelican Brief" and "On the Basis of Sex."