Home Article 3 Know the Scope of Federal Judicial Power

Know the Scope of Federal Judicial Power

Know the Scope of Federal Judicial Power

Introduction

 
The federal judiciary system is one of the three branches of the US government, alongside the executive and legislative branches. The judicial branch’s scope is to interpret the law, adjudicate disputes, and safeguard constitutional rights. This article will explore the scope of the federal judiciary in the United States, examine the types of cases it handles and its jurisdictional boundaries and how federal judges are appointed.
 

Types of Cases handled by the Federal Judiciary

 
1. Constitutional Cases
 
The federal judiciary receives and decides constitutional cases that define the scope and limits of government officials’ actions. The most notable of these cases involve interpreting the provision of the US Constitution, including the protection of individual rights and liberties.
 
2. Civil Cases
 
The federal judiciary deals with civil cases, which involve disputes between two parties seeking redress for an injury or harm done. Examples of civil cases include breach of contract claims, tort lawsuits, and civil rights claims.
 
3. Criminal Cases
 
The federal judiciary has jurisdiction over criminal cases, which involve violations of federal criminal law, such as bank robbery, drug trafficking, and white-collar crimes.
 

Jurisdictional Boundaries of the Federal Judiciary

 
The federal judiciary’s jurisdictional boundaries are limited to matters involving federal law, cases related to the interpretation of the Constitution and the application of federal law, and disputes between two states.
 
1. Federal Question
 
Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving federal questions, which include legal issues arising under federal statutes, treaties, or the US Constitution.
 
2. Diversity of Citizenship
 
Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases where the parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.
 
3. Interstate Disputes
 
The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over interstate disputes involving two or more states, including boundary disputes, water rights, or other issues related to neighboring states.
 

Appointment of Federal Judges

 
Federal judges are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. Upon confirmation, federal judges serve lifetime terms on the bench, subject to good behavior.
 
1. Selection Criteria
 
Federal judges are generally selected based on their legal qualifications, experience, and their political and social views. They are often lawyers, legal scholars, and experienced judges.
 
2. Confirmation Process
 
The confirmation process often involves a thorough review of the nominee’s qualifications, such as their legal background and views on the Constitution. The Senate Judiciary Committee conducts these reviews before making a recommendation to the Senate. Following the committee’s recommendation, the Senate debates and votes on the nomination.
 

Conclusion

 
The federal judiciary system plays an integral role in the governance of the United States. The judiciary’s scope includes interpreting the law, adjudicating disputes, and safeguarding constitutional rights. The type of cases handled by the judiciary includes constitutional cases, civil cases, and criminal cases. The judiciary’s jurisdictional boundaries are limited to matters involving federal law, cases related to the interpretation of the Constitution and the application of federal law, and disputes between two states. Federal judges are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve lifetime terms on the bench. Understanding the scope of the federal judiciary is essential in appreciating its critical role in upholding the law and ensuring justice for all.

With all of the acts and laws in the Constitution, it can be mind-boggling for one to know what to think.  Throughout history, one major concern for people is the amount of Federal judiciary power that these laws create.  However, there has to be some kind of judicial system, otherwise our world would be total chaos.
 
Article 3 of the United States Constitution and the Federal Judiciary Act of 1789 are two pieces that state the power of the Supreme Court.  The Supreme Court (and those that fall under the Supreme Court) is allowed to hear cases and make decisions that are relevant to the Constitution.
 
One problem that may arise from such power is the fact that it is up to the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution.  Marshall, the Chief Justice during the Marbury v. Madison case, felt that there were conflicts between Congress and the Constitution. The Federal Judiciary Act states that a judge has to uphold good behavior and failure to do so will result in impeachment.  On the other hand, as long as a judge upholds good behavior that judge can stay appointed to his/her chair as long as he/she chooses.  A Federal judge is appointed by the President, not by the people.
 
Our Founding Fathers realized quickly that though they wanted freedom, a method of power had to be established.  Sometimes people are ready to blame the system when it is not the system that went awry.  If the people within that system do not adhere to the Constitution, people will see the judiciary system as having too much power.