Judicial Branch Facts

Fact 5

Determines whether a law breaks the Constitution's laws.

Fact 1

The Judicial Branch is determined by the U.S. Congress and the U.S. President.

Fact 7

There are an estimated 7,500 requests for review of cases sent to the Supreme Court in the United States each year. Only approximately 150 of those cases are actually reviewed by the Supreme Court.

Fact 8

When the Supreme Court agrees to review a case it issues a 'writ of certiorari'.

Fact 9

A common cause for issuing a 'writ of certiorari' is if at least two federal courts of appeals have made different rulings on a question of federal law.

Fact 3

A federal Supreme Court judge can only be removed from their position by retirement, death, or by impeachment

Fact 2

Congress is able to determine the number of Supreme Court judges. There have been as few as six and as many as nine at one time.

Fact 10

Most cases that make it to the Supreme Court are challenging the U.S. Constitution.

Fact 4

The Constitution is the highest law in the United States, and decisions in the Judicial Branch of the government involve determining the meaning of laws, and how they should be applied in real life situations

Fact 6

The federal Supreme Court in the United States has jurisdiction over any state Supreme Court.