Supreme Court

How do cases reach the Supreme Court?

-"The rule of Four" -At least 4 out of the 9 justices must agree that a case should be put on the Court's agenda -Fewer than 100 cases a year -Most of the Supreme Court cases come from *State Supreme Courts *Federal Courts of Appeals

Jurisdiction

-Judicial Review -All controversies involving two or more States -All cases brought against ambassadors or other public ministers. -The court may decide to hear cases appealed following rulings by lower state and federal courts.

The State Court System

-State Supreme Court (hears appeals from lower courts) -Superior Court ( hears serious cases most trials held here) - Special Courts - juvenile, family, divorce ( specific cases heard) -County, municipal, traffic, magistrate, etc. (minor cases, arraignments)

The Federal court system

-US Supreme court (appeal on cases of constitutional law) -US Courts of Appeals (appeals, challenges to orders from fed agencies) -Special Courts - tax, trade, etc. (Specific type of cases heard) - US District Courts ( hear cases related to violations of federal law)

Unalienable Rights

The Constitution guarantees both rights and liberties to the American people. -Civil Liberties - Protection against the government *Freedom of religion *Freedom of speech and the press *Guarantee of a fair trial -Civil Rights - Positive acts of the government to ensure people's rights *Laws against discrimination

The Big Dilemma

The Constitution guarantees many rights to everyone as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others