Judicial Branch ( supreme court )

Court system

Court of appeals

District courts

Supreme court

If the court declines to hear a case by the court of appeals decision is final

Losing side of the court of appeals can appeal to this court

Thousands cases are submitted but only about 100 tried

13 court of appeals

each court has a panel of judges to decide if each cases were tried appropriately

judges cab uphold the decisions of the lower court and the outcome stands or they can be retried

each state has one 1 of the 94 district court

federal court judges are appointed by the president and get life terms

Lower federal courts are divided on cases over which they have jurisdiction or authority over

Supreme court justices

9 justices

requirements: no specific requirements

serve for life to avoid political ties

checks on the legislative branch

may declare laws unconstitutional

checks on the executive branch

may declare executive actions unconstituional