Judicial Branch (Supreme court)
Court system
Supreme court Justices
9 justices
Chief Justices
John Roberts (2005-present)
8 Associates Justices
There are not specific constitutional requirements to become a justice
Serve for life to avoid political tie
Supreme court
Located in Washington D.C
The losing side of Appeals court can appeal to this court
If court declined to hear a case the court of Appeals decisions is final
Court of Appeals
13 courts
9th circuit court in San Francisco, CA
Each has a panel of judges to decide if cases were tried appropriately
District courts
Each state has 1 of 94 courts District courts
District Courts in Montana: Helena,Billings, Great Falls, Missoula, and Butte
Lower federal courts are divided on cases over which they have jurisdiction, or authority over.
Checks on the Executive Branch
Can declare presidential actions unconstitutional
Checks on Legislative Branch
Can declare acts of legislation unconstitutional