The Constitution of the United States of America Article III the Judicial Branch

(This sheet will be a study Guide)

Section 1:

The U.S. Supreme Court, and inferior courts created by congress, decides legal cases. Judges hold offices during good behavior (life)

Section 2.1:

Explains what legal cases Federal courts have jurisdiction-cases that involve the Constitution, Federal laws, treaties, ambassadors/diplomats, naval/maritime law, state to state, citizens from different states, state to foreign state or citizen.

Section 2.2:

Original Jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme court-ambassadors, public ministers and consuls, states as party

Appellate Jurisdiction- all cases under the Constitution

Section2.3

Trial by jury except in cases of impeachment

Trial must take place in state crime was committed. Congress decides where trial will be located if crime not committed in a state.

Section 3.1:

Defines treason-overt act against the United States. Must confess or have two witnesses for proof of treason

Section 3.2:

Punishment for treason- Congress determines the punishment. The punishment may not be extended to the children of the guilty party.

Amendments Related to the Judicial Branch

First:

Five freedoms- Religion, speech, press, assembly, petition

Second:

Right to bear arms

Fourth:

Probable cause, warrant, unreasonable search and seizures

Fifth:

Indictment- formal accusation of crime

Grand Jury- group of citizens that determine if enough evidence for indictment

Double Jeopardy, witness against self, Due process of law, Eminent Domain

Sixth:

Speedy/public trial, impartial jury, must be accused of a charge to be held

Right to confront witness, call witnesses, assistance of counsel

Seventh:

Common law, value over $20.00, right to jury, appeals may only focus upon legal facts

Eighth:

No excessive bails or fines, cruel and unusual punishment

Eleventh:

Private Citizen of one state can’t sue the government of another state in Federal court.

This includes citizens of foreign states.

Fourteenth:

Defines who is a citizen. No state can make or enforce law that limits the right of citizenship. Equal protection of law

Nineteenth:

Right to vote can’t be denied or abridged by Federal or State government based on gender

Twenty-fourth:

Right to vote can’t be denied by Federal or State governments due to poll tax or other tax

Twenty-sixth:

18 years old to vote in State and Federal elections.