Distinguish Between the Jurisdiction of State and Federal Court Systems

Distinguish Between the Jurisdiction of State and Federal Court Systems

State and Federal Court Systems

When the Founding Fathers of America were setting up the Judiciary system, it was intended to be a completely separate and independent institution of the federal government, a vital part of the checks and balances system. The most important function of the judiciary system is to interpret the law so that rules and laws made in the past can be applied reasonably to present situations, and it focuses on broad legal questions. In the federal judiciary system, judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, for terms of either life or good behavior. There is no constitutional restriction on what the age, residency, or citizenship qualifications of federal judges can be.

The Federal court system is comprised of four levels: The Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, District Courts, and other special courts. The Federal courts hear cases that are nationally or constitutionally relevant. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation, which has both original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction, so that it can hear and decide on cases that both have and have not already been heard in lower courts. The key element of the Supreme Court is the ability to set legal precedents that guide lower courts. The Court of Appeals is the second level, where cases that are appealed from district courts are heard. This court reviews trial-court decisions and correct what it considers to be legal errors. The district courts hear most federal cases, and most decisions by them are not appealed to a higher court. Other special U.S. Courts include Claims Court, Court of International Trade, and the Court of Military Appeals.