Lower Federal Courts:
(Lowest level of federal court system are the United States district courts)
These courts consider criminal cases that come under federal, rather than state, athority. The criminal
cases include such offenses as kidnapping and federal tax invasions. Next level of federal courts, the appeals courts, reviews
district court discusions in which the loosing side has asked for a review of the verdict or order a retrial. The United
States has 14 appeals courts.
The Surpreme Courts:
(Stands at the top of the American legal system.)
The supreme court is led by a chief justice.
The constitution does not discribe the duties of the chief justice or the associate justices.
Instead, the duties have developed from laws, through tradition, and as the needs and circumstances of the nation have developed.
Judicial Review;
The Supreme Court's power to examine the laws and actions of local, state, and national
governments and to cancel them if they violate the constitution is called Judicial Review. The supreme court may also review
presidential policies.
