US LEGAL SYSTEM

US LEGAL SYSTEM

1. LEGISLATIVE POWER

   • US Congress, State Congress and their Legislatures

2. EXECUTIVE

   • US President. In states: Governors

3. JUDICIARY

   • THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
     • Have jurisdiction over issues mentioned or implied in the CONSTITUTION
     • The 14th Amendment to the Constitution allows it to become involved in cases arising in state courts
     • Have the power of judicial review
     • HEAR BOTH
       • CRIMINAL CASES
         • Involve offenses against the whole community or society
       • CIVIL CASES
         • Involve disputes between individuals
     • 2 LEVELS
       • TRIAL COURTS (US DISTRICT COURTS)
       • APPELATE COURTS
       • SPECIAL COURTS (special bc/ they aren't of general jurisdiction
         • THE US COURT OF CLAIMANTS
         • The US COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
   • STATE COURT SYSTEM