Unit 4: Judiciary

Constitutional Basis and Structure

Article III of the U.S. Constitution establishes the Judicial Branch.

Structure of the federal court system: Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, District Courts.

Difference between federal and state courts.

Judicial Powers

Power of judicial review (established in Marbury v. Madison).

Interpretation of the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties.

Original vs. appellate jurisdiction.

Supreme Court and Its Role

Composition and appointment of justices.

Lifetime tenure and its implications for judicial independence.

Decision-making process (briefs, oral arguments, majority/minority opinions).

Landmark Supreme Court Cases

Cases affecting civil liberties, civil rights, federalism, and congressional/executive power.

Understanding precedent (stare decisis) and its role in shaping law.

Judicial Philosophy and Interpretation

Concepts of judicial activism vs. judicial restraint.

Methods of constitutional interpretation: originalism, textualism, living constitution.

Checks and Balances

How Congress and the President limit judicial power (e.g., confirmation, impeachment, jurisdiction, constitutional amendments).

Impact on Society

How Supreme Court decisions influence public policy, civil rights, and individual liberties.

Read, write, think, investigate and debate the structure and functions of the Judicial Branch and how it has impacted the lives of Americans.

Reading comprehension questions, project, debates, Supreme Court case comparisons, and the unit test will demonstrate unit knowledge.