The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the federal judiciary of the United States. One of its key results was the creation of a three-tiered court system, which included:
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Supreme Court: It established the Supreme Court as the highest court in the federal judiciary, with the authority to adjudicate on cases involving federal law, treaties, and certain state matters that affect the federal interest.
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Circuit Courts: The Act created 13 district courts, serving as trial courts for civil and criminal cases under federal law, and established three circuit courts of appeals that handled appeals from the district courts.
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Judicial Review: While not explicitly stated in the Act, it laid the groundwork for the development of judicial review, which would later be solidified in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803). This allowed the courts to decide the constitutionality of laws and actions taken by the government.
Overall, the Judiciary Act of 1789 helped to define the structure and jurisdiction of the federal judiciary, thereby establishing a more organized and coherent judicial system in the United States.
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