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Federal Jurisdiction

SSCG 13: B Explain the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, federal courts and the state courts.
SSCG 13: C Examine how John Marshall established judicial review through his opinion in Marbury v. Madison and relate its impact.
How did Marbury v. Madison establish judicial review?

What type of case would fall under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

What type of case would fall under the jurisdiction of a federal court?

What type of case would fall under the jurisdiction of a state court?

What type of case would fall under the jurisdiction of an appellate court?

1 answer

Federal Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, and its jurisdiction is both original and appellate. The Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, and those in which a state is a party. Most importantly, the Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction, which includes all cases decided by federal courts of appeals and some cases from state supreme courts that involve federal questions or constitutional issues.

Jurisdiction of Federal Courts

Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases that involve:

  1. Federal Questions: Issues arising under federal laws, treaties, or the U.S. Constitution.
  2. Diversity Jurisdiction: Cases where the parties are from different states, and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.
  3. Admiralty and Maritime Cases: Cases related to navigable waters.
  4. Bankruptcy Cases: Cases under the federal bankruptcy laws.

Jurisdiction of State Courts

State courts typically have general jurisdiction, which allows them to hear a wide range of cases, including:

  1. State Law Violations: Violations of state constitution, statutes, and regulations.
  2. Contract Disputes: Disputes involving contracts governed by state law.
  3. Family Law Cases: Divorce, custody, and other family-related matters.
  4. Criminal Cases: Violations of state criminal laws.

Appellate Court Jurisdiction

Appellate courts hear cases that have been appealed from lower courts, including both state and federal systems. Their jurisdiction includes:

  1. Reviewing Lower Court Decisions: Evaluating whether the lower court made errors in applying the law.
  2. Ascertaining Constitutional Issues: Considering any constitutional questions raised during the trial.
  3. Correcting Legal Errors: Ensuring the correct legal interpretations were applied in previous rulings.

Marbury v. Madison and Judicial Review

Marbury v. Madison (1803) is a landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review—the power of the courts to review and invalidate government actions that violate the Constitution. Chief Justice John Marshall's opinion articulated that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and it is the duty of the judiciary to ensure that no law or government action contradicts it. Marshall concluded that while Marbury had a right to his commission, the Supreme Court did not have the jurisdiction to issue a writ of mandamus, as the section of the Judiciary Act of 1789 that granted the Court that power was unconstitutional.

Summary

  1. Supreme Court Jurisdiction: Original and appellate; involves unique cases and important federal questions.
  2. Federal Court Jurisdiction: Federal questions, diversity jurisdiction, admiralty, and bankruptcy cases.
  3. State Court Jurisdiction: General range of state law violations, family law, contracts, and state criminal cases.
  4. Appellate Court Jurisdiction: Reviewing appeals from lower courts for legal errors and constitutional issues.
  5. Judicial Review in Marbury v. Madison: Established the judiciary's role in interpreting laws and the Constitution, asserting the supremacy of constitutional law over ordinary legislation.