Federal Jurisdiction
Federal Courts: Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases that involve federal law, disputes between states, cases involving ambassadors or public ministers, and cases in which the United States is a party. They typically hear:
- Federal questions (cases arising under the Constitution, federal laws, or treaties).
- Diversity jurisdiction (cases between citizens of different states worth more than $75,000).
Supreme Court: The Supreme Court of the United States has both original and appellate jurisdiction. It primarily operates as an appellate court, which means it reviews decisions made by lower courts. Cases that can go directly to the Supreme Court (original jurisdiction) include:
- Cases involving ambassadors and other high-ranking officials.
- Cases in which a state is a party.
The Court usually hears cases that involve:
- Significant constitutional questions.
- Conflicts among federal courts of appeal.
- Important questions of federal law that need clarification.
State Courts: State courts have jurisdiction over cases that fall under state law, including family law, criminal law, contract disputes, and more. They generally handle cases where:
- All parties are from the same state.
- The case involves state statutes or local ordinances.
Judicial Review Established in Marbury v. Madison
Background: In the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803), William Marbury had been appointed as a justice of the peace, but his commission was not delivered before Secretary of State James Madison took office and refused to deliver it. Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to compel Madison to deliver the commission.
Establishment of Judicial Review: Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that while Marbury had a right to his commission, the portion of the Judiciary Act of 1789 that allowed Marbury to bring his claim directly to the Supreme Court was unconstitutional. Marshall’s decision established the principle of judicial review, which gives the Supreme Court the authority to invalidate laws and actions of Congress or the executive branch that they find to be unconstitutional.
Impact of Judicial Review: The introduction of judicial review profoundly impacted the balance of power within the U.S. government. It positioned the Supreme Court as a co-equal branch, capable of overturning legislation and executive actions. This principle has been used in subsequent case law to protect civil rights, define the limits of governmental authority, and uphold the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
Types of Cases that Fall Under Supreme Court Jurisdiction
The types of cases that can fall under the Supreme Court's jurisdiction include:
- Constitutional Issues: Cases involving interpretations of the U.S. Constitution or the Bill of Rights.
- Federal Law Issues: Disputes over laws passed by Congress or federal regulatory agencies.
- Disputes Across State Lines: Cases involving different states that might affect how states interact, particularly in interstate commerce.
- Treaties and International Relations: Cases involving treaties signed by the U.S. or conflicts arising in international law.
- Appeals from State Supreme Courts: Cases that have significant federal or constitutional implications and where state supreme court rulings are contested.
By instilling the principle of judicial review, Marbury v. Madison set a precedent that allows the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and to ensure that no law or executive action can conflict with it, thereby shaping the landscape of American law and governance.