The Role Of Federal Courts

The Supreme Court of the United States is not only the highest court, but it is also the only part of the federal judiciary specifically required by the Constitution.The Constitution also granted Congress the power to establish other courts, a power that that was first used in 1789 when Congress created the district and appeals courts, which are now called the lower courts. Article III of the Constitution states that, “The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish” (Article III, Section I). All inferior courts of the United States are constrained by the decisions of the Supreme Court. Once the Supreme Court interprets a law,
It states that so long as they maintain good behavior, judges of both the Supreme Court and inferior courts may hold their positions. The Constitution also provides that judges of the United States "shall at stated times receive for their services a compensation which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office” ( Article III, Section I). The legislature is able to increase the amount of money at times due to inflation, but cannot decrease the pay of judges. This removes any possibility of a judge being influenced by monetary desires, ultimately keeping the separation of powers in
Judicial review is the power vested in the courts to examine the actions of the legislative, executive, and administrative branches of the government. The role of the judiciary is to then determine whether such actions are consistent with the constitution. If the actions of the other branches are deemed inconsistent with the Constitution, they are declared unconstitutional and therefore null and void. Judicial review further proves the great importance of a written Constitution (Encyclopedia Brittanica). Judicial review serves as another effective barrier against too much democracy. Judicial review began to be exercised prior to the Federal Convention’s meeting and was taken for granted by the majority of Convention members. Hamilton also asserts that judgment needs to be removed from the groups that make the legislation and rule. He states, “It equally proves, that though individual oppression may now and then proceed from the courts of justice, the general liberty of the people can never be endangered from that quarter; I mean so long as the judiciary remains truly distinct from both the legislature and the Executive. For I agree, that "there is no liberty, if the power of judging be not separated from the legislative and executive