How to Understand the American Judicial System

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Learning the process isn't easy, but understanding the American judicial system will lead you to a deeper understanding of the wishes of our founding fathers.

Step 1: Investigate the origin
Investigate the origin of the law. The United States Constitution was finalized in 1788 and is still the supreme law of the land. It was based on the principal that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Constitution protects the sovereignty of each state while mandating that they are unified as one nation.

Step 2: Understand the authority
Understand the authority of the branches. The power of the federal government was balanced among three equal branches to create a long-lasting government that would serve everyone. The three branches are the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Tip
Americans vote to elect the members of the executive and legislative branches. The members of the judicial branch are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Step 3: Study the Supreme Court's power
Study the Supreme Court's power. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court and all lower courts are obligated to follow the guides set by the Supreme Court when making decisions.

Step 4: Learn about the inferior courts
Learn about the lower courts: district courts and the courts of appeals. District courts handle most federal law cases. The U.S. courts of appeals review the appealed district court cases.

Step 5: Learn the difference between state and federal courts
Learn the difference between the state and federal courts. Each state has its own court system. State courts have hierarchy levels with the highest level being the state's supreme court. Federal courts make sure that state laws obey federal laws. Now you have a good understanding of the American judicial system.

Did You Know?
Congress determines the number of Supreme Court Justices. There have been as many as 9 and as few as 6.

[angelinechiska]

I will surely pass Political Law because of this video.

[princeofdarkness]

Once you understand it is corrupt there’s nothing else to learn.

[srvbe]

there's a mistake in the video at 1.46, when explaining the state system, it shows that the state court of appeals as a 'district court' which is incorrect. The district court is the lowest court of the federal system, followed by the District Court of Appeals, and the US sup court at the top. The State system, has the trial court at the bottom, and the circuit court of appeals, and then the State Supreme Court. However, both state and fed must abide by US Sup Court.

[patton]

@Phantominfernox that means all humans would have to be good and decent. not the case. good on paper but not in practice

[videogamenostalgia]

The American Judicial system isn't like some truck you can just load information on; it's a series of tubes...

[novaguy]

Ok then you have a choice: use your poewr to vote to effect change or go somewhere where you are more happy.

[Deejay]

Corrupt, unjust, full of loopholes. *Work-in-progress.

[Phantominfernox]

@1Deejay7

Anarchy is the only true way to live in this world.

[OverthereLook]

Oh and if you're a minority none of this applies to you; you're guilty. ;)