Student Web Activity Lesson Plans

Chapter 11: The Federal Court System

Introduction
Decisions made by federal judges affect all Americans. For example, the Supreme Court has ruled that no matter your race, gender, or religious beliefs, you must have access to all public schools, institutions, and restaurants. If you purchase an item from another state, that item cannot be taxed. If you are taken into police custody, you must be told of your right to remain silent. What gives federal courts their power to make these rulings? In this activity, students will learn which types of cases fall under the jurisdiction of federal courts and why.

Lesson Description
Students will explore a Web site of the federal courts. They will read about the characteristics and jurisdiction of federal courts, and answer four questions. Students will then identify which kinds of cases are under the jurisdiction of state, rather than federal, courts.

Instructional Objectives

Learners will explain the constitutional protections of federal judges.
Learners will clarify the types of jurisdiction federal courts hold.
Learners will differentiate cases that are heard in state, rather than in federal, courts.

Student Web Activity Answers

Federal judges are appointed for life, and they can be removed from office only through impeachment and conviction by Congress of "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." Neither the President nor Congress can reduce the salary of a federal judge.
A court cannot attempt to correct a problem on its own initiative, or to answer a hypothetical legal question.
Federal courts may decide cases that involve the federal government, the Constitution or federal laws, or controversies between states or between the United States and foreign governments.
Federal courts have jurisdiction if the cases involve citizens of different states, or between United States citizens and those of another country.
The document identifies the following actions as under state court jurisdiction: divorce and child custody matters, probate and inheritance issues, real estate questions, juvenile matters, most criminal cases, contract disputes, traffic violations, and personal injury cases.