The Judicial Branch
The Judicial branch of the United States government is composed of the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Their job is to interpret laws that have been created by Congress. They must decide if laws are consistent with the Constitution. Supreme Court Justices do not have to meet any requirements to reach their position. They are appointed by the President and serve life terms.
Current Supreme Court Justices
Structure of the Supreme Court
Important Supreme Court Cases
Marbury v. Madison - The first time the Supreme Court had decided to strike down a law because it was inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution. This case was the beginning of the practice of judicial review.
McCulloch v. Maryland - Maryland attempted to tax all bank notes not chartered by Maryland. The supreme court invoked the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) of the Constitution. This case established that Congress is granted implied powers to help implement the expressed powers to help create a better functioning national government. The case also established that the States may not overrule the Constitutional powers the Federal government holds.
Miranda v. Arizona -Established that any citizen, prior to being questioned, must be informed of their right to remain silent ,their right to the presence of an attorney, and that if they cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed prior to questioning. These rights became known as the Miranda Rights.
Plessy v. Ferguson - Upheld the Constitutionality of segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine. The Court ruled that State law that "implies merely a distinction" between black and white citizens was not inconsistent with either the 13th or 14th Amendments.
Brown v. Topeka Board of Education - The Court ruled that laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students was not Constitutional.
McCulloch v. Maryland - Maryland attempted to tax all bank notes not chartered by Maryland. The supreme court invoked the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) of the Constitution. This case established that Congress is granted implied powers to help implement the expressed powers to help create a better functioning national government. The case also established that the States may not overrule the Constitutional powers the Federal government holds.
Miranda v. Arizona -Established that any citizen, prior to being questioned, must be informed of their right to remain silent ,their right to the presence of an attorney, and that if they cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed prior to questioning. These rights became known as the Miranda Rights.
Plessy v. Ferguson - Upheld the Constitutionality of segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine. The Court ruled that State law that "implies merely a distinction" between black and white citizens was not inconsistent with either the 13th or 14th Amendments.
Brown v. Topeka Board of Education - The Court ruled that laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students was not Constitutional.