Judicial Branch
The Judicial Branch interprets the meaning of laws, applies laws to individual cases, and decides if laws violate the Constitution. It is headed by the Supreme Court and includes all federal courts established by Congress.
“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.”
Explore the Federal Courts
Supreme Court
The highest court in the United States, with ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases involving federal law.
Courts of Appeals
The 13 circuit courts that hear appeals from district courts and review decisions of federal administrative agencies.
District Courts
The 94 federal trial courts where most federal cases are initially filed and tried before a judge or jury.
Specialized Courts
Courts with specific subject matter jurisdiction including Bankruptcy Courts, Tax Court, and the Court of Federal Claims.
Judicial Independence
Lifetime Appointment
Federal judges are appointed for life and can only be removed through impeachment. This protects them from political pressure and allows them to make decisions based solely on the law.
Salary Protection
The Constitution prohibits reducing judicial salaries during a judge's term, further insulating judges from political retaliation for unpopular decisions.
Judicial Review
The power of judicial review—the ability to declare laws unconstitutional—was established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803). This power makes the federal judiciary a check on both the legislative and executive branches.
When the Supreme Court rules that a law or executive action violates the Constitution, that decision is final unless overturned by a constitutional amendment or a later Supreme Court decision.