Embedded Files
Judicial Branch Web Quest
Begin this Web Quest by visiting the following site:
http://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure/comparing-federal-state-courts
1. How are Judges selected for the Federal Court system?
2. How are Judges selected for the State Court System?
3. Name two types of cases heard at the Federal Courts
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________________________
4. Name two types of cases heard at the State courts.
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
Now you will take a closer look at the Federal Court System. Go to the following website and fill in the chart below: http://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure
District Court
There are __________ (# )U.S. District Courts. In the United states.
District courts resolve ___________ by determining the facts and applying legal principles to decide who is right. They are trial courts.
Trial courts include the district _______________ who tries the case and a _____________ that decides the case.
There is at least __________ district court in each state, and the District of Columbia.
Court of Appeals
There are _______________ appellate courts that sit below the U.S. Supreme Court, and they are called the U.S. Courts of Appeals.
The Court of Appeal’s task is to determine whether or not the law was applied _______________ in the trial court.
Appeals courts consist of ____________ judges and do NOT use a ______________.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the _________________ court in the United States. Article ___________ of the U.S. Constitution created the Supreme Court and authorized _________________ to pass laws establishing a system of lower courts. In other words, this is the only court set up in the Constitution.
Note: The remainder of this Web Quest will focus on the Supreme Court
For questions 8-14, Use the following website: http://www.supremecourt.gov/about/institution.aspx
8. In 3-4 sentences explain Judiciary Act of 1789. (Why was it established?) (What did the act do?)
9. The Supreme Court first assembled on what date and where?
10. The number of Justices has changed ________ times before settings at the present total of 9 in 1869.
11. How many Chief Justices have we had since the creation of the court? _______________
12. How many Associate Justices? ______________
13. The average length a justice serves for is ________________ years.
14. On average a new Justice joins the Court almost every _________ years.
For questions 15-16, Use the following website: https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/justices.aspx
15. Who is the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court? _______________________________________
16. List the 8 Associate Justices
1. __________________________________ 2. __________________________________
3. __________________________________ 4. ___________________________________
5. __________________________________ 6. ___________________________________
7. __________________________________ 8. ___________________________________
For question 17, use the following website: http://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx
17. Pick one Justice to read about. In 3 -4 sentences summarize their experience and achievements.
For question 18, use the following website to fill in the chart below: http://www.supremecourt.gov/visiting/visitorsguidetooralargument.aspx
In addition to the 9 justices, there are other roles people can serve in the Supreme Court’s courtroom. Explain the responsibility of each of these participants below:
Clerk
Mashal’s Aides
Marshal
Attorneys
To answer questions 19-20, use the following website: http://www.supremecourt.gov/about/traditions.aspx
219. In the courtroom, what is the seating arrangement for the Justices?
20. As you read the selection. In 2-3 sentences summarize one tradition you found interesting.
For question 21, use the following website: https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/courtatwork.aspx
21. Every year the Supreme Court receives ______________ (#) petitions (requests) to hear cases. They only choose about 100 (1%) of those to actually hear and decide upon.
Use the FAQ page of the Supreme Court’s website to fill in the chart below with facts you find interesting: https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/faq.aspx
Supreme Court Justices FAQs
General Information FAQs
Visiting the Court FAQs
Google Sites
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