Article III

Definition

Article III of the United States Constitution establishes the judicial branch of the federal government, primarily outlining the structure and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. It sets the foundation for the federal judiciary, specifying the court's authority to hear cases arising under federal law and ensuring judicial independence through lifetime appointments for justices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article III was signed into law in 1787 as part of the original Constitution and is essential for establishing a separate judiciary within the federal government.
2. The Supreme Court, as defined by Article III, is composed of justices who serve lifetime appointments, barring impeachment, which helps maintain judicial independence.
3. Article III grants the Supreme Court both original and appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to hear cases that originate from lower courts as well as certain types of cases directly.
4. The Constitution does not specify how many justices should sit on the Supreme Court; this number has varied over time, with Congress holding the power to determine it.
5. Article III also establishes that judges must be compensated for their services, ensuring that their salaries cannot be diminished while they are in office.

Review Questions

• How does Article III ensure judicial independence within the federal government?
  • Article III ensures judicial independence by establishing lifetime appointments for federal judges, including Supreme Court justices. This means that once appointed, they can serve without fear of political pressure or influence from the other branches of government. Additionally, their salaries cannot be reduced while they are in office, further protecting them from external pressures and allowing them to make impartial decisions based on the law.
• Discuss the significance of the jurisdiction granted to the Supreme Court under Article III and its impact on federal law.
  • Under Article III, the Supreme Court is granted both original and appellate jurisdiction, which allows it to hear cases that involve significant legal issues related to federal law. This jurisdiction enables the Court to serve as a critical check on legislative and executive actions through judicial review. As a result, it plays a vital role in interpreting laws and ensuring that they align with constitutional principles, thereby shaping federal law and influencing policy outcomes.
• Evaluate how Article III’s provisions affect the relationship between state and federal courts in terms of jurisdiction and case handling.
  • Article III creates a distinct boundary between state and federal courts by defining specific areas of jurisdiction for federal courts. While state courts handle most legal disputes under state law, Article III grants federal courts authority over cases involving federal law, constitutional issues, or disputes between states. This division promotes a dual system of justice where complex legal matters can escalate to the Supreme Court for resolution. Consequently, this affects how cases are handled by requiring individuals to navigate both state and federal court systems depending on the nature of their legal issues.

Related terms

Judicial Review: The power of the courts to examine and invalidate legislative and executive actions that are inconsistent with the Constitution.

Supreme Court:

The highest court in the United States, established by Article III, which has ultimate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases involving issues of federal law.

Federal Courts: Courts established under Article III that have the authority to adjudicate disputes involving federal laws, the Constitution, or treaties.