Judiciary Act of 1789

Definition

The Judiciary Act of 1789 was a landmark piece of legislation that established the federal judiciary system in the United States. This act created the structure and jurisdiction of the federal court system, including the Supreme Court, and set up lower courts, defining their powers and responsibilities. It played a crucial role in shaping the relationship between federal and state courts, particularly in the context of judicial review and the Supreme Court's authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Judiciary Act of 1789 established a three-tiered federal court system, which includes the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and District Courts.
2. It defined the number of justices on the Supreme Court as six, a number that has changed multiple times over history.
3. This act laid down the framework for how federal judges would be appointed and removed from office.
4. One key provision allowed for judicial review, although it was not explicitly mentioned in the text; this would be later solidified in Marbury v. Madison.
5. The act also addressed issues related to jurisdiction, detailing which types of cases could be heard in federal courts versus state courts.

Review Questions

• How did the Judiciary Act of 1789 contribute to the establishment of the federal court system?
  • The Judiciary Act of 1789 was foundational in creating a structured federal judiciary by establishing various levels of courts, including District Courts, Circuit Courts, and the Supreme Court. It laid out their jurisdictions, which helped define how federal laws would be interpreted and enforced across different states. This framework not only organized the court system but also clarified how federal and state legal systems interacted.
• In what ways did the Judiciary Act of 1789 set the stage for future interpretations of judicial review?
  • While the Judiciary Act of 1789 did not explicitly mention judicial review, it established the necessary framework for courts to interpret laws and assess their constitutionality. By creating a structured judiciary with defined roles, it allowed for legal challenges to be heard at various levels. This ultimately led to pivotal cases like Marbury v. Madison, where judicial review was formally established as a critical function of the Supreme Court.
• Evaluate the impact of the Judiciary Act of 1789 on the balance of power between state and federal courts.
  • The Judiciary Act of 1789 significantly impacted the balance of power between state and federal courts by clarifying jurisdictional boundaries and establishing a tiered court system. It allowed federal courts to hear certain types of cases that involved federal law or disputes between states. This act helped ensure that federal law had supremacy over conflicting state laws, contributing to a more unified legal framework while simultaneously setting up potential tensions between state sovereignty and federal authority.

Related terms

Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States, which has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases involving laws and the Constitution.

Judicial Review: The power of the courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution, established by the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison.

Circuit Courts: The intermediate level of federal courts created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 that handle appeals from district courts and have original jurisdiction over certain cases.