Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch is in charge of the court system. There are three different kinds of courts found in the federal court system. The lowest level is the district courts. The 2nd level is the court of appeals. The top level is the Supreme Court.

The Judiciary explains and applies the laws. This branch does this by hearing and eventually making decisions on various legal cases.

The Supreme Court was set up by the Constitution. The Supreme Court was organized on February 2, 1790. The power of Judicial Review gives the Supreme Court the right to overturn state laws and laws passed by Congress. John Marshall of Virginia was appointed by President Adams as the fourth Chief Justice. He remained on the Court for over 34 years. There are 13 judicial circuits, each with a court of appeals. There are 94 U.S. district courts in the United States.