Introduction - Role of the Courts in Democracy and the United States

Three general types of law:

•     Criminal
•     Civil
• Contract
• Tort
•     Public
• Constitutional
• Administrative

Courts as Public Institutions in the Constitution

Federalist court system: State and Federal

Federal Courts as Policy Makers

• Two key rules
• Marbury vs. Madison
• History of Judicial Review

• Courts Reactive
• Lack of enforcement
• Power of other branchs to enact laws
• Public Opinion

How a Case Reaches the S. Ct

• Hearing a Case
• Rule of four
• Types of cases the court is more likely to hear
• Supreme Court Opinions
• Concurring and dissenting opinions
• Voting Patterns

Supreme Court as a Political Institution

• Who serves?
• How they arrive at the court?
• Length of Service