JUD- Federal Court Jurisdiction Lesson

Federal Court Jurisdiction

Federal Courts only hear cases that involve a question of federal law. Federal judges are also not allowed to give advice, or issue advisory opinions. When a person brings a case to court, they must show that they have been harmed by the law in some manner. In other words, the federal court must have the authority or jurisdiction to resolve the conflict. There are several scenarios which define the federal court's jurisdiction.

Federal Court's jurisdiction according to the Constitution: -Cases that involve the US Government, the US Constitution, or federal laws -Controversies between states -Controversies between the US and foreign governments -Cases that raise a federal question -Claims by individuals for entitlement to money under a federal government program -Claims by the government that someone has violated federal laws -Challenges to actions taken by a federal agency, citizens of different states, or between US citizens and those of another country -Conflicts between citizens of different states or between US citizens and those of another country.

As part of our system of checks and balances, the President appoints federal judges and the Senate approves them. There are basically no formal qualifications for becoming a federal judge. Federal judges cannot be fired unless they break the law. The President typically appoints judges that share the same political ideology. The President usually consults with the Senator from the state where the appointee resides. This is called Senatorial Courtesy.

 

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