Lesson 6.01 Overview of the Judicial Branch

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

Enduring Knowledge: The Framers created an independent judicial branch as part of the separation of powers of the national government. Thus, the Supreme Court serves as the final word on questions of federal law and the Constitution.

Americans are granted a large number of personal freedoms as well as protection from unfair laws and legal processes. Those protections are ultimately ensured for each American by the power the judicial branch possesses to declare laws and actions unconstitutional.

In this lesson you will explore the judicial branch of government. Begin your study by reading The Judicial Branch.

The Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to: Identify the constitutional provisions outlined for the judicial branch. Examine the role of the judicial branch in our system of checks and balances. Describe the process of how cases are argued at the Supreme Court Level (may cover in 9.02). Begin the collaborative project. The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Government objective(s): 13. This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R1, R2, R4, R7, W2, W4 and Collaborative Research Project - W5, W6, W7, W8, W9, W10.