blog 2

What are the judicial powers of the US Supreme Court and where does this power come from (specific documents)? (reference Reading)

• Coming from "dual court system" section the judiciary packet (Chapter 9), the US Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in "cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a State shall be a party".
• They have the power of judicial review , which is the ability to declare a legislative and executive act in violation of the Constitution. This power came as a result of Marbury vs. Madison. (pg 338 in textbook)
• The supreme court has original jurisdiction over specific cases, such as involving suits between 2 or more states or between public ministers and ambassadors. In addition they have jurisdiction in controversies between citizens of different states or in cases in which the United States is a party. This power comes from the article 2 section 1 of the constitution.
• The supreme court has appellate jurisdiction, where the court can hear a case on an appeal.
• The supreme court can prescribe rules to be followed under lower courts.