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Life in the USA Government and Law Structure of Government
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The Judicial Branch
The Judicial Branch is composed of the Supreme Court and the Federal Courts. Members of the Supreme Court are appointed to life terms by the President though they must be confirmed by Congress. Recent attempts by presidents to appoint new members to the Supreme Court have been met with controversial and bitter Senate debates. Judicial Review. The function of the Supreme Court is to interpret the constitution. For example, in the 1973 decision of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that led to a freer atmosphere on the abortion question. The Supreme Court might one day reverse that decision on this controversial issue (by far the most controversial issue in America). Hundreds of other Supreme Court decisions govern the way the law is administered in America.
Next Section: Balance of Power Government and Law: Chapter Home
Life in the USA Home
Page. The URL of this site is: http://www.lifeintheusa.com/government/judicial.htm
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