Mr.
Fallman
Article III
The Judicial Branch is Article III.
The sole purpose of the Judicial Branch is to interpret the law.
Powers: to determine the constitutionality of the law and apply the law to individual cases.
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land and the only part of the
federal judiciary specifically required by the Constitution.
To see current cases:
http://www.supremecourt.gov/
The Constitution does not stipulate the number of Supreme Court Justices; the number is set instead by Congress.
There have been as few as six, but since 1869 there have been nine Justices, including one Chief Justice. (Job Titles...)
All Justices are nominated by the President (check E on J), confirmed by the Senate (check L on E), and hold their offices for life. There is no age or citizenship requirement. Justices merely have to live in America -- anywhere!
Since Justices do not have to run or campaign for re-election, they are thought to be insulated from political pressure when deciding cases, BUT, in fact, most are affiliated with political parties today.
Justices may remain in office until they resign, pass away, or are impeached and convicted by Congress.