Q Explain the basic structure and jurisdiction of the federal judicial system. Describe the three different levels of federal courts. How are the lower courts created and how is their jurisdiction defined? What was the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? Analyze the exercise of judicial review. What is judicial review, what are its origins, and why has it remained an unquestioned power of the courts for so long? How did the establishment of judicial review impact the long-term political development of judicial power in the United States? What is the legal principle of stare decisis? Why is it important in a common law system? Why is stare decisis somewhat less important in a civil law system? Are federal courts strictly bound by stare decisis? What might be the cost or downside of making stare decisis mandatory? What might be the cost or downside of eliminating the principle of stare decisis? There are different kinds of judicial philosophy in how to interpret the law. Outline the theories of judicial restraint and judicial activism. Discuss an example of the Supreme Court employing judicial activism. Felony cases are routinely settled by plea bargaining, whereby the suspect pleads guilty in exchange for a promise of receiving a lower sentence. Obviously, this means that the suspect gives up some of his or her constitutional rights. What rights are involved in such instances? Are plea bargains a good idea? Why or why not? The process of confirming federal court appointments has recently become very contentious. Describe the steps to becoming a federal judge and the considerations involved in who is nominated. Why has this process become so controversial in recent years?