Figure 1.3 The U.S. Constitution is known as the supreme law of the land. (Credit: lynn0101/ pixabay/ License: CC0)

Students,

The American legal system is made up of many types of codified forms of law, with the United States Constitution being the pre-eminent source of American law. The Constitution establishes the boundaries of federal law, and it must be followed by all citizens, organizations, and entities. It includes Congressional acts, Senate-ratified treaties, executive regulations, and federal case law. The United States Code (“USC”) compiles these laws.

American law mainly originates from constitutional law, statutory law, treaties, administrative regulations, and common law (which includes case law).

Instructions:

Review the video on the U.S. Court System which provides an overview of the United States Court System. The video provides a review of the U.S. Supreme Court, federal and state court systems along with their jurisdictions.

Upon reviewing the video, please take notes and be prepared to answer the following questions in an upcoming discussion forum assignment that will be due on Sunday, September 28, at 11:59 pm. Please use the video only and no other source to answer the study questions.

Video Self Study Questions Only: Video Length: 6:28 minutes

What is the purpose of the United States Court system?
List each court system discussed in the video.
Why are there two court systems, federal and state?
What is the purpose of diversity jurisdiction?
How many supreme court justices are there?
What was the significance of the case, Marbury v. Madison (1803)