Five Quick Facts about the Judicial Branch

The judicial branch is truly one of the most vital branches of this country. As someone who works under this important branch of government, there are some facts you may want others to know about it.

Below are a few specifics about the country’s judicial branch. Your loved ones may be surprised by what they read here!

 

1.       It is composed of three courts:

  • The Supreme Court, the highest court of hierarchy, hearing trials from lower courts
  • The Court of Appeals, being the second highest, which decides appeals from courts of various districts
  • The District Courts, general trial courts which have jurisdiction over certain districts around the country.

 

2.       Judges are elected in general election

  • In this nonpartisan election, a list is compiled by the Commission on Judicial Selection. Additionally, between general elections, vacancies are typically filled by the general governor.

 

3.       The respective annual salaries of judges are as follows:

  • Chief Justice (Supreme Court): $167,000
  • Court Associate Justice: $151,820
  • Chief Judge (Court of Appeals): $150,206
  • Court of Appeals Judge: $143,054
  • District Court Chief Judge: $141,003
  • District Court Judge: $134,289

 

4.       Judicial branch’s annual budget as of 2014:

About $247,459,000 has been allocated for district courts while $32,282,000 was for the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals is given about $10,641,000. In total, about $290,382,000 is granted upon the judicial branch.

 

5.       A judge may either remain or be voted out through retention ballots

When the majority of voters choose “yes,” the justice or judge can stay in office. On the other hand, when voters choose “no,” a decision will be made saying that the judge should be removed from their post.

Did you find the facts interesting? Perhaps you’d like to add more to them! If so, leave a comment below!

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