The Judicial Branch — Free U.S. Government Review Games.

A defendant is convicted in a federal district court and believes the judge incorrectly applied the law. Which court hears the appeal, and what does that court review?

The case would go to the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals (circuit court). The appeals court reviews whether the law was applied correctly — it does not re-examine witnesses or re-weigh evidence. If the defendant is still unsatisfied, they may petition the Supreme Court via a writ of certiorari, which the Court grants at its discretion.

Congress passes a law restricting freedom of the press. A newspaper challenges the law. What process determines if the law is constitutional, and what is the legal basis for that process?

The newspaper would file suit, and the case could ultimately reach the Supreme Court. The Court would exercise judicial review — the power established in Marbury v. Madison — to evaluate whether the law violates the First Amendment. If it does, the Court strikes down the law, rendering it unenforceable regardless of Congress's intent.

A school suspends a student for wearing an armband protesting a school policy. The student sues, claiming a First Amendment violation. Which landmark case directly applies, and what is the likely outcome?

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) applies directly because it involved students wearing black armbands as political protest. The Court held that student speech is protected unless it causes a 'substantial disruption' to the school environment. Since wearing an armband is passive symbolic speech, the suspension would likely be ruled unconstitutional under Tinker's precedent.