U.S. Constitution Article III. Judicial Department
Article III of the United States Constitution establishes and outlines the Judicial Branch of the federal government. It defines the scope, powers, and limits of the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court.
📜 Full Text and Explanation of Article III – Judicial Department
Section 1 – Judicial Power and Tenure
Text:
“The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.
The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.”
Explanation:
Establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court.
Authorizes Congress to create lower federal courts.
Judges hold their office for life ("during good Behaviour"), unless impeached.
Their salaries cannot be reduced while in office, ensuring independence.
Section 2 – Jurisdiction and Powers
Text (abridged for clarity):
The judicial power shall extend to all cases:
arising under the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties,
involving ambassadors or public ministers,
of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction,
where the United States is a party,
between states, citizens of different states, and foreign parties.
The Supreme Court has:
Original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, and when a state is a party.
Appellate jurisdiction in all other cases, with such exceptions as Congress may make.
Trial by jury shall be held in all criminal cases (except impeachment) and in the state where the crime was committed.
Explanation:
Defines the types of cases federal courts can hear.
Original jurisdiction: Cases start in the Supreme Court.
Appellate jurisdiction: Supreme Court reviews decisions from lower courts.
Guarantees trial by jury in criminal cases.
Section 3 – Treason
Text:
“Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.
No person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.The Congress shall have power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.”
Explanation:
Treason is narrowly defined to avoid abuse.
Requires two witnesses or a confession in open court for conviction.
Congress sets punishment but cannot punish family or heirs (no "corruption of blood").
🔍 Summary
| Section | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Establishes Supreme Court; lifetime tenure; salary protection |
| 2 | Defines court jurisdiction; original/appellate jurisdiction; trial by jury |
| 3 | Defines treason; limits on punishment |
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