Article III of the United States Constitution establishes the judicial branch as a separate, equal branch of the federal government. Known as the guardians of the Constitution, the federal courts are responsible for ensuring that everyone has equal access to the rights and responsibilities outlined in the Constitution. Fair and impartial judgments allow the federal courts to interpret and apply laws to resolve disputes fairly.
The Founding Fathers of the United States considered an independent federal judiciary important in ensuring fairness and equal justice for all citizens of the United States. Their vision for the nation promotes judicial independence in two major ways. First, federal judges are appointed for life, and Congress can remove them from office only through impeachment and conviction. Second, the Constitution provides that neither the President nor Congress can reduce the salary of a federal judge. These two protections help an independent judiciary to decide cases free from popular passions and political influence.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit is an important part of the United States legal system. Cases may be presented to the court if a party is dissatisfied with the original court’s decision within the area covered by the tenth circuit. An appeal must demonstrate that a new decision is warranted, usually in light of new evidence or a persuasive argument that the Constitution was improperly interpreted. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit helps to defend the honorable tradition of due process. The tenth circuit represents Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
