Request a Virtual Visit
Complete the VIRTUAL VISIT REQUEST FORM to schedule a facilitaor for the mock trial simulation, or for the opportunity to (virtually) meet a Judge. There is also opportunity to meet representatives of other government agencies related to the Judiciary: U.S. Marshal, U.S. Attorney's Office, Federal Defenders, and U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services among them.
Submit completed form to Jennifer Harris at Jennifer_Harris@waed.uscourts.gov.
Simulation Instructions - Virtual
Narrator Script - Virtual
Student Script - Virtual
*Simulation instructions and scripts have been updated for ease of use in a virtual setting. In-person instructions and scripts are available upon request.
Outreach Coordinator: Jennifer Harris, 509-458-3419, Jennifer_Harris@waed.uscourts.gov
Federal Courts in American Government The three branches of the federal government — legislative, executive, and judicial — operate within a constitutional system known as "checks and balances." This means that although each branch is formally separate from the other two, the Constitution often requires cooperation among the branches. Federal laws, for example, are passed by Congress and signed by the President. The judicial branch, in turn, has the authority to decide the constitutionality of federal laws and resolve other disputes over them, but judges depend upon the executive branch to enforce court decisions.
Federal Courts & Congress The Constitution gives Congress the power to create federal courts other than the Supreme Court and to determine their jurisdiction. It is Congress, not the judiciary, that controls the type of cases that may be addressed in the federal courts. Congress has three other basic responsibilities that determine how the courts will operate. First, it decides how many judges there should be and where they will work. Second, through the confirmation process, Congress determines which of the President's judicial nominees ultimately become federal judges. Third, Congress approves the federal courts' budget and appropriates money for the judiciary to operate. The judiciary's budget is a very small part — substantially less than one percent — of the entire federal budget.
Federal Courts & the Executive Branch Under the Constitution, the President appoints federal judges with the "advice and consent" of the Senate. The President usually consults senators or other elected officials concerning candidates for vacancies on the federal courts. The President's power to appoint new federal judges is not the judiciary's only interaction with the executive branch. The Department of Justice, which is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and for representing the government in civil cases, is the most frequent litigator in the federal court system. Several other executive branch agencies affect the operations of the courts. The United States Marshals Service, for example, provides security for federal courthouses and judges, and the General Services Administration builds and maintains federal courthouses.
The Eastern District of Washington was formed by the March 2, 1905 "Act to Divide Washington into Two Judicial Districts" (Chapter 1305, Session III, 58th Congress). At that time, the state was then divided into two federal districts and a separate judge, Judge Edward Whitson, was appointed to the Eastern District.
Structure of the Federal Courts
What is the Job of a Federal Judge?
What is the Job of a Magistrate Judge?
Cases Handled in Federal Courts
How a Criminal Case Moves Through the Courts
Grand Juries vs Trial Juries
Steps in a Criminal Trial
Sentencing Considerations
Comparing Federal and State Courts
You Can Join the Journey Towards Justice
All of those petitioning the United States government to become a citizen must first pass a U.S. citizenship test. To take a 25-question practice test, click here.
The Courts and You: From Suffragist Sashes to Antiwar Armbands (video)
About the Courts: Court Structure About Federal Courts Comparing Federal & State Courts History of the Federal Judiciary Court Shorts: Separation of Powers (video)
Jury Related: How a Trial Works (video) Types of Juries (video) Understanding the Language of a Trial (video)
Teacher Resources: US Courts Educational Resources Inside the Federal Courts Annenberg Classroom American Bar Association Lesson Plans Constitution Center