0
Yes. Congress has authority to alter federal court jurisdiction, or even eliminate a court altogether (with the exception of the US Supreme Court). Congress can even alter some of the Supreme Court's jurisdiction via jurisdictional stripping over certain types of appellate matters through general legislation.
The Supreme Court's original jurisdiction can only be changed by Constitutional Amendment; however, Congress can determine whether the Supreme Court exercises exclusive original jurisdiction or shared jurisdiction over certain classes of cases.
Examples
Congress assigned the trial of ambassadors and other foreign ministers, which is constitutionally listed as part of the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction, to the US District Courts, but decided the Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over disputes between the states.
One example of a constitutional amendment being used to change the Court's jurisdiction is when Congress and the States passed the Eleventh Amendment, revoking the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction over disputes between the states and citizens of another state. This was done in response to Chisholm v. Georgia, 2 US 419 (1793), a case in which the Supreme Court declared the states lacked sovereign immunity from being sued by citizens for war claims. Loss of sovereign immunity could have had a potentially disastrous impact on state economics.
Congress can also strip any federal court (including the US Supreme Court) of certain types of jurisdiction by general legislation. One example is when Congress denied the Supreme Court the ability to consider writs of habeas corpus from Guantanamo detainees during the Bush administration. The legislation assigned original jurisdiction to specially created tribunals, and appellate jurisdiction to the US District Court for the District of Columbia. This legislation was later declared unconstitutional because the tribunals routinely denied prisoners' due process.
What else can I help you with?
What do the Federal Courts have legal authority over?
Federal courts have jurisdiction over all bankruptcy matters, which the Congress has determined should be addressed in federal courts rather than state courts.
Federal courts have the legal authority over what?
Federal courts have jurisdiction over all bankruptcy matters, which the Congress has determined should be addressed in federal courts rather than state courts.
What do federal courts have legal authority over?
Federal courts have jurisdiction over all bankruptcy matters, which the Congress has determined should be addressed in federal courts rather than state courts.
Who has the authority to set up courts?
Congress has the authority to establish federal courts; state legislative bodies establish state courts.
What is the limits of the courts authority called?
Jurisdiction
Who has the power to create federal courts that are below the supreme court?
The power to create federal courts below the Supreme Court lies with Congress, as outlined in Article III of the U.S. Constitution. Congress has the authority to establish lower federal courts and determine their jurisdiction and structure. This includes the creation of district courts and appellate courts, which serve to handle cases that fall under federal jurisdiction.
Who was given the Authority to set up a system of federal courts?
The authority to set up a system of federal courts was granted to Congress by the U.S. Constitution. Article III of the Constitution establishes the judicial branch and allows Congress to create inferior courts under the Supreme Court. This provision enables Congress to determine the structure and jurisdiction of the federal court system.
What branch of government can pass legislation that governs the jurisdiction of courts?
The Legislative Branch, or Congress, has the authority to set the jurisdiction of the federal courts, including the appellate jurisdiction of the US Supreme Court. They may not strip the Supreme Court of original jurisdiction over cases and controversies listed in Article III of the Constitution.
What type of jurisdiction or authority involves reviewing decisions of other courts?
Appellate Jurisdiction
Can the Judicial Branch be changed?
Yes, Congress has the authority to change the structure and function of the Judicial Branch in any way not prohibited by the Constitution. For example, Congress can change the number of justices seated on the Supreme Court; can create or abolish courts inferior to (below) the Supreme Court; and can change the what cases a court can hear under appellate jurisdiction.
Who decides how many federal courts we have?
Article III of the Constitution vested Congress with the power of creating federal courts below the Supreme Court, at their discretion. This authority includes determining the number and (usually) jurisdiction of each court. Congress also has the power to eliminate federal courts below the Supreme Court.
Who has the authority to set up federal courts?
Congress
