Because in United States courts (federal) and most state courts (except Louisiana) we follow a common western legal system known as "Common Law" with bases itself on previous standing interpretations of a law (aka precedent)
For the most part, a court should always follow precedents. In some cases, a trial will arise that may set a whole new precedent.
Yes. Most states follow similar proceedings to the federal government.
The methods of judicial selection for federal appellate judges state appellate and state trial judges
No, while federal judges hold their appointments during "good behavior", state judges do not necessarily have that luxury. Some state judges are elected.
The US Constitution.State judges adhere to the laws and principles of their state's constitution, as well as most of the US Constitution, with the exception of amendments that have not yet been incorporated. Federal judges follow the US Constitution.For more information, see Related Questions, below.
The US Constitution.State judges adhere to the laws and principles of their state's constitution, as well as most of the US Constitution, with the exception of amendments that have not yet been incorporated. Federal judges follow the US Constitution.For more information, see Related Questions, below.
It states that the U.S Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It also states that judges are bound to follow federal law when a conflict arises between state law and federal law.
In the U.S., it varies by state. Federal judges are not elected; they are appointed.
Federal judges are appointed for life. There are no terms for them. Terms for state judges are determined by the constitution of the specific state.
No. All Federal judges are appointed, but most state judges are elected to office.
Usually, elected judges are chosen by the general electorate at election times when their names appear on the ballot. In some states, "elected judges" are actually 'elected' by majority votes of the state legislature.
On the federal level, no. However, some state courts elect their judges.
Washington, DC is not a state, but federal territory. As such, they do not have any state courts. Cases for the District of Columbia are tried and appealed in the federal court system.