ABSTRACT
Law adjudication in the United States is carried out by two parallel systems of courts which consider a wide range of civil and criminal cases. There are fifty state systems which have been established by individual state constitutions and decide actions and settle disputes concerning their own laws. The groundwork for the approximately 6,000 appeals which are filed annually with the Supreme Court is prepared by law clerks who help the justices by presenting the facts and issues in the cases so that decisions can normally be reached speedily and efficiently. All federal judges are appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate. In practice, the President is advised by the Department of Justice and the Deputy Attorney-General’s office whom he should recommend for appointment to the district and appeals courts. Every American President has attempted to extend his political influence by his appointments to the Supreme Court.
