Question

what is one of the major roles district courts play in the federal judiciary?

a. determining the constitutionality of federal laws

b. charging and trying defendants for breaking federal laws

c. overturning precedents established by the supreme court

d. evaluating the decisions of lower federal courts

Explanation:

• Option A: Determining federal law constitutionality is primarily a role of higher courts (like the Supreme Court) via judicial review, not district courts.
• Option B: Federal district courts are the trial courts of the federal system, where federal criminal and civil cases start, including charging and trying those accused of violating federal laws.
• Option C: Lower courts like district courts cannot overturn Supreme Court precedents; they must follow them.
• Option D: Evaluating lower federal court decisions is the role of appellate courts (like the Circuit Courts of Appeals), not district courts.

Answer:

B. Charging and trying defendants for breaking federal laws