Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
In this module, you will learn about the rule of law and the constitutional foundation of the U.S. judicial system. The U.S. Constitution outlines a government system that balances power among three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. This module explores the powers and responsibilities of the judicial branch, how the judiciary and U.S. law have developed over time, and how state and federal courts work together to resolve disputes, protect our individual rights and liberties, and uphold the rule of law.
This video was produced by the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School as part of “Civics Break,” a learning series focused on courts and the judiciary. Learn more at https://judicialstudies.duke.edu/civics-break
*CORRECTIONS AND UPDATES*
* Designed Over Time: The judgeships legislation referenced in this video subsequently passed Congress as the JUDGES Act of 2024 but was vetoed by President Biden on December 23, 2024. The Judicial Conference continues to recommend the creation of additional federal judgeships to address caseload needs.
* Adversarial System: In a criminal case, the fact-finder determines whether the prosecution has proven the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; the alternative verdict is not guilty, rather than “innocent.” Civil cases use different standards and do not result in guilty/not-guilty verdicts.
In this module, you will learn about the rule of law and the constitutional foundation of the U.S. judicial system. The U.S. Constitution outlines a government system that balances power among three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. This module explores the powers and responsibilities of the judicial branch, how the judiciary and U.S. law have developed over time, and how state and federal courts work together to resolve disputes, protect our individual rights and liberties, and uphold the rule of law.
This video was produced by the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School as part of “Civics Break,” a learning series focused on courts and the judiciary. Learn more at https://judicialstudies.duke.edu/civics-break
*CORRECTIONS AND UPDATES*
* Designed Over Time: The judgeships legislation referenced in this video subsequently passed Congress as the JUDGES Act of 2024 but was vetoed by President Biden on December 23, 2024. The Judicial Conference continues to recommend the creation of additional federal judgeships to address caseload needs.
* Adversarial System: In a criminal case, the fact-finder determines whether the prosecution has proven the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; the alternative verdict is not guilty, rather than “innocent.” Civil cases use different standards and do not result in guilty/not-guilty verdicts.
