Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
Article III
Read a random definition: venial
A quick definition of Article III:
Article III is a part of the Constitution that says there should be a special group of judges called Article III judges. These judges work in courts that are set up by the government and have the power to make decisions about things like the Constitution, laws, and treaties. They can also help settle disputes between different states or between people from different states. Basically, Article III helps make sure that everyone is treated fairly and that there is a fair way to solve problems.
A more thorough explanation:
Article III is a part of the Constitution that allows for the creation of a federal court system. This means that federal courts have the power to hear cases that involve:
- Disputes over the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States
- Admiralty and maritime jurisdiction
- Cases where the United States is a party
- Disputes between two or more states
- Disputes between a state and citizens of another state
- Disputes between citizens of different states
- Disputes between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants of different states
- Disputes between a state or citizens thereof and foreign states, citizens, or subjects
An Article III judge is a judge who is authorized under Article III of the Constitution. An Article III court is a court that Congress establishes pursuant to Article III of the Constitution.
For example, if a person from California sues a person from New York over a contract dispute, the case could be heard in an Article III court because it involves citizens of different states. Similarly, if the federal government sues a company for violating a federal law, the case could be heard in an Article III court because the United States is a party to the case.