Chapter 07 What Agency Am I?

My duty is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; to administer and enforce the nation’s immigration laws fairly and effectively; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.

My courts often are called the guardians of the Constitution because their rulings protect rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. Through fair and impartial judgments, my courts interpret and apply the law to resolve disputes. My judges are appointed for life, and they can be removed from office only through impeachment and conviction by Congress of “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”

I was created in accordance with Article III, Section 1, of the Constitution and by authority of the Judiciary Act of September 24, 1789. I was organized on February 2, 1790. I am the highest court within the U.S. court system.