PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE - JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT (QUARTER 2-WEEK 1-SHS)

Summary

In this educational video, Teacher Renz Angelo Di Calzada, also known as Teacher Jello, discusses the judicial branch of the Philippine government. The video explains the judiciary's role in interpreting and applying laws, resolving disputes, and ensuring the protection of citizens' rights. Teacher Jello covers the structure of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and lower courts, as well as specialized courts like the Sandiganbayan and Sharia courts. The video also addresses how judges are appointed and removed from office. Future lessons will cover due process and jurisprudence.

Takeaways

• 📜 The judiciary interprets and applies laws, acting as the supreme arbiter of disputes related to governance and citizen rights.
• ⚖️ The judicial branch ensures the legality, validity, and constitutionality of laws, policies, and decisions made by other branches of government.
• 🏛️ The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches to maintain impartiality and objectivity.
• 🔍 The Supreme Court, as the highest court, oversees all other courts in the country and holds both original and appellate jurisdiction.
• 👨‍⚖️ The Supreme Court also exercises jurisdiction over issues involving the constitutionality of laws, treaties, and executive agreements.
• 📝 The Court of Appeals is the second highest court, mainly exercising appellate jurisdiction and reviewing decisions from lower courts.
• ⚙️ The lower courts, including regional and municipal trial courts, are organized by area, and they handle cases within their jurisdiction.
• 🏢 Specialized courts like the Sandiganbayan and Court of Tax Appeals handle specific cases such as graft, corruption, and tax-related disputes.
• 📚 To become a member of the judiciary, an individual must have a law degree, pass the bar exam, and may hold office until the age of 70.
• 👥 Supreme Court justices can be removed from office through impeachment, with the Senate conducting the trial.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the judicial branch of the Philippine government?

The judicial branch's primary function is to interpret and apply laws, acting as the supreme arbiter in controversies and disputes on law and citizens' rights. It ensures that laws are constitutional and decides on conflicts between the executive and legislative branches.

What powers does the judiciary have regarding the constitutionality of laws?

The judiciary has the power to decide on the constitutionality, validity, and legality of laws. If a law is deemed unconstitutional, the judiciary can recommend its change or replacement.

What is the role of the Supreme Court in the Philippine judicial system?

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the Philippines, supervising all other courts in the country. It has original jurisdiction over cases involving the constitutionality of laws and appellate jurisdiction over lower court decisions.

What is the difference between original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction?

Original jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, while appellate jurisdiction is the power to review and evaluate the decisions made by lower courts.

How is the Court of Appeals structured, and what is its primary function?

The Court of Appeals is the second-highest court in the Philippines, primarily exercising appellate jurisdiction over decisions from regional trial courts. It consists of one presiding justice and 69 associate justices, divided into 23 divisions.

What are the two types of trial courts in the Philippines?

The two types of trial courts in the Philippines are the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) and the Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs). RTCs handle cases in judicial regions, while MTCs have jurisdiction over municipalities or cities.

What are specialized courts in the Philippine judiciary, and can you provide examples?

Specialized courts handle cases of a specific nature. Examples include the Sandiganbayan, which hears cases involving public officials charged with crimes like graft and corruption, and the Court of Tax Appeals, which deals with tax-related cases.

What is the role of Sharia courts in the Philippines, and where are they located?

Sharia courts handle cases involving Islamic law in selected provinces of Mindanao, such as Lanao del Norte and Cotabato. Sharia District Courts have powers equivalent to Regional Trial Courts, while Sharia Circuit Courts are equivalent to Municipal Circuit Trial Courts.

How are justices of the Supreme Court appointed, and what are the qualifications?

Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president, based on recommendations from the Judicial and Bar Council. They must be practicing lawyers with a Bachelor of Laws or Doctor of Laws degree, and they must have passed the bar exam.

What happens when a Supreme Court justice becomes incapacitated or reaches the age of 70?

When a Supreme Court justice becomes incapacitated or reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70, they are required to step down from their position. They can also be removed through impeachment.