Final answer:
The U.S. judicial system has a dual court structure with both federal and state levels, topped by the U.S. Supreme Court, and is intended to protect individual rights and uphold the Constitution. It features a tiered system and relies on political independence but varies from state to state. Judges interpret and influence the application of law, with lifetime tenure often being a topic of discussion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development and structure of the judicial system in the United States is quite complex. It consists of a dual court system that operates at both federal and state levels, with the U.S. Supreme Court residing at the apex. Beginning with the Judiciary Act of 1789, the federal court system was established, introducing a three-tiered structure of district courts, circuit courts, and the Supreme Court. Cases begin in trial courts, can be appealed in appellate courts, and may arrive at the Supreme Court for a final decision, although the latter hears a very small percentage of cases. The state court systems mirror this to some extent but vary widely in structure and jurisdiction, based on each state's laws and organization.
The judicial branch has a significant role in guarding the Constitution and protecting individual rights by interpreting laws and possibly even voiding legislation or executive actions deemed unconstitutional. The judges and justices who serve in the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, are intended to be politically independent, which often is a topic of debate in relation to lifetime tenure appointments. The judiciary is expected to be an evolving institution that reflects the diversity and values of the population it serves while functioning without direct enforcement power, reliant instead on the executive and legislative branches to implement decisions.
In terms of function, judges not only apply the law but also play a crucial role in its interpretation and thus in legal precedent-setting, shaping the law over time. The presence of overlapping federal and state jurisdictions can allow for multifold protection of rights but can also lead to disparate treatment in different courts. The independence and decision-making capacity of courts underscore the importance of selecting qualified and competent judges to uphold justice.