Questions and Answers
How many court systems are there in the U.S.?
What is the group of people called who decide a case after hearing the evidence?
jury
What does it mean when an appellate court upholds a verdict?
affirm
What do appellate judges look for when they review a case?
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What term describes something that goes against the Constitution?
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How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
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Taking a case through the court system is like what?
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What happens when an appellate court rejects a verdict?
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Which court gets to choose which cases to hear?
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What type of court reviews the trial court's decision?
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What is the power of the Supreme Court to decide what is constitutional?
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What is the term for a group of judges when there is more than one?
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What is the lowest court in the federal system?
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Choosing between the federal or state court system depends on the ______ involved in the case.
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What is the first court to hear a case?
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What do we call people or things that can prove one side's version of what happened?
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What does it mean when an appellate court sends a case back to the trial court?
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What do we call a person who testifies in court?
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What does an appellate court do with a case?
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What type of case relates to people's rights?
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What court system deals with state laws?
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What court system deals with United States laws?
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What is the garment worn by a judge called?
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What type of case is about someone accused of committing a crime?
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What is it called when you're asking an appellate court to review a case?
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What type of trial has no jury?
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Study Notes
Court Systems Overview
- Two distinct court systems operate in the United States: the state court system and the federal court system.
- The federal court system handles cases involving U.S. laws, whereas the state court system addresses state-specific laws.
Jury System
- A jury is comprised of individuals who evaluate evidence presented in court and determine the outcome of a case.
- In criminal cases, juries decide the guilt or innocence of defendants.
Appellate Courts
- Appellate courts review decisions made by trial courts for errors, focusing on potential mistakes in both procedure and law.
- An appellate court can affirm (uphold) or reverse (overturn) a trial court's verdict.
- When required, appellate courts may remand a case, sending it back to the trial court for further proceedings.
Supreme Court
- The Supreme Court consists of nine justices who hold the ultimate authority in interpreting constitutions.
- It possesses the power of judicial review, allowing it to determine the constitutionality of laws and actions.
Unconstitutional Actions
- Actions or laws deemed unconstitutional are those that violate the principles outlined in the Constitution.
Types of Courts
- District Courts serve as the federal system's lowest level, handling initial trials.
- Trial courts are responsible for hearing cases for the first time, also known as original jurisdiction.
- Appellate courts focus on reviewing the decisions of trial courts rather than conducting new trials.
Key Court Terms
- "Evidence" includes information or materials that support one party's account in a legal dispute.
- A "witness" is an individual who provides testimony during a trial.
- Bench trials consist of judges rendering decisions without juries.
Case Types
- Civil cases pertain to disputes over rights between individuals rather than criminal matters.
- Criminal cases involve an individual accused of committing illegal acts, with prosecution by the state.
Judicial Attire
- Judges commonly wear robes during court proceedings, symbolizing their authority and role.
Case Review Process
- The process of appealing involves formally requesting an appellate court to reassess a case, which includes reviewing the original trial's procedures and verdicts.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the U.S. court system with these flashcards. Each card provides a key term and its definition, helping you understand important concepts such as jury roles and appeals. Perfect for students and anyone interested in legal education.
