Podcast
Questions and Answers
How many court systems are there in the U.S.?
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?
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?
What does it mean when an appellate court upholds a verdict?
affirm
What do appellate judges look for when they review a case?
What do appellate judges look for when they review a case?
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What term describes something that goes against the Constitution?
What term describes something that goes against the Constitution?
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How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
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Taking a case through the court system is like what?
Taking a case through the court system is like what?
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What happens when an appellate court rejects a verdict?
What happens when an appellate court rejects a verdict?
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Which court gets to choose which cases to hear?
Which court gets to choose which cases to hear?
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What type of court reviews the trial court's decision?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
What do we call a person who testifies in court?
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What does an appellate court do with a case?
What does an appellate court do with a case?
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What type of case relates to people's rights?
What type of case relates to people's rights?
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What court system deals with state laws?
What court system deals with state laws?
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What court system deals with United States laws?
What court system deals with United States laws?
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What is the garment worn by a judge called?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Studying That Suits You
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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.
