Dual Court System Flashcards

Legal Terminology

• Plaintiff: The person initiating a lawsuit in a civil case, seeking remedy against another party.
• Defendant: The individual, company, or institution being accused or sued in a court of law.
• Petitioner: The party who lost in a lower court and requests a higher court to review the case decision.
• Respondent: The party opposing a petition for appeal, typically the one who prevailed in the prior ruling.

Case Types and Structure

• Prosecution: Government entity responsible for bringing charges in a criminal case against an accused individual.
• Criminal Cases: Legal cases involving state laws that define criminal behavior and corresponding penalties.
• Concurrent Jurisdiction: Situations where both state and federal courts can hear and adjudicate the same case.
• Trial Courts: Courts that handle the initial proceedings of a case, establishing relevant facts and applying the law.
• Appellate Courts: Courts that review trial court decisions to ensure correct legal application without re-evaluating factual evidence.

Court Hierarchy

• Supreme Court: The apex judicial body in a country or state, holding the highest authority in legal matters.
• Jurisdiction: The legal authority of a court to hear a specific case, determining the scope of its power.
• Justices: Judges serving on the Supreme Court, tasked with making significant legal decisions.

Jurisdiction Types

• Subject Matter Jurisdiction: The specific types of cases that can only be heard in federal court, such as military or immigration cases.
• Federal-Question Cases: Cases related to constitutional issues, federal laws, or treaties that fall under federal court jurisdiction.
• Diversity Jurisdiction Requirements: Scenarios allowing federal court jurisdiction when parties reside in different states and the amount in dispute exceeds $75,000.

Judicial Nominations

• The Senate: Plays a critical role in confirming presidential nominations for federal judges, providing checks and balances.
• The President: Responsible for nominating federal judges and forwarding these nominations to the Senate for approval.
• Life Term for Federal Judges: Ensures judicial impartiality by insulating judges from political pressures, permitting them to make unbiased decisions.

Legal Outcomes

• Verdict: The decision reached by a jury in a trial, determining the outcome of the case.
• Federalism: The division of powers between national and state governments, establishing a system of governance in the U.S.