Dual Court System Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a Plaintiff?

A person who brings a case against another in a court of law. (correct)

A government body that brings charges against a person.

A judge of the supreme court.

An individual accused in a court of law.

What is a Defendant?

An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.

Who is the Petitioner?

The losing party who asks a higher court to review their case.

Who is the Respondent?

The party against whom a petition for appeal is filed. Signup and view all the answers

What is Prosecution?

A government body that brings charges against a person accused of breaking the law. Signup and view all the answers

What are Criminal Cases?

Cases that involve state criminal law. Signup and view all the answers

What is Concurrent Jurisdiction?

Authority for both state and federal courts to hear and decide cases. Signup and view all the answers

What are Trial Courts?

Courts that initially hear cases, establish facts, and apply the law. Signup and view all the answers

What are Appellate Courts?

Courts that determine if the trial court applied the law to the facts correctly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Supreme Court?

The highest judicial court in a country or state. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jurisdiction?

The authority of a court to hear a case. Signup and view all the answers

What are Justices?

Judges of the supreme court of a country or state. Signup and view all the answers

What is Subject Matter Jurisdiction?

Subjects that can only be heard in federal court. Signup and view all the answers

What are federal-question cases?

Cases concerning the Constitution, federal law, or treaties. Signup and view all the answers

What are Diversity Jurisdiction Requirements?

A federal law question, parties live in different states, and the dispute is worth more than 75k. Signup and view all the answers

What does The Senate do regarding federal judges?

Provides advice and consent on Presidential nominations for federal judges. Signup and view all the answers

What is The President's role in judicial nominations?

Nominates federal judges and submits to the Senate for approval. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the life term for federal judges important?

It allows them to be impartial politically. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Verdict?

The decision a jury makes in a trial. Signup and view all the answers

What is Federalism?

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore key legal terms in the dual court system with these flashcards. Each card features important definitions that will help you understand roles in a legal case. Perfect for students preparing for law school or enhancing their legal vocabulary.