Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which court is generally the trial court in the federal system?
Which court is generally the trial court in the federal system?
- U.S. Federal Court of Appeals
- Small Claims Court
- U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS)
- U.S. District Court (correct)
What is the meaning of general jurisdiction for federal courts?
What is the meaning of general jurisdiction for federal courts?
- They specialize in specific legal matters like tax or bankruptcy.
- They can hear almost any kind of case. (correct)
- They only handle appeals from lower courts.
- They can only hear cases involving federal laws.
Which of the following is the most authoritative court in the federal court system?
Which of the following is the most authoritative court in the federal court system?
- U.S. District Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals
- U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) (correct)
- State Supreme Court
What kind of cases does a Municipal court generally handle?
What kind of cases does a Municipal court generally handle?
What is the main function of the State Court of Appeals?
What is the main function of the State Court of Appeals?
If a state law conflicts with the U.S. Constitution, which court would have the final authority in resolving the conflict?
If a state law conflicts with the U.S. Constitution, which court would have the final authority in resolving the conflict?
What is the role of appellate courts in the federal system regarding the presentation of new evidence?
What is the role of appellate courts in the federal system regarding the presentation of new evidence?
In a state court system, if a trial court decision is 'remanded,' what does this typically mean?
In a state court system, if a trial court decision is 'remanded,' what does this typically mean?
A lawsuit is filed between citizens of different states involving a dispute over $100,000. Which federal court would likely have jurisdiction?
A lawsuit is filed between citizens of different states involving a dispute over $100,000. Which federal court would likely have jurisdiction?
What is the primary function of specialized courts like Juvenile or Probate courts?
What is the primary function of specialized courts like Juvenile or Probate courts?
Why does the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) typically grant a writ of certiorari?
Why does the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) typically grant a writ of certiorari?
In a state court system, what recourse does a litigant have if they disagree with the State Supreme Court's decision?
In a state court system, what recourse does a litigant have if they disagree with the State Supreme Court's decision?
What is the role of State Courts of Appeal in ensuring proper legal procedure?
What is the role of State Courts of Appeal in ensuring proper legal procedure?
What characterizes the jurisdiction of specialized courts, such as Juvenile or Probate courts, compared to general jurisdiction courts?
What characterizes the jurisdiction of specialized courts, such as Juvenile or Probate courts, compared to general jurisdiction courts?
A case originates in a U.S. District Court, is appealed to the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals, and then to SCOTUS. Which of the following actions is typically undertaken by the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals?
A case originates in a U.S. District Court, is appealed to the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals, and then to SCOTUS. Which of the following actions is typically undertaken by the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals?
If a case originates in a state trial court, is appealed to the State Court of Appeals, and subsequently to the State Supreme Court, under what specific circumstance could the case then be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS)?
If a case originates in a state trial court, is appealed to the State Court of Appeals, and subsequently to the State Supreme Court, under what specific circumstance could the case then be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS)?
In a state court system, a case is initially heard in a trial court. After a verdict is reached, the losing party appeals based on what they believe was an error in the judge's interpretation of the law. If the appellate court finds that the trial court did indeed misapply the law, what is the most likely action the appellate court will take?
In a state court system, a case is initially heard in a trial court. After a verdict is reached, the losing party appeals based on what they believe was an error in the judge's interpretation of the law. If the appellate court finds that the trial court did indeed misapply the law, what is the most likely action the appellate court will take?
A state legislature enacts a law that is subsequently challenged as unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution. The case makes its way through the state court system. If the State Supreme Court upholds the law, but one of the litigants still believes the law violates the U.S. Constitution, what is their next possible legal recourse?
A state legislature enacts a law that is subsequently challenged as unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution. The case makes its way through the state court system. If the State Supreme Court upholds the law, but one of the litigants still believes the law violates the U.S. Constitution, what is their next possible legal recourse?
Imagine a situation in which the U.S. Supreme Court grants a writ of certiorari for a case originating from a state supreme court. Which of the following actions would the U.S. Supreme Court most likely undertake?
Imagine a situation in which the U.S. Supreme Court grants a writ of certiorari for a case originating from a state supreme court. Which of the following actions would the U.S. Supreme Court most likely undertake?
In a state that has specialized jurisdiction courts, if a dispute arises regarding the interpretation of a will, which court would most likely have initial jurisdiction over the matter?
In a state that has specialized jurisdiction courts, if a dispute arises regarding the interpretation of a will, which court would most likely have initial jurisdiction over the matter?
The U.S. District Court is the highest level of federal court.
The U.S. District Court is the highest level of federal court.
The U.S. Supreme Court was formed during Thomas Jefferson's presidency.
The U.S. Supreme Court was formed during Thomas Jefferson's presidency.
State traffic offenses are handled by County Courts.
State traffic offenses are handled by County Courts.
The U.S. Federal Courts of Appeals has jurisdiction over the district courts.
The U.S. Federal Courts of Appeals has jurisdiction over the district courts.
The most important function of SCOTUS is to hand out decisions for district courts.
The most important function of SCOTUS is to hand out decisions for district courts.
What document establishes the U.S. Supreme Court?
What document establishes the U.S. Supreme Court?
What is the term for an order by the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up the records of a case for review?
What is the term for an order by the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up the records of a case for review?
Which federal court is generally the 'trial court' of the federal system?
Which federal court is generally the 'trial court' of the federal system?
What type of jurisdiction do all three main types of federal courts have?
What type of jurisdiction do all three main types of federal courts have?
What is the term for when State Court of Appeals sends a case back to the trial court for corrective action after an appeal?
What is the term for when State Court of Appeals sends a case back to the trial court for corrective action after an appeal?
The three main types of federal courts are the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS), U.S. Court of Appeals and U.S. ______ Court.
The three main types of federal courts are the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS), U.S. Court of Appeals and U.S. ______ Court.
The U.S. Federal Courts of ______ have jurisdiction over the district courts, certain specialized federal courts, and many federal administrative agencies.
The U.S. Federal Courts of ______ have jurisdiction over the district courts, certain specialized federal courts, and many federal administrative agencies.
The U.S. ______ Court is the lowest level of federal court with general jurisdiction.
The U.S. ______ Court is the lowest level of federal court with general jurisdiction.
All three main types of federal courts have general ______; this means that they can hear almost any kind of case.
All three main types of federal courts have general ______; this means that they can hear almost any kind of case.
The state court system is different from state to state, but usually resembles the Federal Court ______.
The state court system is different from state to state, but usually resembles the Federal Court ______.
Flashcards
General Jurisdiction
General Jurisdiction
The power of a court to hear a case.
Specialized Jurisdiction
Specialized Jurisdiction
The power of a court to hear a specific type of case.
Writ of Certiorari
Writ of Certiorari
An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review.
U.S. District Court
U.S. District Court
Signup and view all the flashcards
Probate Courts
Probate Courts
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- The goal is to identify the sources of power of federal courts, name major federal courts, compare state and federal court structures, and explain specialized court jurisdictions.
Federal Court System
- The constitution establishes one Supreme Court and lower-level courts to handle both criminal and civil matters.
- During George Washington's presidency, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) and 13 U.S. District Courts were formed.
- In 1891, Congress created the Federal Court of Appeals, along with other courts for specific matters like tax and bankruptcy.
- The three main types of federal courts, in order of authority: U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS), U.S. Court of Appeals, and U.S. District Court.
Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts
- All three main types of federal courts have general jurisdiction to hear almost any case.
- The U.S. District Court is the lowest level of federal court with general jurisdiction and the trial court in the federal system.
- The U.S. Federal Courts of Appeals have jurisdiction over district courts, specialized federal courts, and federal administrative agencies; exercised when a lower court's decision is appealed.
- Appellate courts do not accept new evidence or call witnesses but review trial transcripts, briefs, and arguments and reach a decision on legal issues raised in the lower court.
- SCOTUS is the most authoritative federal court, with its most important function being to make decisions for appellate courts.
- SCOTUS hears cases based on a writ of certiorari (order to hear a case).
| Court | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| U.S. District Court | Federal questions/cases under the Constitution, U.S. law, and U.S. treaties; lawsuits between citizens of different states, between a U.S. citizen and a foreign nation, or foreign citizens. |
| U.S. Federal Court of Appeals | Decisions from district courts, certain specialized federal courts, and many federal administrative agencies. |
| SCOTUS | Original jurisdiction over cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, and those where a state is a party; constitutional questions and all appellate decisions. |
State Court System
- State court systems vary but generally resemble the federal system.
- A typical state judicial branch includes trial courts, appellate courts, and a state supreme court.
- State Trial Courts are courts of record, keeping an exact account of trials, including evidence, statements, determinations, and judgments.
- State Courts of Appeals handle appeals from trial courts via a panel of judges.
- Appellate judges ensure the correct law was used and resolve the case, handing down a decision that may be affirmed (upheld), reversed (overturned), amended (changed), remanded (sent back for correction or retrial), or a combination.
- State Supreme Courts handle the most important or complex cases, typically with a panel of 3 or more judges.
- State Supreme Courts make the final decision in the state court system; the only recourse is SCOTUS.
State Courts with Specialized Jurisdiction
- Many states have specialized courts for specific legal matters, including county courts, municipal/city courts, small claims courts, juvenile courts, and probate courts.
| Court | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| County | Minor criminal cases, state traffic offenses, and lawsuits less than $25,000. |
| Municipal | Traffic and city ordinance violations. |
| Small Claims | Lawsuits less than $2,500. |
| Juvenile | Cases involving younger members of society (over 13 and under 18 in most states); 22 states do not have a set minimum age for trying young members as adults though PA hovers around 14. |
| Probate | Handles wills and estates when people pass away. |
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
