History (Civics) Chapter 10: Jurisdiction Types

Jurisdiction Types

• Appellate Jurisdiction: Authority to review decisions made by lower courts.
• Original Jurisdiction: The capacity of courts to hear a case first, typically where facts are determined.

Court System Overview

• United States District Courts: Federal trial courts where nearly all federal cases initiate; categorized as courts of general jurisdiction.
• United States Supreme Court: The highest court with both appellate jurisdiction over state and federal cases and original jurisdiction in matters involving the U.S., ambassadors, consuls, and public ministers.

Specific Legal Terms

• Diversity Jurisdiction: Federal courts can hear state law matters when opposing parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.

Examples of Jurisdiction

• Original Jurisdiction Example: A federal district court hearing a case on federal criminal law violations.
• Appellate Jurisdiction Role: Ensures proper legal standards are applied, allowing higher courts to review and confirm rulings made by lower courts.

Key Differences

• Original vs. Appellate Jurisdiction:
  • Original jurisdiction refers to the first court hearing a case.
  • Appellate jurisdiction involves reviewing decisions of other courts.

Types of Cases

• Original Jurisdiction Cases: Varies by court; federal district courts handle cases under the U.S. Constitution, while the U.S. Supreme Court addresses cases involving foreign ambassadors.

Supreme Court's Appellate Jurisdiction

• The U.S. Supreme Court reviews all claims arising in federal courts or concerning the federal constitution, typically originating from circuit court reviews before reaching the Supreme Court.

Purpose of Appellate Jurisdiction

• Focuses on the correct application of law rather than re-evaluating facts to decide outcomes. Courts exercising appellate jurisdiction are known as courts of appeal.