Questions and Answers
The principal objective of a unified court system is to shift court administration, rule making, and judicial budgeting from localized to centralized management.
True
In states without intermediate appellate courts, what power do state supreme courts lack?
the power to choose which cases will be placed on their dockets and must hear all appeals
A majority of state court systems include a trial court level, intermediate appellate court, and a supreme court.
True
What stages of felony cases do lower (minor) state courts handle?
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A person cited for a state misdemeanor would likely appear before which type of court?
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The prosecutor in a criminal case is part of which branch of government?
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Under discovery rules, defense attorneys are required to provide all requested information to the prosecutor prior to trial.
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What courts were created in response to a significant growth in appellate cases that threatened to overwhelm state supreme courts?
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A violation or a dispute of geographical jurisdiction would occur if a California court were to try someone for violating a state crime committed in Oregon.
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What kinds of crimes do state courts primarily decide?
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Study Notes
Unified Court System
- A unified court system aims to centralize court administration, rule making, and judicial budgeting.
- This shift enhances efficiency and consistency across courts.
State Supreme Courts
- In states lacking intermediate appellate courts, state supreme courts must hear all appeals without discretion.
- As a result, they cannot selectively choose cases for their dockets.
Structure of State Court Systems
- Most state court systems feature a three-tier structure: trial courts, intermediate appellate courts, and supreme courts.
- This multi-layered system facilitates effective case management and appeals.
Lower (Minor) Courts
- Lower state courts are responsible for handling preliminary stages of felony cases.
- These courts often address initial hearings, bail hearings, and arraignments.
Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
- Individuals cited for state misdemeanors typically appear before courts of limited jurisdiction.
- These courts handle less serious offenses and simplified procedures.
Prosecutor's Role
- The prosecutor in criminal cases is part of the executive branch of government.
- This role involves initiating and conducting prosecutions on behalf of the state.
Discovery Rules
- Defense attorneys are not required to provide all requested information to the prosecutor before trial.
- This highlights the asymmetrical nature of information sharing in criminal proceedings.
Intermediate Courts of Appeals
- The establishment of intermediate courts of appeals arose from a significant increase in appellate cases, which threatened to swamp state supreme courts.
- These courts help manage the volume of appeals and relieve pressure on supreme courts.
Geographical Jurisdiction
- A geographical jurisdiction violation occurs when one state’s court, like California, tries a case involving a crime committed in another state, such as Oregon.
- Jurisdiction issues are critical in maintaining the integrity of state legal systems.
Types of Crimes in State Courts
- State courts primarily adjudicate street crimes, which encompass violations like theft, assault, and drug offenses.
- These crimes make up a significant portion of the caseload in state judicial systems.
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Description
Test your understanding of Chapter 4 from the 'Intro to Courts' textbook with these flashcards. This chapter focuses on the structure and functions of unified court systems and the roles of state supreme courts. Use these cards to reinforce your knowledge and prepare for your exams.
