Philippine Judiciary System

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

How many Associate Justices are there in the Supreme Court?

14 (correct)

What is the name of the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

Cayetano Arellano (correct)

Emilio Aguinaldo

Ferdinand Marcos

Jose Rizal

What is the power of the Supreme Court in relation to lower courts?

the power to discipline judges (correct)

the power to appoint judges

the power to promote judges

the power to dismiss judges

What is the jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Courts (RTC) in terms of imprisonment?

more than six (6) years Signup and view all the answers

What is the appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals?

cases decided by the RTC Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a Municipal Trial Court and a Municipal Circuit Trial Court?

the number of municipalities covered Signup and view all the answers

Which court has exclusive original jurisdiction over crimes arising from violations of the National Internal Revenue Code?

Court of Tax Appeals Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum imprisonment for offenses under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Trial Courts?

Six (6) years Signup and view all the answers

How many divisions can the Court of Tax Appeals sit in?

Two (2) Signup and view all the answers

Which court was created pursuant to Presidential Decree 1606?

Sandiganbayan Signup and view all the answers

How many Associate Justices are there in the Court of Tax Appeals?

Five (5) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum fine that can be imposed by the Municipal Trial Courts?

Php 4,000.00 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the court clerk in the court?

Maintaining the court's records and preparing daily calendars Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the power of the court to interpret the Constitution and declare any legislative or executive actions unconstitutional?

Judicial Review Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the gavel in the courtroom?

To draw people's attention or mark the conclusion of a transaction Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for calling cases before the judge in the courtroom?

Court Clerk Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the long, loose garment worn by judges on ceremonial occasions or trials?

Robe Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the bailiff in the courtroom?

To maintain order in the court and supervise prisoners Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Metropolitan Trial Courts

Also known as Municipal Trial Courts in cities and towns within the Metropolitan Manila area
Have jurisdiction over all violations of city or municipal ordinances
Handle offenses punishable with imprisonment of not exceeding six years
Handle offenses involving damage to property through criminal negligence
Handle cases with a fine of not more than Php 4,000.00

Court of Tax Appeals (CTA)

Has exclusive original jurisdiction over all criminal cases arising from violations of the National Internal Revenue Code or Tariff and Customs Code
Created under RA 1125
Composed of a Presiding Justice and five Associate Justices
May sit en banc or in two divisions

Sandiganbayan

Tasked to handle criminal cases involving graft and corruption and other offenses committed by high-ranking public officers and employees
Created pursuant to PD 1606
Composed of a Presiding Justice and 14 Associate Justices

Family Courts

Created pursuant to RA 8369
Special courts that handle family-related cases

Special Courts

Court of Tax Appeals
Sandiganbayan
Shari'a District Courts
Family Courts

Supreme Court

The highest court in the Philippines
Shall have appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by the Court of Appeals
Composed of a Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices
Has the power of judicial review
Has the power to discipline judges of the lower courts
First Chief Justice: Cayetano Arellano

Court of Appeals

Composed of a Presiding Justice and 68 Associate Justices
Shall sit in 23 divisions of 3 justices each
Has appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by the RTC

Regional Trial Courts (RTC)

Presided by 720 Regional Trial Judges in each of the 13 regions of the country
Has jurisdiction over offenses punishable with imprisonment of more than six years
Has jurisdiction over cases with a fine exceeding Php 4,000.00
Has appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by the MTCs, MTC, and MCTC
Handles violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs of 2002
Handles violations of RA 9262
Handles violations of the Omnibus Election Code

Municipal Trial Courts (MTC)

Referred to as MTC if it covers only one municipality
Referred to as Municipal Circuit Trial Court if it covers two or more municipalities

Court Room Work Group

Judge: pronounces judgments and sentences
Court Clerks: maintain court records, prepare daily calendars, call cases before the judge, control evidence in court, and collect fines and court costs
Court Stenographer: reports and records everything said in court
Court Interpreter: carries out oral translation from one language to another
Bailiffs: maintain order in the court, announce judge entry into the courtroom, call witnesses, control defendants, and supervise juries

Powers of the Court

Power of Judicial Review: the duty of the court to settle actual controversies, interpret the Constitution, and declare any legislative or executive act as unconstitutional