Philippines Court Structure Quiz

Study Notes

First Level Courts

Each city and municipality in the Philippines has its own trial court, known as First Level Courts.
Common forms include Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTC), Municipal Trial Courts in Cities (MTCC), Municipal Trial Courts (MTC), and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTC).
MeTCs serve as first level courts in Metropolitan Manila, while MTCCs serve cities outside this area.
MTCs cover a single municipality, while MCTCs serve multiple municipalities.
These courts adhere to Rules on Summary Procedure, particularly in cases like ejectment.

Second Level Courts

Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) are termed Second Level Courts, established in 13 judicial regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR).
The RTCs were previously called Courts of First Instance until the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 renamed them.

Court of Tax Appeals (CTA)

Composed of one Presiding Justice and eight Associate Justices, the CTA can convene en banc or in three divisions of three justices each.
Decisions can be appealed from a division to the CTA En Banc and then potentially to the Supreme Court via certiorari.

Court of Appeals

Consists of one Presiding Justice and 68 Associate Justices, all appointed by the President from the Judicial and Bar Council’s shortlist.
Has original jurisdiction for issuing mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, habeas corpus, and quo warranto writs.

The Supreme Court

Exercises original jurisdiction over high-profile cases, including those involving ambassadors, public ministers, and constitutional questions.
Holds appellate jurisdiction to review final judgments of lower courts on constitutional validity, tax legality, and significant criminal cases.

Constitutional Court

Only one constitutional court exists in the Philippines, primarily overseeing constitutional law cases.
It determines the constitutionality of laws, ensuring independence from legislative control.

Statutory Courts

Created by law, statutory courts possess jurisdiction over civil and criminal proceedings as prescribed by legislation.

Superior Courts

Known as courts of general jurisdiction, these courts handle all types of cases and supervise lower courts.

Inferior Courts

Also called first-level courts, these are courts of special or limited jurisdiction limited to certain case types.

Courts of General Jurisdiction

These courts have broad jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases not specific to special or limited jurisdiction courts.

Courts of Special Jurisdiction

Exercise limited jurisdiction specifically assigned by law.

Original Jurisdictions

Refers to a court's authority to hear a case from its inception and render judgment.

Exclusive Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction held exclusively by one court without co-existing powers shared with others.

Concurrent Jurisdiction

Allows multiple courts to acknowledge jurisdiction over the same case simultaneously.

Coordinate Jurisdiction

When concurrent jurisdiction exists, the first court to take a case assumes exclusive jurisdiction.

Distinction Between Court and Judge

A court is a judicial body that administers justice, while a judge is a public official empowered to preside over legal matters.

Definition of Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction is the legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case, as well as to enforce judgments or orders.

Jurisdiction Conferred by Law

Jurisdiction is specifically granted by the Constitution or statute, and cannot be implied.

Effects of Court's Lack of Jurisdiction

A court without jurisdiction can only dismiss a case; any actions taken without jurisdiction are considered null and void.

Lack of Jurisdiction / Excess of Jurisdiction

Lack of jurisdiction occurs when a court has no legal authority to act; excess of jurisdiction occurs when a court oversteps its lawful bounds.

Doctrine of Primary Jurisdiction

Specialized knowledge of administrative bodies must be sought before judicial proceedings can occur if the case requires it.

Doctrine of Adherence to Jurisdiction

Courts retain jurisdiction over pending cases even if jurisdiction is later transferred to another tribunal, except in specific circumstances.

Principle of Judicial Hierarchy

Direct cases must generally proceed through lower courts first; exceptions are made in cases of public interest or judicial errors.

Doctrine of Non-Interference

No court can interfere with judgments of another court of concurrent jurisdiction to ensure the stability of judicial orders.

Equity Jurisdiction

Aims to deliver justice in unique cases beyond rigid legal frameworks, emphasizing the importance of substantial justice.

Description

Test your knowledge about the court system in the Philippines, focusing on First Level Courts, Second Level Courts, and the Court of Tax Appeals. Understand the roles and jurisdictions of different courts, including Metropolitan Trial Courts and Regional Trial Courts. This quiz is essential for anyone studying law in the Philippines.

Philippines Court Structure Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are first level courts in the Philippines more commonly referred to as?

What were Regional Trial Courts formerly called?

How many justices compose the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA)?

What is the composition of the Court of Appeals?

What original jurisdiction does the Supreme Court exercise?

The Supreme Court has administrative supervision over all courts.

What type of cases do statutory courts have jurisdiction over?

Inferior courts are also known as courts of general jurisdiction.

What does exclusive jurisdiction refer to?

The power conferred upon different courts to take cognizance at the same stage of the same case is known as __________.

What does the doctrine of primary jurisdiction state?

What is the general rule under the principle of hierarchy of courts?

Equity jurisdiction aims to do complete justice in cases where a court of law is unable to adapt its judgments.