Trial Courts and Jury Selection Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which court typically handles family law cases?

Intermediate Appeals Court

State Supreme Court

Trial Court (correct)

Federal Court

States are required to follow the court decisions of other states.

False

What is the highest court in the state court system?

State Supreme Court

The _____ courts deal with issues such as traffic, family, and criminal matters.

Trial Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of courts to their specific functions:

Superior Court = General trial cases County Court = Local legal matters District Court = Criminal cases Municipal Court = Traffic violations Signup and view all the answers

In civil trials, who are the two main parties involved?

A plaintiff and a defendant Signup and view all the answers

The United States court system is based on an inquisitorial system.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of judges in trial courts?

To maintain fair trials and protect the rights of those involved. Signup and view all the answers

In criminal trials, the government chooses to take action or prosecute the __________.

defendant Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment guarantees the right to a jury trial in criminal cases?

Amendment 6 Signup and view all the answers

Most civil cases are typically resolved through jury trials rather than being settled out of court.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who has the power to choose whether to go to trial by jury in a criminal case?

The defendant Signup and view all the answers

What is a plea bargain?

An agreement where a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge to save time and money. Signup and view all the answers

A jury is always required in criminal cases.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following amendments with their corresponding rights:

Amendment 6 = Right to trial by jury in criminal cases Amendment 7 = Right to trial by jury in civil cases at the federal level Plea Bargains = Negotiated agreements to save time and cost Adversarial System = Two opposing parties present their case Signup and view all the answers

What are three requirements to be selected as a juror?

Be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, and fluent in English. Signup and view all the answers

In appeals courts, there are no ______ or witnesses present.

jurors Signup and view all the answers

Match the role with their responsibility:

Defendant = Determines whether to plead guilty or go to trial Prosecutor = Represents the state in pursuing criminal charges Juror = Determines the facts of the case Appeals Court = Reviews decisions made by trial courts Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome when a defendant pleads guilty?

The defendant may receive a reduced charge or punishment Signup and view all the answers

A written opinion from an appeals court sets a precedent that all lower courts must follow.

True Signup and view all the answers

What must a party claim in order to appeal a trial court's decision?

That the trial court made a legal error. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trial Courts

In civil trials, a plaintiff and a defendant are involved.
Criminal trials involve the government and a defendant.
Trial court decisions can be appealed to an appellate court.
The US uses an adversarial system, where judges and juries are crucial.
Judges ensure fair trials and protect the rights of parties.
Judges guide juries on relevant laws during jury trials.
Amendment 6 guarantees the right to trial by jury in criminal cases (federal and state).
Amendment 7 guarantees the right to trial by jury in civil cases (federal only).
In civil cases, parties can choose a jury trial or not.

Plea Bargains

Plea bargains are pretrial agreements between the prosecutor and defendant.
They can reduce the charges and penalties.
Jurors determine the facts and apply the law when a jury trial is chosen.

Jury Selection

Jurors must be at least 18 years old.
They must be US citizens.
They must be able to speak English.
They must reside in the trial's state location.

Appeals Courts

These courts review decisions of lower courts.
Appeals are triggered when a party believes a trial court made a procedural error (e.g. using illegal evidence, incorrect jury instructions).
No juries exist in appeals cases.
Judges hear arguments from lawyers and decide if the original trial court decision was correct.
Decisions in appeals set precedents for lower courts within the same jurisdiction.
Supreme Court precedents are binding on all US courts.

State Court Structure

State courts have similar structures to federal courts often with:
Superior courts
County courts
District courts
Municipal courts.
Trial courts often specialize (families, traffic, criminal).
Intermediate appellate courts review lower court decisions.
State supreme courts are the highest state court. State supreme court rulings on state law are not appealable further within the state court system.
State courts handle issues like family, traffic, probate, and criminal matters.
State supreme courts can decide if a trial court decision involves a state law, or if issues are determined by federal law.
If a state court decision involves federal law, the US Supreme Court has jurisdiction for appeal.

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Description

This quiz covers essential aspects of trial courts, including civil and criminal trials, the role of judges and juries, and the importance of amendments related to jury trials. It also discusses plea bargains and the requirements for jury selection. Test your knowledge on these critical components of the legal system.