US Supreme Court Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the U.S. Supreme Court?

To make laws for the federal government

To advise the President

To oversee the state courts

To hear cases that involve federal constitutional questions (correct)

What type of case usually involves disputes between states or between states and the federal government?

Case from federal appellate or district courts

Case from state courts

Original jurisdiction case (correct)

Case from international courts

What is the term for the petition filed to have a case heard by the Supreme Court?

Application for Hearing

Writ of Certiorari (correct)

Petition for Appeal

Request for Review

What happens to a case if the Supreme Court denies the writ of certiorari?

The decision of the lower court stands Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical path for a case to reach the Supreme Court?

It starts in the lower courts and works its way up Signup and view all the answers

How many petitions for a writ of certiorari does the Supreme Court receive each year?

Thousands Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the appellate court in the process of reaching the Supreme Court?

To review the case and make a ruling Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for a case to reach the Supreme Court?

Years Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the juvenile court system?

To rehabilitate and guide young people Signup and view all the answers

How does the juvenile court system differ from the adult court system?

Juveniles are charged with delinquencies, not crimes Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a juvenile found to have committed a delinquent act?

They are adjudicated delinquent Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of keeping juvenile records confidential?

To facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration into society Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical disposition for adjudicated delinquents?

Probation Signup and view all the answers

How many young people were referred to juvenile courts in the United States in 2021?

437,000 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of delinquency cases were formally processed in court?

56% Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to refer to juveniles in a juvenile court?

Respondents Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The U.S. Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation, responsible for hearing cases involving federal constitutional questions.
The Court hears three types of cases: original jurisdiction cases, cases from state courts, and cases from federal appellate or district courts.

Original Jurisdiction Cases

Original jurisdiction cases are rare and usually involve disputes between states or between states and the federal government.
These cases start and end in the Supreme Court, with no appeal.
An example of an original jurisdiction case is New Jersey v. New York (1998), a dispute over land expansion on Ellis Island.

Cases from Lower Courts

Cases from lower courts can reach the Supreme Court through appeals.
A party unsatisfied with the outcome of their case can appeal to an appellate court.
The appellate court reviews the case, and if there is continued disagreement, it may eventually be heard by the Supreme Court.

Writ of Certiorari

A petition for a writ of certiorari must be filed for a case to be heard by the Supreme Court.
The Court receives thousands of petitions each year, but only a small fraction are granted.
If granted, the case is placed on the Supreme Court docket, and the lower court prepares the record for review.

Case Selection and Decision-Making

The Court carefully selects cases involving important legal issues and broad national significance.
Once a case reaches the Supreme Court, the Justices review briefs from both parties and potentially amicus briefs before making a decision.
The Court's decision can have a significant impact on the interpretation and implementation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law.

Juvenile Court System

Handles cases involving crimes committed by individuals who have not reached the age of maturity
Focuses on rehabilitation and helping young people avoid future delinquency
Aims to address the underlying causes of misconduct while protecting the community

Key Differences from Adult Courts

Juveniles are charged with delinquencies, not crimes
If found to have committed a delinquent act, juveniles are adjudicated delinquent instead of being convicted
Dispositions focus on guidance, treatment, and rehabilitation instead of sentences
Language used in juvenile court refers to juveniles as respondents instead of criminal defendants
Proceedings are closed to the public, and juvenile records are kept confidential

Statistics

In 2021, approximately 437,000 young people were referred to juvenile courts in the United States for delinquent offenses
56% of delinquency cases were formally processed in court, with 118,000 juveniles being adjudicated delinquent
Most common disposition for adjudicated delinquents was probation
On a single day in 2021, there were just under 25,000 youth held in residential facilities

Evolution of the Juvenile Court System

Has evolved to balance public safety, accountability, and development of competency and character in young offenders
Shift towards a more punitive approach in some jurisdictions
Overall goal remains to help young people avoid future delinquency and become responsible members of society

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Description

Learn about the highest court in the US, its responsibilities, and the types of cases it hears, including original jurisdiction, state, and federal cases.