U.S. Court System Overview

Study Notes

Appellate Courts: Primarily serve to review lower court decisions
Legislative Courts: Example of a legislative court is not provided.
Supreme Court: Highest court for appeal
Appeals Process (Supreme Court): First step: lower court decision appealed to an appellate court.

Supreme Court Review: Factors for accepting a case include: significant legal issues or conflicts amongst lower courts
Lower Court Decisions upheld: If no significant error is found in the lower court's decision, it is upheld.
Appeals Process Purpose: The primary purpose of criminal law is to establish the norms and standards of society relating to punishment
Jurisdiction: Allows a case to be heard in more than one court type
Reviewing Lower Court Decisions: Courts of Appeals have the power to review decisions of lower courts in multiple cases where they can be considered

Civil Law vs. Criminal Law: Distinctions not provided
Highest Courts: The Supreme Court is the highest court in the U.S.
Trial Courts: Deal with civil or criminal trials before a judge or jury
Original Jurisdiction: Provided context of court systems, but specific details about the meaning are not provided
Intermediate Courts: Courts located between trial courts and state's highest court are not specified

Exclusive Jurisdiction: Allows a specific court to have sole authority to hear a case
Judicial Branch Cases: The cases not specifically mentioned by the Judicial Branch were not identified
Inferior Courts: Established by Congress. Further details about establishment not provided
Constitutional Courts: Role is not presented
Removing Judges: Methods for removing judges(in constitutional courts) are not presented
Court of Federal Claims: Primary purpose is to adjudicate claims against the U.S. government.
Courts of Appeals: The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is distinguished from other courts; further details are not provided
Legislative Courts: Establish by Congress, details of establishment not shown
Military Commissions: Details of the accuracy of the statements regarding military commissions are not specified
Federal Court Judges: Nominated by the President, serving terms (length) are not mentioned
U.S. Attorney Responsibilities: One responsibility is not specified
Judicial Restraint/Judicial Activism: Distinction not provided
Confirmation of Judges: Body that confirms judicial nominees is not specified
U.S. Marshals: Responsibilities of not specified were not identified

Judicial Activism: Definition is provided but it is not elaborated.
Congress' Role (Federal Judges): What Congress sets for federal judges, not provided.
Jury Instructions: Details of jury instruction by judges during trials are not specified.
Supreme Court Case Selection: Criteria like significance and conflicts between lower courts
Writ of Certiorari: An order issued by the Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision
Solicitor General: The job of the Solicitor General is to represent the United States in cases before the Supreme Court.
Rule of Four: At least four justices must agree to hear a case.

Supreme Court Hearings and Oral Arguments: These hearings focus on legal questions instead of direct evidence
Oral Arguments: Each side presents legal arguments to the justices
Court Decision Enforcement: The Supreme Court decision is enforced by the appropriate part of the government

Judicial Philosophy: Refers to justice who believe in limiting the power of the courts regarding constitutional interpretation.
Public Opinion and Supreme Court: The Supreme Court must consider the public opinion in their decision, which influences their actions
Living Constitution: The interpretation of the "living" constitution is based on the evolving context of changes.