chapter 4 Flashcards
General jurisdiction
court can hear all cases and is not limited to a particular type of case
Limited jurisdiction
limited to only a particular class of cases
Original jurisdiction
where the trial takes place; initially hears the case
Appellate Jurisdiction
Reviews a decision of the lower courts
Judiciary Act of 1789
created the supreme court
Court of Appeals Act 1891
created the court of appeals
Federal courts (3)
district courts, intermediate appellate courts, supreme courts
District courts
trial court; hears civil matters, matters specified by congress, federal law claims ($50,000 above), habeas corpus
Courts of Appeal
handle appeals of decisions from lower courts
Supreme Court
resolves disputes between states, constitutional issues, and conflicting opinions of lower courts
Rule of 4
when 4 or more judges on the panel vote to hear the case
Writ of Certiorari
When a party petitions for the Supreme court to hear case
State Courts (4)
limited jurisdiction, general jurisdiction, appellate court, supreme court
Courts of limited jurisdiction
less serious offenses and civil cases, traffic offenses, civil disputes under a certain amount
Courts of general jurisdiction
trial courts for criminal and civil matters, FELONIES are heard
Appellate Courts
hear civil and criminal appeals from lower courts, they have mandatory and discretionary jurisdiction.
State Supreme Courts
Hear appeals on a discretionary basis
Judge
issue warrants, decide bail, holding defendants for trial, pretrial motions, jury selection, maintain order,
Judicial selection methods (3)
appointment, election, merit system
Appointment
Federal judges are appointed by the president
Election
State court judges are elected
Merit System
governor selects who stand for election
Prosecutors
elected officials who represent the executive branch of gov’t, they bring criminal charges against individuals accused of crime and represent the gov’t
Attorney general
represents the state when laws are challenged
