Preliminary Considerations

Question 1

Define Judicial Power

Answer 1

Is the authority to settle justiciable controversies or disputes involving rights that are enforceable and demandable before the courts of justice or the redress of wrongs for violation of such rights.

Question 2

Define courts of general jurisdiction

Answer 2

Those competent to decide their own jurisdictions and to take cognizance of all causes, civil and criminal, of a particular nature.

Question 3

Courts of Special jurisdiction

Answer 3

Those incompetent to decide their own jurisdiction and take cognizance only of a few specified matters.

Question 4

Courts of original jurisdiction

Answer 4

Those wherein a cause arises

Question 5

Courts of appellate jurisdiction

Answer 5

Those wherein it is reviewed

Question 6

Courts of Law

Answer 6

Those which administer justice according to the laws of the land

Question 7

Courts of equity

Answer 7

Those which administer justice according to the rules and principles of equity or conscience

Question 8

Civil courts

Answer 8

Those determining controversies between private persons

Question 9

Criminal courts

Answer 9

Those adjudicating offenses alleged to have been committed against the State

Question 10

Superior courts

Answer 10

Those exercising both original and supervisory jurisdiction

Question 11

Inferior courts

Answer 11

Those having very limited jurisdiction, their decisions being subject to review by higher tribunals

Question 12

Constitutional Courts

Answer 12

Courts that owe their existence from the Constitution

Question 13

Statutory Courts

Answer 13

Courts created by statute, although their creation may be mandated by the Constitution