THE STATE COURT SYSTEM

Question 1

Most states follow a 3 level state court system including Connecticut

Answer 1

However, there are exceptions to this court system.

Question 2

Probate Court

Answer 2

the lowest court that focuses on cases involving
limited subject matter (decedent’s estate matters, adoptions, guardianship)

Question 3

Connecticut Superior Court

Answer 3

the trial court of general
jurisdiction. It hears civil, criminal, family and juvenile matters

Question 4

Connecticut Appellate Court

Answer 4

acts as the intermediate appellate
court. It does not hear witnesses, but renders its decision based upon the record, briefs
and oral argument.

Question 5

Connecticut Supreme Court

Answer 5

the highest court in the state.

Question 6

TRIAL COURT

Answer 6

A lawsuit begins in state trial court.
There is 1 judge and there will often (but not always) be a jury.
Anyone sat on a jury yet?
Facts are critical. At the trial, each side presents evidence
through witnesses and documents and each side has the
opportunity to cross-examine the other side’s witnesses. Many
court cases are argued in front of a jury whose role is to
determine the facts, apply the law to those facts, and reach a
verdict on the case. After the jury reaches a verdict, the court
renders a judgment based on the jury’s verdict

Question 7

APPELLATE COURTS

Answer 7

The losing party at trial can appeal the judgment to the appellate court claiming that the
trial court judgment is the result of an error of law.
The lawyers for each side file legal briefs (written arguments on the case) with the
appellate court and present their arguments to a panel of usually 3 judges (no juries) in
oral argument. Attorneys have about 15 minutes to convince the judges that the trial court
made serious errors of law and that the decision should be reversed or that the trial court
acted correctly and the results should be affirmed.
The appellate court (by majority decision) can affirm the lower court’s judgment (letting it
stand), reverse the lower court judgment (holding for the appellant) or remand (send back)
the case for further action by the lower court in accordance with the appellate court’s
instructions

Question 8

STATE SUPREME COURT

Answer 8

The highest court in the state.
The party who loses at the appellate court level can appeal the case to the
Supreme Court.
The process at the Supreme Court is essentially the same as at the
appellate court – the lawyers file legal briefs and present oral argument to
the Supreme Court justices.
The Supreme Court (by majority decision) can affirm or reverse the
decision of the appellate court or it can remand the case to the trial court.