Vocabulary chapter 3

Litigate

Allow a court to resolve their disputes

Mediator

Tries to develop a solution acceptable to both sides of the dispute

Arbitrator

Holds an informal hearing to determine what happened

Court

As a governmental forum that administers justice under the law

Trial court

The court in which a dispute is first heard.

Verdict

Decision, in the case

Original jurisdiction

The power to make these initial decisions of fact and law

Appellate court

Reviews decisions of lower courts when a party claims an error of law was made during the lower courts proceeding

General jurisdiction

Can hear almost any kind of case

Specialized jurisdiction

Hears only one specific type of case

Writ of certiorari

The last court that heard the case

Court of record

Keeps an exact account of what goes on at trial

County courts

Lower courts, hear minor criminal cases, state traffic offenses, and lawsuit

Municipal Courts

Divided into traffic and non traffic divisions

Small claims courts

Handle disputes in which small amounts, generally $2,500 or less, are involved.

Juvenile Courts

Juvenile is entitled to his or her full constitutional rights, including the right to be presented by an attorney

Probate courts

The courts that administer wills and estates to accomplish this task

Transcript

Verbatim record of what went on at trial

Appellate brief

Written argument on the issues of law submitted by opposing attorneys