State and Local Governments

What is the purpose of a grand jury?

To decide whether there is enough factual evidence to charge a person with a crime

What is the range of members for a grand jury?

6-24 members

What are three criticisms of the grand jury process?

Expensive, cumbersome, and time consuming

What is another name for a trial jury?

Petite Jury

What is the purpose of a trial jury?

To hear and decide cases

What is the range of members for a trial jury?

6-12

What is the purpose of Magistrate Courts

To preside over minor civil and misdemeanor cases

What is the purpose of Municipal Courts?

To hear civil cases of a few thousand dollars and misdemeanors

What are the five divisions of Municipal Courts

Civil, criminal, small claims, traffic, and probate

How many justices are on Pennsylvania’s State Supreme Court?

7

How are judges selected in PA?

They are elected for a 10-year term

How are jurors selected in PA?

They get a summons in the mail

Once picked for the final jury what must you do to disqualify yourself?

Submit an ACCEPTABLE excuse two weeks before the trial

Felony

One of several serious crimes punishable by a more stringent sentence than that given for a misdemeanor

Civil Law

Money

Criminal Law

Time or death

Misdemeanor

A criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and generally punishable by a fine, a jail term of up to a year, or both.

Bench Trial

A trial by judge as opposed to a trial by jury.

Jury

Body of persons who hear evidence and decide questions of fact and information

The Information

A formal charge filed by the prosecutor, without grand jury action

Precedent

Guide followed in all later cases

How are potential jurors selected to participate in jury duty?

Lawyers ask questions to determine eligibility

What are three of the five divisions of municipal court?

civil, criminal, and small claims

7 types of state courts

trial courts, appellate courts, family courts, probate courts, juvenile courts, small claims courts, and traffic courts.

List and define the 4 types of law

• Constitutional Law- Laws made in regard to the U.S. and State Constitution

• Statutory Law- Laws that have been enacted by legislative bodies

• Administrative Law- Rules, orders and regulations issued by federal state and local executive offices

• Common Law- unwritten, judge-made law that has developed over centuries