court system levels

court systems; different levels, what cases each court hears

Trial Courts

Have original jurisdiction, meaning they hear a case from its beginning and pass judgment based on the evidence presented

Appellate Courts

Review decisions made by the trial courts; only look at court records made by the court reporter

State Supreme Courts

Highest court in a state; they have the final word on state law

U.S. District Courts

Have jurisdiction to hear nearly all types of federal cases

U.S. Court of Appealsh

13 courts; they once again only review decisions made by the district courts

U.S. Supreme Court

“Court of last resort;” can review certain state cases and issues the final judgment

State Level

Almost all cases, from petty theft to murder, are tried at this level.

Federal Level

Cases can only be tried at this level if there is a federal connection; this can involve multiple states, a federal official/property, a violation of federal laws, etc.