Structure of the Judicial Branch Flashcards

Flashcards about the structure of the judicial branch.

Jurisdiction

The cases that federal and state courts are able to consider, which often overlap in the United States.

Federal Judiciary

Established by Article Three of the U.S. Constitution, it vests judicial power in one Supreme Court and inferior courts as Congress may ordain.

Inferior Courts

Lower federal courts that Congress may create, but is not required to.

United States District Courts

Typically the courts where a federal case begins; also known as the courts of first instance.

Trial Courts

Courts where witnesses testify, lawyers make objections, and juries deliver verdicts.

Plea Bargains

Agreements in which a prosecutor promises to drop charges or recommend a lower sentence if the defendant pleads guilty.

District

The unique geographic territory assigned to each of the 94 federal district courts.

Circuit Courts

Appellate courts that hear appeals from the district courts.

Appeals as of right

The automatic right to have a case reviewed in the circuit court, assuming there is appellate jurisdiction.

United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (DC Circuit)

A small regional circuit court that is widely viewed as the second highest court in the land due to its jurisdiction over cases affecting health, environment, and social security.

Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Created in 1982 to hear all appeals arising under US patent law, as well as some specialized cases related to international trade, government contracts, and trademarks.