Intro to crim justice final exam until 4/3

What does Article III, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution establish?

It establishes the Supreme Court and gives Congress the authority to create inferior courts.

What are the three levels of the federal court system?

U.S. District Courts, U.S. Circuit Courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

What did the Court of Appeals Act of 1891 achieve?

It created permanent appellate courts to reduce the Supreme Court's caseload.

What is the primary role of U.S. District Courts?

They serve as trial-level courts with jurisdiction over federal criminal and civil matters.

How are judges appointed to the U.S. District Courts?

Judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

What is the function of U.S. Courts of Appeal?

They review lower court decisions for legal errors and do not retry cases.

What happens if a case is heard by the U.S. Supreme Court and there is an even split?

The lower court's decision stands.

What type of cases do Courts of Limited Jurisdiction handle?

They handle minor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil disputes under a certain monetary threshold.

What do Problem-Solving Courts aim to address and provide?

They aim to address underlying issues driving criminal behavior and offer treatment and support services.

What is the Brady Rule?

It requires prosecutors to disclose exculpatory evidence.

What does the 6th Amendment guarantee?

The right to counsel for the accused.

What is a preliminary hearing?

It determines whether there is probable cause to proceed to trial.

What is plea bargaining?

It resolves most criminal cases by having the defendant plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges or sentencing.

How is a jury selected for a trial?

Through voir dire, where both sides can use peremptory challenges and challenges for cause.

What is the purpose of pretrial motions?

They shape the legal terrain before trial and can strongly influence outcomes.

What legal case upheld preventive detention under the Bail Reform Act?

U.S. v. Salerno (1987) upheld the use of preventive detention based on public safety concerns.