Structure of the Court System: Crash Course Government and Politics #19

This set of flashcards covers the structure and function of the U.S. court system, detailing key concepts such as jurisdiction, the roles of various courts, and judicial review.

What is the hierarchy of the U.S. court system?

The U.S. court system is hierarchical with trial courts at the bottom, appellate courts above them, and the Supreme Court at the top.

What is the role of trial courts in the U.S. court system?

Trial courts have original jurisdiction and are where most cases typically start.

What does jurisdiction refer to in a legal context?

Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear a case.

Who is the plaintiff in a lawsuit?

The plaintiff is the person or party who brings a case to court seeking legal remedy.

What are U.S. District Courts?

They are federal trial courts, numbering 94, handling cases that meet federal jurisdiction criteria.

Where do almost all criminal cases begin?

Almost all criminal cases begin in state courts.

What does 'procedurally wrong' mean in legal terms?

It means there was a mistake in the legal process during a trial, which can be grounds for an appeal.

What is the function of appellate courts?

Appellate courts review decisions from lower trial courts to ensure correct application of law.

What are the four scenarios for federal courts to have jurisdiction?

1. Cases involving federal laws; 2. Cases involving treaties; 3. Cases involving the U.S. Constitution; 4. Cases with parties from different states with more than $70,000 in dispute.

What is judicial review?

Judicial review is the Supreme Court's power to interpret the Constitution and review the constitutionality of laws or government actions.

What are the four cases where the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction?

1. Cases between the U.S. government and a state; 2. Cases between two or more states; 3. Cases involving foreign ministers or ambassadors; 4. Cases brought by citizens of one state against citizens of another state.

What conditions must be met for the Supreme Court to hear a case?

There must be significant federal questions, circuit splits, cases initiated by the federal government, or important constitutional issues.

How many judges usually preside over district courts?

District courts typically have a single judge presiding.

How are cases heard in federal appellate courts?

Federal appellate courts hear cases in panels of three judges.

How many justices are there on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court has nine justices.