The Judicial System in the US

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the structure and functioning of the judicial system in the United States.

Jurisdiction

The power to decide cases; courts may not hear cases unless they have jurisdiction granted by constitutions and statutes.

Article III Courts

Judicial courts created by the Constitution; include the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and U.S. District Courts.

Diversity Jurisdiction

Type of jurisdiction where cases can be heard in federal court if parties are from different states and the claim exceeds $75,000.

Trial Courts

Courts of first impression where facts and evidence are heard, typically involving one judge per case.

Supreme Court

Court of last resort; it has both original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction over various types of cases.

Collegial Courts

Courts where multiple judges sit together to hear cases, typically used for appellate reviews.

Federal Courts

Courts that are part of the federal judicial system, created by Congress under either Article III or Article I of the U.S. Constitution.

Personal Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction over the parties involved in a case; a court must have both subject matter and personal jurisdiction to act.

Removal

The process of transferring a case from state court to federal court by a defendant, often to seek favorable conditions.

Midnight Judges

Refers to the last-minute judicial appointments made by outgoing President John Adams in 1801.