Florida and Federal Court System

What are the two levels of courts in the United States?

Federal and State

Which branch of government are the courts under?

Judicial Branch

What is a judicial review?

The Supreme Court's authority to decide if a law violates the Constitution

How is Florida's court system divided?

There are 4 levels, which are: the County Courts, Circuit Courts, District Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court.

How do Florida County and Circuit judges obtain their position?

They obtain their position through Elections.

Court of Appeals

A court with appellate jurisdiction that hears appeals from the decisions of lower courts.

If there is a vacancy on the Florida Supreme Court how is it filled?

The governor fills the vacancy.

Opinion

A Court decision.

How do federal judges obtain their positions?

Federal Judges are appointed for life by the President with the consent of the Senate

Only court created by the United States Constitution?

This is the U.S. Supreme Court.

serving on a jury

a duty of citizenship

Role of Jury

Decides whether a person is guilty or not guilty of the offence for which he or she has been charged.

Who can serve on a iury

Anyone from the community who is not a friend or family member of the accused

Civil Law

the system of law concerned with private relations between members of a community rather than criminal or military

Military law

the law governing the armed forces.

Constitutional Law

Laws relating to the interpretation of the Constitution

Guilty verdict

decision by jury that finds the accused guilty. Must be unanimous

Misdemeanor

a crime or offense that is less serious than a felony; any minor misbehavior or misconduct

Levels of Courts in the US

District - Appeals - Supreme Court

Level of Courts in Florida

County - Circuit - Appeals - Supreme Court

Grand Jury

Hears evidence presented by the government to determine whether persons shall be required to stand trial

Supreme Court

the highest federal court in the United States

Appellate Court

reviews decisions of lower courts to determine if a significant error of law was made during trial

Rule of Law

No one is above the law

Bush v. Gore

Use of 14th Amendment's equal protection clause to stop the Florida recount in the election of 2000.

U S v Nixon

President cannot prevent the disclosure of materials needed for a criminal prosecution

Marbury v. Madison

It established judicial review

Act

law passed by state or federal lawmakers

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional

indictment

a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime