BLAW 356 Notes – California State and Federal Court Systems

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering key terms related to state and federal court systems, litigation concepts, and jurisdiction in legal settings.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case and make legal decisions.

Venue

The specific location where a lawsuit is tried.

Standing

The legal right to initiate a lawsuit, requiring an actual injury related to the case.

Mootness

A legal doctrine referring to cases where the initial issue is no longer relevant due to changes after filing.

Class Action Suit

A lawsuit where one or more plaintiffs sue on behalf of a larger group with similar legal claims.

Diversity of Citizenship

A basis for federal court jurisdiction where the parties are from different states.

Forum Selection Clause

A provision in a contract that designates the jurisdiction for resolving disputes.

De Novo Appeal

A new trial in a higher court, as if the original trial had not occurred.

Exclusive Jurisdiction

When a court has the sole authority to hear specific cases.

In Rem Jurisdiction

The court's power to adjudicate matters related to property within its territory.

What types of cases does the Superior Court handle in California?

Civil, Criminal, Probate, Juvenile, Conciliation Court (Family Law), Justice and Municipal Courts.

What is an de novo appeal?

An appeal taken to the next highest court of appeals where the case is heard anew, as if no decision had previously been made.

What is the role of Federal courts?

Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction and everything is electronic, operating similarly to state courts.

What is required for a Federal court to hear a case?

Cases involving a federal question or diversity of citizenship.

What is 'mootness' in legal context?

A situation where events occurring after the filing of a lawsuit make the case irrelevant.

What does standing refer to in a lawsuit?

The legal right to initiate a lawsuit, requiring a real case or controversy with concrete facts.

What are 'Class Action Suits'?

Lawsuits in which one or more members of a class sue on behalf of all members due to common claims/defenses.

What is the difference between General and Specific Personal Jurisdiction?

General jurisdiction involves continuous and systematic contacts with the forum state, while specific jurisdiction relates to a cause of action connected to the defendant's conduct in that state.

What is Forum Non Conveniens?

A doctrine allowing a court to dismiss a case if another venue is deemed more appropriate.

What is a Forum Selection Clause?

A contractual agreement specifying where legal disputes will be litigated, which can be exclusive or non-exclusive.

What are the roles of the U.S. Supreme Court?

It is the highest appellate court in the country, with discretion to decide which cases to hear and grants writs of certiorari to review cases.

What is meant by 'Conflict of Law' in federal court?

A procedural doctrine where federal courts use the laws of the state they sit in to decide cases involving diversity of citizenship.

What is required for a party to have standing to sue?

A party must have suffered an injury, the injury must be traceable to the conduct of the defendant, and it must be addressed by a favorable court decision.

What are the three types of jurisdiction?

1) Subject matter jurisdiction, 2) Personal jurisdiction, 3) In rem jurisdiction.

What is the significance of the case DeFunis v. Odegaard (1974)?

It established the principle of mootness, where the applicant was admitted before the case was decided, rendering the case irrelevant.

What does 'Forum Non Conveniens' allow courts to do?

It permits a court to dismiss a lawsuit and transfer it to another venue that is more appropriate.

What is a typical characteristic of Inferior Courts?

Inferior Courts may not keep official transcripts, meaning they are not 'courts of record'.

What is 'Venue' in legal terms?

Venue refers to the specific location where a lawsuit is actually conducted.

What determines General Personal Jurisdiction?

General jurisdiction exists when a defendant's contacts with the forum are continuous and systematic, justifying jurisdiction over them.

What is the role of Class Action Suits?

Class Action Suits allow one or more plaintiffs to sue on behalf of a larger group that has suffered similar injuries, promoting efficiency and consistency in legal outcomes.

What is the purpose of the Court of Appeals in California?

The Court of Appeals reviews decisions made by Superior Courts to ensure the law was applied correctly.

What are the types of cases handled by Superior Courts?

They handle Civil, Criminal, Probate, Juvenile, Conciliation Court (Family Law), Justice, and Municipal cases.

What distinguishes Inferior Courts from other courts?

Inferior Courts do not maintain official transcripts and are not considered 'courts of record'.

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

To hear federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters, operating similarly to state courts.

What is the main criterion for a case to be heard under federal question jurisdiction?

The case must involve issues related to federal law or constitutional matters.

What is an 'en banc' hearing in the context of the Court of Appeals?

A session where all judges of the court hear a case, rather than a panel of three.

What is the significance of the term 'deep pockets' in litigation?

It refers to defendants with extensive financial resources who may be more likely to be sued or have cases removed to federal court.

What does 'mootness' imply in legal proceedings?

It suggests that a case loses its relevance due to events occurring after the lawsuit is filed that make the issue no longer actionable.

What does 'standing' require for a plaintiff?

The plaintiff must have suffered an injury that can be traced to the defendant's conduct and that can be addressed by the court.

What types of matters does the Court of Appeals in California typically handle?

The Court of Appeals reviews appeals from lower courts, including Superior Courts, to ensure proper legal procedures were followed.

What is the significance of small claims judgment in the Superior Court?

Small claims judgments are decisions made in court regarding minor financial disputes, typically requiring less formal procedures and lower monetary thresholds.

What is the relationship between state courts and the federal court system?

Actions can start in state court, and cases involving 'deep pockets' may be removed to federal court.

How are federal court judges appointed?

Federal court judges are appointed for life, providing them independence from political pressures.

What distinguishes federal court buildings?

Federal court buildings are typically seen as more prestigious than state court buildings, reflecting the importance of federal jurisdiction.

What are the two major categories under federal court jurisdiction?

Federal question jurisdiction and diversity of citizenship cases.

What is the threshold for federal question jurisdiction?

The case must involve a question or issue related to federal law or the U.S. Constitution.

What does a 'writ of certiorari' entail?

It is an order by the Supreme Court to review the decisions of lower courts, typically granted for about 80-90 cases per year.

How do most federal district courts operate in relation to state courts?

Federal district courts operate similarly to state courts, handling both civil and criminal cases.

What are the implications of the ruling in Uzuegbunam v. Preczewski (2021)?

The ruling affirmed that nominal damages can keep suits alive even if no actual harm is proven, thus preventing mootness.