Structure of Courts & Courtroom Working Group

These flashcards cover the structure of courts, courtroom procedures, roles, and key legal principles discussed in the lecture.

US Federal Court Structure

A three-tiered system comprising the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case; includes original and appellate jurisdiction.

Writ of Certiorari

A decision by the Supreme Court to hear an appeal from a lower court.

Limited Jurisdiction Courts

Courts that handle minor cases, such as traffic violations and small claims.

General Jurisdiction Courts

Courts that handle serious criminal cases and large civil cases.

Problem-Solving Courts

Specialty courts designed to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior.

Plea Bargaining

A negotiation in which an accused person pleads guilty to a lesser charge to receive a lighter sentence.

Adversarial System

A legal system where two opposing sides present their case before an impartial judge or jury.

Inquisitorial System

A legal system where the judge plays an active role in investigating the case.

Role of the Prosecutor

The legal representative who decides whether to charge and prosecute suspects.

Role of the Defense Attorney

The lawyer who represents the accused and protects their legal rights.

Bifurcated Proceedings

Trials that have separate phases for determining guilt and for determining the penalty.

Community Corrections

Programs aimed at rehabilitating offenders within the community instead of in prison.

Net-Widening

The phenomenon where community sanctions extend the control of the justice system over more individuals.

Prison Subculture

The norms and behaviors that develop among inmates inside a prison.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

Establishes the right to due process and protects against self-incrimination.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial.

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishments.

14th Amendment

Grants equal protection under the law and due process.