Dual Court System and Louisiana Court Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the dual court system and the structure of the Louisiana court system.

Dual Court System

The system comprising both Federal Courts and State Courts that operate in the United States.

Federal Courts

The court system that unites the entire United States, ruling on federal laws and issues.

State Courts

Courts that are responsive to individuals and reflect local culture, laws, and issues.

Criminal Law

The body of law dealing with crimes and their punishments.

Civil Law

The body of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations.

Trial Courts

Courts that focus on facts of the case to decide guilt or innocence.

Appellate Courts

Courts that focus on mistakes of law and constitutional issues.

Louisiana Supreme Court

The highest court in Louisiana, which serves as the state's court of last resort.

District Courts

State trial courts in Louisiana that decide civil and criminal cases based on facts.

Lower Courts

Inferior trial courts that focus on city and parish matters with limited jurisdiction.

General Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a wide range of cases.

Writ of Certiorari

A request for the Supreme Court to review a case.

U.S. District Courts

Federal trial courts that have original and general jurisdiction.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time.

Court of Last Resort

The highest court in a jurisdiction from which there is no further appeal.