Overview of the American Court System

These flashcards cover the essential components of the American court system, jurisdiction types, trial processes, and definitions related to court procedures.

What are the two types of court systems in the United States?

Federal court system and State court system.

What are the three tiers of the federal court system?

US District Courts, US Courts of Appeals, and US Supreme Court.

What are the three levels of the state court system?

Trial courts, appellate courts, and state supreme court.

What is jurisdiction?

The territory that a court can exercise lawful authority.

What is original jurisdiction?

The authority a court has to hear a case from the beginning in a specific area.

What is appellate jurisdiction?

The authority to review a court decision made by a lower court.

What is the primary function of state trial courts?

To conduct arraignments, bails, pleas, and trials for criminal cases.

What are courts of limited jurisdiction also known as?

Lower courts.

What do courts of general jurisdiction handle?

They have primary jurisdiction over all issues and hear any criminal case.

What is the term for a new trial held in the context of appellate courts?

Trial de novo.

What is the purpose of appellate courts?

To review actions of lower courts and ensure fairness.

What is a writ of certiorari?

A writ issued by the Supreme Court to request court records for a case they agree to hear.

What happens during a preliminary hearing?

It decides whether a crime was committed, if it occurred within the court's jurisdiction, and if there's probable cause to believe the defendant committed it.

What is an arraignment?

The first appearance of the defendant in court where they are informed of the charges and enter a plea.

What types of pleas can a defendant enter during an arraignment?

Guilty, not guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest).

What is plea bargaining?

A negotiation process between the defendant, defense attorney, and prosecutor to arrive at mutual agreements regarding guilty pleas.

What are bail bonds?

Documents guaranteeing the appearance of a defendant in court.

What role does the Grand Jury serve in the legal process?

They hear evidence and decide if there is enough to bring the accused to trial.