Chapter 15 Courts Judges and the Law
1st Supreme Court 6 justices February 2, 1790 Did not hear a case for 3 years
Article III Establishes the Supreme Court Only court required in the “C”
Other Courts “C” = Congress may “establish” Judiciary Act 1789 Law established federal judiciary system made up of district and circuit courts and specified the kinds of cases the courts could try
And…. Qualifications of federal judges, district attorneys and judicial officials Set number of SC justices (then 6/now 9) Established principle that SC decisions are FINAL
15.2 The Main role of the Judicial Branch is to resolve society’s conflicts In accordance with the law
2 kinds of legal conflicts Criminal Law Civil Law
Criminal Law Legal measures passed by a legislative body to protect the welfare of society and provide punishments for those who fail to comply Examples?
government Acts on society’s behalf Always prosecutes criminal cases People found guilty = fines, prison, probation…
Guilty? Must be found guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” By jury Absolute and unanimous
Civil Law Legal measures that govern conflicts between private parties or occasionally, between a private party and the government
examples Ownership of property Injury Contracts One party will seek “damages” or compensation ($$$)
Burden of Proof Party bring the lawsuit must prove there is a preponderance of evidence Meaning? Must prove that the other party is at fault and should be held libel
Decision? Usually a jury Awards damages ($) If found guilty
The Courtroom Judge = controls legal proceedings Defendant = person accused of a crime in a criminal trial Prosecution = government lawyer bringing evidence against the defendant
Civil Trial Plaintiff = person bringing the lawsuit to court Defendant = the accused Both sides are represented by attorneys
During the trial Evidence Witness testimony Officers of the court Page 271
citizens Key roles Witnesses Jurors
witnesses Can be for the prosecution or the defense Direct questions Cross-examination Crucial role = provide information to jury about what happened
jury 12 people US citizen 18 years old Understand English Live in the court’s jurisdiction Not be a convicted felon
Who gets called? Names are pulled from Drivers license (Michigan) Voter registration
Jury Duty Required Being summoned is no guarantee you will serve 4 of 5 are dismissed
Selected? Listen to the case Listen to the evidence Reach a unanimous verdict (decision) Decision = consequences
check What are the 2 types of legal conflicts? Who has the burden of proof in a case? What is the name of the person accused of a crime? What is the name of the person bring charges in a criminal trial? What is the name of the person bringing charges in a civil trial?